Marklin Controller

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am just getting back into model railroading and it has changed a lot! Will the digital controller for Marklin HO trains work with other manufacturers equipment?

Thanks

2

[#welcome]

Marklin uses a different protocol than the NMRA. It will only work with Marklin Motorola decoders. Trix uses yet another.
There is a DCC controler that uses multiple protocols called Intellibox

3

Thanks for the quick reply - this is the first time I have tried something like this. That is what I was afraid of with the Marklin decoder.

4

Unfortunately, the situation is pretty complex. Marklin has used at least two sets of digital protocols, the “Motorola” protocols and the current mfx protocols. The mfx system is pretty cool - when you put an mfx-equipped locomotive on the track, the system interrogates it and then the appropriate name comes up on your display. A Marklin mfx system will also work with the earlier Motorola decoders.
Older Trix digital trains use their proprietary Selectrix system, but newer Trix digital trains use DCC. If you like the Marklin handheld controller, Trix offers it in a DCC “Trix Systems” version.
Welcome back, and thanks for reading MR!
Terry