Home    Tech. Menu    Decoders    Bulletin #2    Eras    Schematics 

1.1 Installing New Digital Decoders

First we must apologize for the delayed delivery of the installation instructions for the new 60901, 60902, and 60960 digital decoders, and the 66031 DELTA module. The 60901 decoder was delivered at the end of 1998.

These installation instructions can be ordered under item no. 603 712 as a spare part

1.2 72441 Signal Module

If you use the 72441 signal module with locomotives without the high-efficiency propulsion, you will experience different operating behavior with each locomotive. some locomotives will stop at the very start of the braking area, others will travel up to the stopping area and will even accelerate there according to the initial speed in the braking area.

Please make your customers absolutely aware of the following technical relationships:

The 72441 signal module is specially designed for controlled stopping of locomotives with built-in digital high-efficiency propulsion (example: all 37xx and 37xxx locomotives in HO, all 55xxx locomotives in 1 Gauge since 1995).

The following points must be kept in mind when using locomotives with built-in universal electronic circuits (DELTA module, MAXI) or digital decoders without controlled propulsion (example: 36xx series locomotives, 6080 decoder, etc.).

1. Depending on the version of the electronic circuit or other external circumstances, the locomotives will come to a stop at the beginning of the braking area or will not stop until they reach the stopping area. If you operate your locomotives at greater speeds, then the stopping area should be lengthened by at least 3 sections of straight track.

2. Locomotives that run on into the stopping area will accelerate somewhat in the braking area. There is a technical reason for this effect and for that reason it cannot be changed. Always keep in mind as previously stated that the braking module was developed for digital high-efficiency propulsion.

3. We cannot make any definite statements about the behavior of other makes of decoders when used with the 72441 signal module. The consumer assumes his/her own risk when using such decoders. Marklin assumes no responsibility for damages caused by the use of other makes of decoders.

4. The use of the 72441 signal module demands a correspondingly extensive layout. Block operation will easily result in the need for blocks of at least 4 to 5 meters / approx. 13 to 16 feet (at least 3 times this in 1 Gauge). The digital high-efficiency propulsion offers you the opportunity to enjoy prototypical operating characteristics. These operating characteristics will only function on model railroad layouts that have been planned to an appropriate size.

We therefore recommend using only locomotives with Marklin digital high-efficiency propulsion in conjunction with the 72441 signal module. Other Marklin multi-train decoders will exhibit the technical limitations described above.

In the Marklin catalog we will give a clear explanation of this situation for our customers. The signal modules being delivered from now on will include a supplemental instruction sheet that also makes reference to the information given above.

1.3 Class 86 and Digital High-Efficiency Propulsion

The new "Commuter Service" train set is announced on page 16 of the new items brochure. The 26508 digital set makes reference to the built-in high-efficiency propulsion. This has led to speculation by our consumers about the technology used on this locomotive with a flat commutator motor. As one of the last models with the flat commutator motor the design for this locomotive has actually been converted to the drum style commutator motor.

In the next issue of the technical information we will give you detailed information on the differences between the new locomotive models and the earlier versions of the class 86.

1.4 Engineer's cab lighting that can be retrofitted

The digital installation seminars being conducted by the factory this year will include the presentation of engineer's cab lighting as an additional, controllable function. This lighting consists of a small circuit board with a miniature yellow LED and a series resistor for direct connection to the 60901,60902 or 60960 decoders. The orange wire on the circuit board is connected to the orange wire on the decoder, and the violet wire on the circuit board is connected to the appropriate function outputexample: the brown/red wire for function "f1". This circuit board can be mounted easily with double sided tape.

This circuit board is available under item no. 519 007.

Home    Tech. Menu    Decoders    Bulletin #2    Eras    Schematics