MFX DCC Maerklin Chip discussion
- Thread starter Mobi
- Start date
DCC and MFX are two different protocols (languages, if you like) to send instructions to the electronics in the loco and allow you to control it.
Very probably...
It is possible to instruct the decoder NOT to respond to 'ordinary' DC track voltage.
It is also possible to tell it not to operate certain features, on DC.
NOTE: Most Marklin /LGB models are now fitted with Marklin MFX decoders, and most of these are not able to give sound on analogue. - Some are set to not operate on DC at all.
This is becoming something that the User is not able to change.
With the caveats above, yes. - For DCC, not necessarily for MFX.
If you run a DCC fitted model on DC, mostly they will (or can be made to) run.
Mostly you will have directional lights.
You may have basic sound.
You might have reed-switches that will trigger whistle/horn and bell (less commonly on newer models)
Many won't support smoke on DC (if fitted).
PhilP.
Mobi
Registered
That means if an LGB loco shows MFX, then best to assume it is incompatible with analog DC?
What is the minimum product required for DCC? I mean what LGB controls are necessary to send DCC thru tracks?
Ok there are many products that will give you a DCC control that will run early LGB so called MTS of the pre Maerklin days so all quite old but often available at reasonable prices and with the LGB lasts for a lifetime (though that is not a guarantee).
I have recently moved on a Digitrax DCC system that had a switch to go between G / N and HO. That would have worked MTS very happily and of course DCC chips.
Current Maerklin system is I find not entirely compatible with all DCC devices, I have a Freishman/Roco Z21 DCC system that is less than happy with the latest Maerklin Chips but older ones it will read, MTS and other DCC chips are read and updated quite happily.
As for just dumping a DCC chip into a loco, well this is a yes and no. HM7000 sound chips will happily go into a loco and can be driven via a Smart Phone, but they are only 00/TT120 compatible but may survive when battery powered (yes you can do that) in a small G scale loco, no guarantees though.
If you decided to go Battery DCC Fosworks does a system at a price and will supply all the bits to fit you up including a suitable DCC sound chip likely not too far short of or a bit over £200.
However if you want sound and auto battery control a Piko 35040 Radio system with a set of suitable batteries and a My Loco Sound card will give you continuous sound plus being able to call a Whistle and one other auxiliary sound.
I have recently moved on a Digitrax DCC system that had a switch to go between G / N and HO. That would have worked MTS very happily and of course DCC chips.
Current Maerklin system is I find not entirely compatible with all DCC devices, I have a Freishman/Roco Z21 DCC system that is less than happy with the latest Maerklin Chips but older ones it will read, MTS and other DCC chips are read and updated quite happily.
As for just dumping a DCC chip into a loco, well this is a yes and no. HM7000 sound chips will happily go into a loco and can be driven via a Smart Phone, but they are only 00/TT120 compatible but may survive when battery powered (yes you can do that) in a small G scale loco, no guarantees though.
If you decided to go Battery DCC Fosworks does a system at a price and will supply all the bits to fit you up including a suitable DCC sound chip likely not too far short of or a bit over £200.
However if you want sound and auto battery control a Piko 35040 Radio system with a set of suitable batteries and a My Loco Sound card will give you continuous sound plus being able to call a Whistle and one other auxiliary sound.
Gizzy
A gentleman, a scholar, and a railway modeller....
IMHO, an old MTS 3 if you can find one, would be a good start for a beginner. Even an older MTS 2 if you have less than 22 locos. I still use mine with my portable layout.
I now have a Massoth 1200Z system which works on all my LGB locos. Some have older LGB decoders, some have Massoth decoders.
I have 2 Maerklin LGB locos that also work with the Massoth. I assume these do not have MFX decoders but I'm not sure.
A friend has the new Maerklin system on his layout. So far it seems to have communicated with my older MTS locos and works fine.
The problem is with DCC is that each manufacturer will have their own protocol. This, and the continuous march of technology soon renders older versions obsolete.
Most folk I know, have the Massoth 1200Z, and this means we have a sizeable community who can help solve any problems....
I now have a Massoth 1200Z system which works on all my LGB locos. Some have older LGB decoders, some have Massoth decoders.
I have 2 Maerklin LGB locos that also work with the Massoth. I assume these do not have MFX decoders but I'm not sure.
A friend has the new Maerklin system on his layout. So far it seems to have communicated with my older MTS locos and works fine.
The problem is with DCC is that each manufacturer will have their own protocol. This, and the continuous march of technology soon renders older versions obsolete.
Most folk I know, have the Massoth 1200Z, and this means we have a sizeable community who can help solve any problems....
Diesel2000
Registered
LGB Decoders from marklin support MFX, DCC, and DC. They are whats called multiprotocol.
The only real difference between DCC and MFX is that MFX decoders send signals back to the CS, which is super useful in setting up decoders, but for controlling them doesnt really offer much benefit. DCC is a one-way street, signals go from CS to decoder only. You need a central station for both MFX and DCC.
All the modern decoders support at least DCC and DC together, where MLGB and ESU are MFX, DCC, and DC.
That is all as may well be, but modern Maerklin MFX have some real issues on older not upgraded Massoth systems. Ok upgrade you say, but not entirely possible if you do not have the kit or a trader/dealer to do it anywhere near. Since Glendale closed I have stuck where I am and have no desire to move forwards as has my pal in Somerset with loads of issues on his recently bought MFX Swiss locomotives. issues like running away without being called as soon as he turns his system on, sometimes uncontrollable driving with occasionally sound unresponsive.
My only 2 newer Maerklin MFX garbage is being sold on so no new LGB for me ever, unless if course they do something I really want in which case I will strip out the MFX decoder, convert to Battery Power with a My Loco Sound unit inside. Simpler and a lot less hassle.
I'll just stick with pure battery locos and old analog DC locos. I prefer simple life. 
Diesel2000
Registered
MFX and analogue can be turned off on all the MLGB decoders by setting CV50=2, making it only DCC capable. Or DC and DCC capable. There are settings in the manuals that show these values.
That may well be true but of little use to Mobi if he does not get any DCC equipment that would work. IMHO he is better with battery and analogue as he intimated.
True..
But.....
Some factory fitted models, do not support even basic running-sounds if running on DC.
We have tried, and asked the question. The answer was 'no'.
PhilP.
stevedenver
Registered
Nice things.
Agree US stuff is pathetic, but i understand that.
Disappointed in the UP express box car….livery doesn’t look right.
Im in for the sachsen freight cars. 1 of each…..
That MOB offering looks gorgeous. Love the livery….that would make a stunning train, indeed.
Just checked the sachsen freight cars prices…..wow…..up almost 35%+ from last year on the same SOEG models., that is $300 us each….yoiks tally-ho. Perhaps it because ive been at lgb since 1985, but these prices are becoming more and more difficult to have joy in a new toy.
Agree US stuff is pathetic, but i understand that.
Disappointed in the UP express box car….livery doesn’t look right.
Im in for the sachsen freight cars. 1 of each…..
That MOB offering looks gorgeous. Love the livery….that would make a stunning train, indeed.
Just checked the sachsen freight cars prices…..wow…..up almost 35%+ from last year on the same SOEG models., that is $300 us each….yoiks tally-ho. Perhaps it because ive been at lgb since 1985, but these prices are becoming more and more difficult to have joy in a new toy.