Digital control commands are only executed by locomotives with the correct decoder address. We explain the address setting.
In digital systems, data packets are transmitted via the track, which each decoder in the system receives. There are different formats (mfx, MM, DCC), as explained in the first episode of this series. Each format has its own address, which is why decoders have several addresses - one in each format. Only if the address contained in the data packet matches in the correct format will the command be executed by the decoder.
mfx/mfx+:
In this mode, the MS or CS controller sets the address and the decoder remembers the address from the last CS and the last MS it was logged on to. The operator is not aware of the address, because with mfx a vehicle is identified by the locomotive name and not by the address. If you absolutely do not want to do without an address, you can of course use numbers in the locomotive name.
MM/MM2:
This system uses its own address, which is independent of any other digital format. Values between 1 and 255 can be used with the CS3. Please note that the Control Unit 6021 and the predecessor system with the Central Unit 6020 can only address addresses from 1 to 80. If you want to use the model also with the IR hand controller, for example of Start up starter sets, you should choose the addresses 78, 72, 60 or 24. Tip: There is actually no reason to control a locomotive with a Märklin retrofit decoder via the MM address with a CS3, except if a vehicle is also used with an older system at times.
DCC:
With the DCC protocol, different forms of addresses can be preset in the decoders:
1. main address (CV 1): Value range 1 to 127
2. long address (CV 17 and 18): Value range 1 to 10239
3. traction address (CV 19): Value range 0 to 255
Note: Not all DCC control systems support all variants. If no traction is to be used, the traction address is set to the value 0. Please note that with the DCC operating mode, it is additionally determined by setting bit 5 at CV 29 whether the main address or the long address is active. If you want to determine the values for the long address comfortably, you can find a DCC calculator on the Märklin website under Service - Technical Info - DCC Calculator.
