Märklin Digital and mfx explained

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Know the history

   Märklin showed its digital system at the 1979 Nuremberg Toy Fair and introduced it in 1985. It used a Motorola chip-based format and the first version could control up to 80 locomotives and 256 accessories.

   Next: step 2
2. 2

   Step 2: Understand mfx

   With mfx, the decoder registers itself with the controller: it negotiates an address and sends the loco's name and functions, so you don't need to programme an address by hand. Settings are stored in the decoder. mfx decoders also understand the older Motorola format.

   Next: step 3
3. 3

   Step 3: Know about mfx+

   mfx+ (introduced 2013) adds feedback from the loco and play features such as a "virtual fuel" level.

   Next: step 4
4. 4

   Step 4: Know the controllers

   Märklin's current controllers are the Mobile Station 2 and Central Station 3.

   Next: step 5
5. 5

   Step 5: See how it fits with DCC

   Märklin Digital and DCC are electrically compatible, and some controllers drive both. Märklin's sister brand Trix fits its 2-rail models with decoders that register on Märklin systems via mfx and also run on DCC or analogue DC.

   Next: step 6
6. 6

   Step 6: Check your old locos

   Analogue Märklin locos need a decoder to run digitally. Märklin publishes guides and magazine articles on decoder fitting, and a specialist dealer can convert them.