DiMAX 1210Z & Marklin CS3 Availability

[Lobethalbahn2]

I've been having problems with my MTS3/Navigator set-up intermittently over the last year. The central station seems to be not responding to inputs through the navigator, leaving locos uncontrollable. This is accompanied by the green data led shifting from the usual flickering of data transmission to solid green, and then the red led indicating overheating comes on and shuts down. I have noticed the problem is more pronounced during the Australian summer (even though the layout it operates is indoors) so clearly it is a problem with thermal cut-out protection. The unit is long out of warranty - and I am looking to replace it.

The options are the Marklin CS3 and the DiMAX 1210z. As I already have the Navigator, the Massoth obviously has the edge but I do have some lingering concerns about Marklin/LGB compatability longer term (changing CVs and the like). However, I am put off the CS3 by concerns about planned obsolescence in the design and lack of support for a complex device from a company that doesn't have a strong presence on this side of the world.

As the local agent/importer doesn't hold stock of these (in Australia) very expensive items I need to make a special order. At present, the websites for both Massoth and Marklin show both central stations as not being currently available. Can anyone shed any light on why this is so and any sense of when it might change?

 

[muns]

I have just spoken to Massoth and the 1210Z will be available again shortly (they are waiting for the correct size box to pack them)

 

[GNB]

I have just spoken to Massoth and the 1210Z will be available again shortly (they are waiting for the correct size box to pack them)

Muns I'm often temped by them but you never seem to have them in stock.

What's your usual delivery time?

Lobethalbahn2, over the years my central station often cuts out on the rare hot days of a Northern Scottish summer, but it seems to keep soldiering on.

Maybe Muns could comment on the resilience of the Massoth central stations with regard to heat stress?

 

[muns]

Hi,

I do not normally stock the DiMAX 1210Z, 1200T or 1202B and order them in especially. Which, when available, I can normally get within a week.

It would be better to pose your question relating to heat stress to Massoth themselves.

 

[Brixham]

My friend in Greece used to have MTS11 with both units ( power and central ) built inside a largish station building, and cooling airflow was essential in warm weather, even then they would thermally trip out, so we had to stop running for 20 minutes and have a cooling drink. He didn't run on hot days ( 35C + as the rails in full sun were too hot to touch...and the traction tyres were affected ).
I did think at the time that the LGB central is a sealed box with no ventilation....maybe the trick would be to rehouse the LGB central inside a ventilated case.

He then upgraded to Massoth 1200's power and central, and rather locate them outside where the air could easily be 45C at the height of summer, they were indoors on the cooler side of his house which perhaps got to 25C
The wireless tx/rx was outside with some cover from the sun. He never had overheating problems, but he was probably only running 2 or 3 trains at once, maybe 5 amps total, and because of personal discomfort, tended not to run trains in the heat of the summer, but have a siesta instead. Evening or early morning running then became more common.

He did make a shelf arrangement for the 1200's to give airflow around their cases. It's not a problem now as he lives in more temperate Holland.

Malcolm

 

[Lobethalbahn2]

Thanks Muns for the inside knowledge on the 1210z stock status, and also to GNB and Brixham for the comments on heat impacts. All very useful information to contemplate.

I think the issue with the MTS3 is a combination of ambient temperature and airflow. In summer here in Canberra the temperature is consistently above 30 degrees C. Although the layout is indoors and the house is airconditioned there is no aircon in the layout room and little airflow as a consequence. I think that the 1210z being fitted with a cooling fan will address some of these issues. This is another reason I am favouring it over the CS3.

 

[GNB]

Hi,

I do not normally stock the DiMAX 1210Z, 1200T or 1202B and order them in especially. Which, when available, I can normally get within a week.

It would be better to pose your question relating to heat stress to Massoth themselves.

Muns, thanks for the delivery information. Sorry about the additional point, I have looked at their specifications on the Massoth website, but I was simply asking for your own insight since you do sell them and they would be a considerable outlay. Hence my prevarication over the purchase.

Thanks Brixham for your experiences. Although we don't reach the dizzy 40s, I too have tried most of the variants you suggest including the refreshment halt . The sealed nature of the units makes it difficult to get a fan in them. I have been reduced to a cold box if we have visiting wee ones on fine summer days and they like to see lots of trains running.

I think it has become more of a problem now that I have extended my layout to run more trains which stresses the MTS III CS. It's a little ironic that it was switching over to DCC with it's ability to more easily run multiple locos, improved point control, leading the demand for more space, leading too....and suddenly 5amps seems a little paltry.

 

[Chet Durnal]

I've been having problems with my MTS3/Navigator set-up intermittently over the last year. The central station seems to be not responding to inputs through the navigator, leaving locos uncontrollable. This is accompanied by the green data led shifting from the usual flickering of data transmission to solid green, and then the red led indicating overheating comes on and shuts down. I have noticed the problem is more pronounced during the Australian summer (even though the layout it operates is indoors) so clearly it is a problem with thermal cut-out protection. The unit is long out of warranty - and I am looking to replace it.

The options are the Marklin CS3 and the DiMAX 1210z. As I already have the Navigator, the Massoth obviously has the edge but I do have some lingering concerns about Marklin/LGB compatability longer term (changing CVs and the like). However, I am put off the CS3 by concerns about planned obsolescence in the design and lack of support for a complex device from a company that doesn't have a strong presence on this side of the world.

As the local agent/importer doesn't hold stock of these (in Australia) very expensive items I need to make a special order. At present, the websites for both Massoth and Marklin show both central stations as not being currently available. Can anyone shed any light on why this is so and any sense of when it might change?

I have had very, very good support from Massoth on a variety of issues, VI's email and telephone.

 

[Chet Durnal]

I have had excellent support from Massoth via emails and telephone. They go to the big train shows and are helpful. I have an LGB MTS III and it just seems a little slow. Make sure your Dimax navigators have the most recent software updates.

 

[Lobethalbahn2]

I have had excellent support from Massoth via emails and telephone. They go to the big train shows and are helpful. I have an LGB MTS III and it just seems a little slow. Make sure your Dimax navigators have the most recent software updates.

Chet, thanks for the advice. Any support for me will have to be by email or phone. Sadly, the shows are not an option as I am 17,000 km away from Germany in Canberra, Australia (even my nearest LGB/Massoth retailer - which is also the nearest model railway store - is 300km away). Maybe, one day I'll make it to one of the big European shows.