Märklin Digital Decoder Types

Please note: This webpage has not been updated for years now. Many links found on this page are outdated by now.

Table of Contents

Standard decoders of the märklin motorola decoder family are shown in bold type.

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DELTA decoders

Generally, "DELTA" decoders and "digital" decoders understand all the same Märklin/Motorola signal on the track. This signal may be generated by Central Units, Delta Controls, Intelliboxes, DDL, etc. The terms "DELTA" and "digital" are used only for marketing purposes. "Delta" are the low-end decoders, "digital" are the full-featured decoders. There is no one-and-only DELTA decoder. DELTA decoders have been made in many varieties.

The DELTA decoder 6603 with 701.13 chip

chip 701.13
headlight directional
functions -
addresses 15 digital, configured by solder bridges, automatic analog mode
motor SFCM, LFCM, DCM

The early DELTA decoder had a 701.13 chip, addresses are configured by solder bridges. The full address range can be used with some additional soldering. The advantage is that this decoder automatically detects the presence of analog track voltage and locos run on analog track. The decoder is suitable for standard Märklin motors, i. e. for the small and large flat collector motors (SFCM, LFCM) and for the drum collector motors (DCM).

The DELTA decoder 6603 with 701.17 chip

chip 701.17
headlight directional, always on, brightness depends on speed, flickering
functions -
addresses DIP switch, 15 digital, one for analog mode
motor SFCM, LFCM, DCM; 27 speed steps
size 36 × 21 × 4 mm

Later types had a 701.17 chip, 15 addresses can be configured by DIP-switches. Although the chip supports remote control of the head lights, this is not used but the headlights are driven by the motor outputs. Therefore headlights are directional, cannot be turned off, and lamp brightness is proportional to motor speed. When the loco stands still, lights go off. One end of the lamp connections is the loco chassis, therefore lights are flickering. To run a loco on analog, the "analog" loco address has to be set. The motor output supports 27 speed steps but they may not be noticed, because the motor output is not a control loop. The motor output drives standard Märklin motors, i. e. SFCM, LFCM, and DCM. The 6603 as a spare decoder disappeared in 2000 but has still been used in factory-equipped locos in later years.

Schematics can be found at the website of Dr. König. Several websites describe DIY modifications on how to get the lights flicker-free, how to get the lights permanently on and remote controllable, how to address any of all 80 digital addresses, how to drive a DC motor, and even how to make the extra functions f1 - f4 available:

The DELTA decoder 66031

chip 701.21
headlight directional, always on, constant brightness, flicker-free, protected
functions telex, protected
addresses DIP switch, 15 digital, one for analog mode
motor SFCM, LFCM, DCM; 27 speed steps, protected
size 36 × 21 × 4 mm

The 66031 is a DELTA decoder with a 701.21 chip, introduced in 1997. Headlights are directional, permanently on, independent from speed. Lamps can be wired flicker-free. An extra function is available for telex couplers or other effects, this function is activated by repeated direction reversals of the loco. The motor output supports 27 speed steps. The motor output drives standard Märklin motors, i. e. SFCM, LFCM, and DCM. All outputs (motor, light, and function) are overload and short-circuit protected. Due to limited features of the 701.21 chip no DIY modifications exist to make further features available. Positive and negative rectified track voltage is available for flicker-free lighting and as supply for other circuits, e. g. sound modules. Addresses are set with a DIP switch, providing 15 digital addresses and one analog mode. The full address range can be used with some soldering.

The DELTA decoder 66032

chip 701.43
headlight directional, always on, constant brightness, flicker-free, protected
functions telex, protected
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor SFCM, LFCM, DCM; 27 speed steps, protected
size 36 × 21 × 4 mm

The 66032 is the current DELTA decoder since 2002. In its factory-delivered form the features are comparable to the 66031: Headlights are directional, permanently on, independent from speed. Lamps can be wired flicker-free. An extra function is available for telex couplers or other effects, this function is activated by repeated direction reversals of the loco. The motor output supports 27 speed steps. The motor output drives standard Märklin motors, i. e. SFCM, LFCM, and DCM. All outputs (motor, light, and function) are overload and short-circuit protected. Positive and negative rectified track voltage is available for flicker-free lighting and as supply for other circuits, e. g. sound modules. Addresses are set with a DIP switch, and this decoder is the first DELTA decoder providing all 80 digital addresses. The decoder automatically detects analog mode.

If you want the headlights not permanently on but remotely controllable via the "function" button of a 6021 or 66045 delta control, the modification is surprisingly simple; and the decoder becomes a true successor also of the 6080. In addition, the output intended for a telex coupler, which is by default controlled by repeated direction reversals, can be converted to be remotely controllable via the "f1" button of a 6021 or equivalent control unit.

Special DELTA decoders

Sometimes non-standard decoders are built into locomotives. Reasons can be space limitations or electrical reasons.

Digital decoders

The c80 was the first decoder for Märklin digital. Later came the c90 decoder and the simpler DELTA decoder. Compared to the DELTA decoders they have an auxiliary function and full address selection. The aux. function is directional and the brightness is independent from speed. An 8-pole DIP switch allows the configuration of all 80 digital addresses.

The c80 digital decoder, number 6080

chip Zymos M60349, LME03, 701.13
headlight directional
functions aux. function
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor SFCM, LFCM, DCM
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

The c80 was the first digital decoder, and had different chips in its time of evolution. It is not produced any more. It has automatic detection of analog track, supports directional headlights which can be remotely switched off. It understands the Motorola 1 protocol. It disappeared in 2000. Nowadays a 66032 can offer the same features, with flicker-free headlights and protected outputs.

The decoder is also registered under spare number 602850.

The c81 digital decoder, number 6081

chip Zymos M60349, LME03, 701.13
headlight directional
functions aux. function
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor DC
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

The c81 is identical to the c80 except for the motor driving stage. The c81 drives DC motors, whereas the c80 is used for standard märklin motors. It disappeared in 2000.

Digital high performance decoders

With the c90 high-performance decoder Märklin set a new reference in loco decoder performance. The decoder evaluates the back EMF of the motor (that is the generated voltage when a motor works as generator) and uses this feedback in a control loop of the motor. By these means, the motor is driven such that a constant speed is achieved. The performance has been further improved with the current 60902 decoders. With these, at speed step 1 (of the range 1 - 27) locos crawl at 5 mm/s and slower so that it is a pleasure to watch the rods of a steam engine.

To produce a back EMF the motor must be a DC motor. This means that the conventional field windings of a märklin motor have to be replaced by a permanent field magnet. Furthermore, the usual three-pole armatures are replaced by five-pole armatures to get improved running characteristics.

The c90 high performance digital decoder, number 6090

chip 701.13
headlight directional
functions aux. function
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor DCM converted to DC
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

The c90 came as a set of a decoder, a permanent field magnet to replace the field windings, a five-pole armature to replace the three-pole drum collector armature, a corresponding motor cover, and two inductors. An inductor is soldered to each brush to suppress inductive spikes from the motor otherwise disturbing or damaging the decoder. It disappeared 1998.

The c90 decoder has a 701.13 chip, hence it only understands the older Motorola 1 protocol. The motor control loop is built with an operational amplifier and further discrete components, it is not integrated in the decoder chip. Maximum speed and acceleration parameter can be adjusted with potentiometers. Analog track voltage is automatically detected. Headlights are directional, flicker, and can be remotely switched. No other functions are provided.

The decoder only is registered under the two spare numbers 648680 and 614090. Some people say one is stronger than the other, but they seem to be basically identical.

The 6090 set consists of:

Links:

The 60902 high performance decoder

chip 701.22
headlight directional, flicker-free, protected
functions aux. function, f1, f2 (all protected); f4 momentum off
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor DC; 60901 converts a DCM to DC, 60904 converts LFCM to DC
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

The 60902 is the successor of the c90, and was introduced in 1997. Its motor regulation performance has been improved over the c90. The control circuit is integrated in the decoder chip, which is a 701.22. The decoder provides two extended functions f1 and f2, and the circuit board has provision for further components to provide functions f3 and f4, but by default f4 is used to turn off the acceleration and deceleration delay to get instant control over the loco. The decoder chip understands the Motorola 2 protocol, provides 27 speed steps, has automatic analog detection, and flicker-free lighting. Positive and negative rectified track voltage is available for flicker-free lighting and as supply for other circuits, e. g. sound modules.

The 60902 is just the decoder without motor parts, and may be used to replace the decoder of a c90 loco to get improved motor control and additional functions. Complete sets with the required motor parts are available as number 60901, 60903, or 60904. See below.

There are variants of the 60902 with different function outputs. The version with the functions f2 and f3, but no f1, has number 519090 (source: Hans-Günter Heiserholt, more infos ) and is used, for example, in the E40 from the starter set 29855. (Infos by Hans-Günter Heiserholt). The version with all three functions f1, f2, and f3, is used, for example, in the BR18.4 from the starter set 29855. Another three-function version, with a different printed circuit board, but same functionality and size, has been used in the V160 from the starter set 29845, see below.

Links:

The 60901 DCM high performance decoder set

Like the 6090 set, the 60901 comes as a set of decoder and motor components to convert a conventional drum collector motor (DCM) to DC operation. It was introduced in 1997.

The motor plate is usually fixed with 10 mm long bolts, spare number 785120. Sometimes the longer 12 mm bolts are appropriate, spare number 785140. The 3.9 uH inductors are separately available under spare number 516520. A decoder clip-on holder is available as spare part 258820, which is usually fixed with the M2 bolt 756100 (slot-head) or 786790(cross-head).

The 60901 set consists of:

Links:

The 60903 SFCM high performance decoder set

New in 2003. The conversion set for small flat collector motors (SFCM). Probably consists of a 60902 decoder, rotor, motor cover, and maybe lamp sockets.

The motor plate is usually fixed with 10 mm long bolts, spare number 785120. Sometimes the longer 12 mm bolts are appropriate, spare number 785140. The 3.9 uH inductors are separately available under spare number 516520. A decoder clip-on holder is available as spare part 258820, which is usually fixed with the M2 bolt 756100 (slot-head) or 786790(cross-head). Two-pin light bulbs for digital locos are 610080 and fit into socket 604180 (press-fit socket for holes where bayonet "quarter-turn" bulbs were in) or socket 276770 (socket with wires for plug-in into threaded bulb socket).

The 60903 set consists of:

According to a message in the insiderforum@yahoogroups.de, which in turn refers to märklin insider news, locos that can be converted in a straight forward manner are: 3017, 3128, 3028, 3032, 30321, 3034, 3037, 3937, 3038, 3039, 3040, 3044, 3077, 3078, 3088, 3144, 3378, 3688. Locos that require some milling or other adaptation are: 3000, 3013, 3016, 3029, 3030, 3170, 2670, 2870, 3064, 3065, 3131, 3141, 3149, 3087, 3090. The decoder cannot be mounted into the locos: 3001, 3003, 30031, 30032, 3005, 3086, 3091, 3093, 3099, 3095, 3103.

Links:

The 60904 LFCM high performance decoder set

The 60904 is the conversion set for most locos with large flat collector motors (LFCM), available since 2000. The 60904 set consists of:

Links:

The 60905 high performance decoder

chip 701.22
headlight directional, flicker-free, protected
functions aux. function, f1, f2 (all protected); f4 momentum off
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor coreless DC motors (Faulhaber etc.)
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

The 60905 was introduced in 2001. It is similar to the 60902, but its motor output is tailored to coreless DC motors, e. g. Faulhaber motors. The decoder chip understands the Motorola 2 protocol, provides 27 speed steps, has automatic analog detection, and flicker-free lighting. Positive and negative rectified track voltage is available for flicker-free lighting and as supply for other circuits, e. g. sound modules.

The 60902 decoders in miniature size

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 603858, 603808, 605549, 603462
built in model 603858: E18-15, 37681
603808: BR86, 26508
605549: E40, 37401
603462: Dampfspeicherlok, 37250, 26504
chip 701.22 B
functions no f1 - f3, f4 momentum off
motor DCM, converted to DC
size 22 × 16.5 × 6 mm

These are small-size versions of the 60902. Due to space limitations the decoder has no external functions. The different order numbers are basically the same decoder and differ only in the attached cables which are tailored to the specific model. A decoder clip-on holder is available as spare part 456200, which is usually fixed with the M2 bolt 756100.

Links:

The 60902-equivalent special decoder of the Cargo Sprinter (can motor, pickup switch)

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 207314
built in model Cargo Sprinter 3709x
chip 701.22
functions only aux. function
motor DC

This decoder lacks all extra functions, not even f4 is available to turn off the acceleration and deceleration delay to get instant control over the motor. The decoder has an extra relay for pickup shoe switching so that supply is always taken from the front pickup shoe.

The 60902-equivalent special decoder of the S-Bahn Loks (60902 with pickup switch)

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 608074 (from 26511)
built in model S-Bahn BR143 26507
BR110 26511
chip 701.22
functions aux. function, f4 momentum off
motor DCM

This decoder lacks all extra functions, but f1 can rather easily be added. The decoder has two pickup inputs, to let the decoder run from the pickup at the front of the train. A function output switches connection with the supply from the rear pickup, which is most suitable for car interior lighting. By default, this function is wired together with the headlights, but can be converted to f1. Loco rear headlights (towards cars) can be permanently deactivated with a jumper. Pickup switching can be permanently deactivated with another jumper.

The 60902-equivalent special decoder of the V 200

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 601944
built in model V200: 37803
chip 701.22 B, early versions 701.17
functions f1 - f4, for sound and light effects
motor DCM, converted to DC

This is the decoder of the V200 with sound module (spare no. 601865). Function outputs are connected to the sound module. Further motor signals are wired to the sound module to allow motor synchronous sound.

Early locos had a 701.17 chip, the mass production has a different board with a 701.22 chip. This is very interesting since the two chips have very different properties. The .17 has external motor control circuitry, the .22 has it built in. The .22 would allow to use f4 to turn off acceleration delay, but the .17 does not. However, Märklin has chosen to use all 4 functions for sound and light effects. This decoder proves also that the .17 chip supports automatic analog track detection.

The 60902-equivalent special decoder of the V 160, BR 216, E18 40

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 602759
built in model V160: from 29845 set; BR216: 37744; E18-40: 26509
chip 701.22 B
functions f1 unused, f2 + f3 for sound effects, f4 momentum off
motor DCM, converted to DC
size 36 × 21 × 9 mm

This is the decoder of the V160 / BR 216 with sound module (spare no. 602749). Dimensions are identical to the 60902. f2 and f3 are connected to the sound module, f1 is unused and readily available. f1 has a more powerful driver transistor than f2 and f3.

The 6090x-equivalent special decoders for steam tender locos

Steam locos with a 2'2'T26 tender or cabin tender (BR01, BR03, BR41, BR43, BR44, BR50, BR52) (but not with oil or bathtub tender) have a decoder of special larger size that is customized to fit onto the tender weight and includes a lamp socket for rear light. There is a 6090 and a 60902 equivalent version. They have identical dimensions and are therefore easily replacable.

equivalent to 6090
spare part no 673380
built in model BR 43, 44: 37880, 37881, 37882
chip 701.13
functions -
motor DCM, converted to DC
size 61 × 26 mm

equivalent to 60902
spare part no 602758
built in model BR 03, 44: 29845, 37952, 37884
chip 701.22 B
functions f1, f2, f4 momentum off
motor DCM, converted to DC
size 61 × 26 mm

The 6080-equivalent special decoder of the BR 18.1 (Württ. C), BR 59 (Württ. K), BR 17 (Preuss. S10), BR 55 (Preuss. G8.1)

and

The 60905-equivalent special decoder of the BR 18.1 (Württ. C), BR 59 (Württ. K), BR 17 (Preuss. S10), BR 55 (Preuss. G8.1)

equivalent to 6080
spare part no 673470 603876 205965
speed regulation no no no
built in model Wü. C: 3711, 37112; BR17: 37190 S10: 2681 BR55: 37550, ~1, ~3
chip 701.13
functions only aux. function
motor coreless DC

Although the märklin number of the locos (37xxx) suggests that they have a high performance decoder, I think they belong to the 6080 digital decoder category, because these locos (as any with a 6080 decoder) do not have speed regulation.

equivalent to 60905
spare part no 604575 606728 605293
speed regulation yes yes yes
built in model Württ. K: 37057, ~8, ~9; Wü. C: 37113, ~4 BR17: 37192 BR55: 37552, ~4, ~7
chip 701.22
functions aux. function, smoke generator, f4 = momentum off
motor coreless DC

According to Tom Catherall, the 3711's decoder, 673470, is NOT a suitable replacement for the 3311, 3511, 3514, 3611, and 3614. He explained: "The tender used on the later class 18.1 is longer and so is the decoder which fits into the tender. The 6090 type decoder in the 3711 can be ordered with the spare part number 673470 for upgrading the 3411 DELTA version. The earlier decoder is #211410 and will upgrade 3311, 3511 and 3514 to simple digital operation. Another difference between the two decoders is that the newer 673470 connects to six wires rather than five as with the earlier 211410."

About the 37550, some people say this is not the best runner. Reasons are the light weight, the Portescap DC motor, gear drive only to one axle, other axles are rod-driven, and most importantly: the missing speed control. Dr. König and Thomas Krüger deducted circuit schematics and proved that the decoder of these locos does not measure the load on the motor and has no closed loop control of the motor.

Links:

The 60905-equivalent special decoder of the E 69

equivalent to 60905
spare part no 603781
built in model E 69: 37475, 37476?
chip 701.22B
functions aux. function, f4 = momentum off
motor DC

This decoder is basically identical to the decoder in the Delta version of this loco. Unlike the delta variant, this decoder has potis for speed and momentum adjustment.

More 6090- and 60902-equivalent special decoders

There exist a lot of 6090 and 60902 equivalent special decoders. Hans-Günter Heiserholt tries to keep track of all of them. I especially recommend the following of his pages:

C-Sinus decoders

chip 701.40
headlight directional, flicker-free, protected
functions typically aux. function, f1, f2, f4 momentum off
addresses DIP switch, 80 digital, automatic analog mode
motor brushless motor ("C-Sinus")
size -

Unlike traditional motor designs that can be combined with different decoders, the C-Sinus motor and its corresponding decoder are one unit, connected through a flexible conductor foil (flexible PCB). A C-Sinus motor ("CSM"), in the engineering world better known as a brushless motor, works only together with its decoder. It has been introduced in 1999 with the ICE-Sinus (39710). The decoder chip understands the Motorola 2 protocol, provides 27 speed steps, has automatic analog detection, and flicker-free lighting.

The driving truck of the loco is very similar to a DCM truck: bearing and tooth wheel are compatible, but some iron has to be milled away from a DCM truck to accept the CSM. Märklin does not offer a separate conversion kit. To convert old locos, suitable units of CSM with decoder can be found, however, as spare parts from existing CSM locos. If the old loco to be converted has a CSM "brother", the new CSM motor truck could be ordered as well to allow trouble-free mounting of the CSM. For general conversions (as said, only to be considered if you can mill (file?) the DCM motor truck) of DCM locos the most suitable motor & decoder units seem to be

These two seem to be units where the decoder has the same size as a 6090x decoder, and it should therefore be possible to use for example the clip-on holder 258820. Units from other CSM locos have larger decoders which have additional sound circuitry on board.

Accessory and function decoders

Accessory and function decoders can be classified into different types: function decoders for locos and cars understanding the new motorola 2 format, function decoders for locos and cars understanding the old motorola 1 format, stationary decoders for turnouts and accessories.

The 60960 loco function decoder

chip 701.22
functions f1, f2, f3, f4
addresses 80 adr., DIP switch
size 24 × 18 × 8 mm

Function decoder for locos and cars understanding the new motorola 2 format. Since 1997. Makes the four functions f1 - f4 available.

By adding two transistors BST 51, and three resistors (2 * 47k and 3,9 Ohm), the 60960 can be extended to a 60961, which additionally has direction dependent light functions. The conversion becomes obvious from comparing photos of both decoders.

Links:

The 60961 loco directional function decoder

chip 701.22
functions f0, f1, f2, f3, f4
addresses 80 adr., DIP switch
size 24 × 18 × 8 mm

Function decoder for locos and cars understanding the new motorola 2 format. Since 2001. Principally identical to a 60960, but with additional direction dependent outputs, suitable e. g. for directional headlights.

Links:

The k84 (6084) accessory decoder

chip 145027
functions 4 on/off accessories
addresses 64 adress groups, DIP switch
size 100 × 54 × 22 mm

Stationary decoder for 4 permanent-switched accessories, e.g. house illumination.

The k83 (6083) turnout decoder

chip 145027
functions 4 pairs, for 4 turnouts
addresses 64 adress groups, DIP switch
size 100 × 54 × 22 mm

Stationary decoder for four turnouts.

Links:

The k73 (6073) turnout decoder

chip 145027
functions 1 pair for a turnout
addresses configurable via solder pads
size -- × -- × -- mm

Stationary decoder for one turnout. To be mounted into an M-track turnout. Connection requires soldering. Principally suitable for any turnout. Basically a 1/4 of a 6083.

Links:

The 74460 C-track turnout decoder

chip 145027
headlight directional
functions aux. function
addresses 256 adr., DIP switch
size -- × -- × -- mm

Stationary decoder for one turnout. To be mounted into a C-track turnout. Simple plug-in concept. Principally suitable for any turnout. Basically a 1/4 of a 6083.

Links:

Links and References

Concluding Remarks

This webpage has not been updated for years now. Many links found on this page are outdated by now.

I want to thank all people who have contributed to this page in discussions, content review, error reports, and providing further information!


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