Using Märklin 60831/60832 m83 Decoder for Turnout Mechanisms 74490-2 (Beginner Episode 6)

This video shows you how to install and use the Märklin m83 decoder for turnouts by connecting it to the turnout mechanisms. The video describes how to install both the newest black edition Märklin 60832 and the older white edition Märklin 60831 of the m83 decoder. It is illustrated how to install all three of the turnout mechanisms: Märklin 74490, Märklin 74491, Märklin 74492. Finally, it is show how to use the m83 with both the Mobile Station 2 (MS2) and the Central Station 3 (CS3).
Check out the video on how to install turnout mechanisms in the turnouts to complete the job ( • Installing Märklin 744... ).
ALWAYS do the installation with POWER OFF and read the manual.
Tips & How to included:
- How to install m83
- How to connect turnout mechanisms to the m83
- Which wire from the turnout mechanism goes where?
- How to use the m83 with MS2 & CS3
- How to troubleshoot using the LEDs
- How to string m83/m84 together
Enjoy and have fun with model trains :-)
Interesting links (English):
- Märklin: www.maerklin.de/en
M83
- Märklin 60831: www.maerklin.de/en/products/d...
- Märklin 60832: www.maerklin.de/en/products/d...
Turnout Mechanism
- Märklin 74490: www.maerklin.de/en/products/d...
- Märklin 74491: www.maerklin.de/en/products/d...
- Märklin 74492: www.maerklin.de/en/products/d...
Chapters
00:00 Intro
04:25 Installing the m83
05:49 Preparing the wires for power
09:11 Connecting m83 power to the track
11:38 Connecting m83 to turnout mechanisms
12:06 Connecting to 74490 and 74491 turnout mechanisms
16:05 Connecting to 74492 turnout mechanism
19:19 Set address for m83
22:28 Installation review
24:41 Using MS2 with the m83
26:57 Connecting m83 to the CS3
29:14 Using CS3 with 60832 (black) m83 decoder
32:08 Using CS3 with 60831 (white) m83 decoder
37:01 m83 trouble shooting used the LEDs
40:41 Connecting multiple m83/m84
43:15 Naming of multiple 60832 m83 on CS3
43:39 Hints and the End

[@geoffwalker315]

After watching many of your videos I am now a Maerklin convert.

[@ModelTrainFun]

I am glad you like Märklin, but don't forget it is all about having fun with the hobby. Find the model trains that you think are fun. Enjoy ;-)

[@claudiog2379]

Another excellent video! Congratulations, and many thanks for your help!

[@ModelTrainFun]

Happy to help. Have fun ;-)

[@shawntesar5003]

Thanks for taking the time to show us the details about how to do things right

[@ModelTrainFun]

I am glad you enjoyed the video and I really hope that it helps you. Have fun with trains ;-)

[@shawntesar5003]

Excellent videos, thank you for taking the time to make all of these great training episodes.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Glad you like them! Have fun ;-)

[@erichendrikse2946]

Very good video clear explained. As a starter it helps me very well

[@ModelTrainFun]

Great to hear! Enjoy ;-)

[@sfor17]

Wonderful video's, thank-you for all your work!

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Bas, Happy you like the videos. Enjoy ;-) Bo

[@shawntesar1087]

I really appreciate all the little details while you demonstrate.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Shawn, Thanks - I am glad you liked the video. Have fun with trains ;-)

[@brucebailey9911]

Thanks for taking the time to create these videos for those of us that are new to the model train world. I'd highly suggest getting the appropriate Molex type tooling for crimping the rolled connectors as needle nose pliers will not provide the necessary mechanical connection which can cause intermittent electrical operation.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hope you find some fun with model trains! Agreed the mechanical connection is important and there should be a better tool than just the nose pliers. Just looked in the manual for the Märklin 74995 (spade connectors). It is actually not recommended to use nose plier type tool, but a cramp - Märklin used to produce a 70930: www.maerklin.de/en/products/details/article/70930 Searching on Amazon - it seems lots of spade connectors and compatible tools are available. Anybody know what spade connector and tool would fit with the Märklin C-track? Have fun!

[@BARTT21]

i have learned so much watching this playlist.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi William, I am glad the playlist helped you. Have fun! Enjoy ;-)

[@principautezindelstein8177]

Thanks for your tutorials. They are really great and very helpful ! It's very practical because it's difficult to use Märklin's digital equipment just with the manufacturer's instructions. Very good your channel 👏🏻👍 Greetings from Switzerland Philippe

[@ModelTrainFun]

Glad to hear that! The reason I started the channel was to make information easier available. I agree that Märklin instructions can be difficult to figure out. I pend a lot of time researching and experimenting. Let me know if you have ideas for other videos. Enjoy ;-)

[@principautezindelstein8177]

@@ModelTrainFun 😊🙏🏻👍

[@seddy69]

thank-you. the content is excellent, the english is excellent and the video is hi res.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Glad you liked it! Enjoy ;-)

[@KHOU1964]

Great video as usual.Thanks

[@ModelTrainFun]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy ;-)

[@frank1672]

Very good thanks. I personally solder the spade ends on!

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Frank, Great tip! I believe this gives a much better and reliable connection. Enjoy ;-)

[@bohviden6430]

You can connect M83/M84 together and power them externally with 80822 / 66361 power supply this is good if you have a larger number of units on a bigger layout. It will then not get its power from the CS and you will get more power to the trains. The difference between the m83/m84 is that the m83 sends a short puls and that is suitable for turnouts while the m84 is suitable for turning on continious current such as lights etc. Otherwise a great video as usual.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Excellent - thanks for the information. You're right about the pulse vs. continous - good way for describing the difference. So m83 supports pulse, while m84 supports continous + independent power on each connector. Note: I think you mean 60822 as power supply unit (is 80822 above). Have fun ;-)

[@OddvinBidne]

Great video as always. Last night I mounted my first m83 w 4 turnouts.I used the 66360 +60822 for power and connected the track to the m83 in order for the CS3 to "talk" to the m83. It works perfectly. I hate wireing but it saves me money. I will need more m83s( and m84s) so I need to find a way to hide the wires :)

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Oddvin, Agree - it is annoying with additional wires! However, on a permanent layout you only have to deal with the wires once. Do remember to organize wires under your layout as you may have to troubleshoot something later on. Enjoy and have fun ;-)

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Oddvin, just noticed you also used the 66360+60822 - do you see any reduction in power consumption on the CS3 and did you have any issues connecting it? Enjoy ;-)

[@OddvinBidne]

@@ModelTrainFun Yes theres a small difference: w trackpower= 0,892 A,and w the pow.supply= 0,867 A. so the difference w 1 m83 w 4 turnouts its 0,025 A. btw I also have the lanterns and I wonder if I can use the m84 for those.(Is it possible to use the trackpower for those?) I have alrdy connected a m84 aswell,but no users atm. just to test. I have in total 30 turnouts in my layout and will install 4-6 more,with even more at a later stage when I build a shell with steamdepot w turntable and roundhouses. :)

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Oddvin, That sounds like a very small difference. But probably true until you use the turnouts as the device itself probably consumes very little power. The Märklin lanterns can be connected to track power and you can connect them to some decoders. Check out this video on how to connect to the decoder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TGfK2Ped-Eq7s You can also use CV36 to turn the lantern on/off from the decoder - however, did not find an easy way to do this from the CS3 with a light button. Enjoy ;-)

[@LaneSplit]

Virkelig god video god forklaret

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hejsa - takker - hygge ;-) Bo

[@mohamadzainibinkhalibkpm-g6247]

thanks for the explanation the way to connect M83 to turnout mechanism 74491 is the same with 74490.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Yes the 74490 and the 74491 are connected to the m83 the same way - enjoy ;-)

[@dietmarhabib191]

Great video as ever. Any plans for a video on using the m83 for light functions?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Absolutely, I intend to look at the m83 as ligth function decoder in the future. Unfortunately, I would like to finish the story on the m84 first - so I am unsure when I would get to this. Enjoy ;-)

[@agxlives]

Your videos are by far the best marklin tutorials. Question using the m83 for uncoupling tracks looks straight forward. Can they be used for a 3way???? Again thank you for motivating all us modelers 😊

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi, Yes the m83 can be used for 3-way turnouts. If you have it as default and just attach it - I believe it may work. You should still be able to change the turnout using e.g. the 2 first ports. I have not yet tried this, but I believe it should work the only disadvantage is that it does not change the 3-way turnout as you would expect. If you have a CS3 the turnout will not match the how the 3-way turnout symbol on the CS3 changes with the m83 in it's default settings. To make it match the CS3 you have to program the m83. You can see this in the technical manual page 20: static.maerklin.de/damcontent/3b/44/3b44f7c3c18c5d0a2b0c3e377f3df7281570606458.pdf If you have the CS3 and are using ports 1 & 2 on the m83 for the 3-way turnout you need to set CV34 to1. If you are using ports 3 & 4, then you need to set CV35 to 1. The m83 is programmed in the same way as the m84, so you can see how to program the m83 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6CZZp1-ltSKp6c Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)

[@urrugames4062]

Thank you so much for the videos, this ia great help. I do have a question, if I do have two turnouts that I want to work in conjunction (when I activate one, the other should move aswell), can I do that with the m83 decoder? Maybe connecting the two turnouts to the same position? Is that possible? Or my only option is to fit both turnouts with digital decoders and setting both on the same address? Thank you in advance,

[@frankolsen5703]

Hello Bo Have you made a video about how to programme the M83 to ex. Signals instead of turnouts?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Frank, unfortunately not. It is not too difficult if you are ok with programming the M83. You can email me with what device (MS2/CS3) and which M83 (60831/60832) and I can try to guide you. See my email here: www.youtube.com/@ModelTrainFun/about Enjoy ;-) Bo Jensen

[@pvivin]

Thank you very much for your precious videos for the beginner that I am. Can I put on the same m83 decoder turnouts and an uncoupler track?puis je mettre sur le même décodeur m83 des aiguillages et un rail dételeur ?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Yes it is possible to put the uncoupler and the turnout on the same m83. However, you need to make sure that the uncouple is activated for longer time to be effective. I will look into making a video in the future on how to connect the uncoupler track to the m83. Enjoy ;-)

[@tedmorris5137]

Hi. Have you done a video covering using m83 to control uncoupled tracks?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Ted, unfortunately this is still on my to do list. I will make the video in the future. If you are impatient page 23 of the m83 technical manual gives a hint on recommended values to set: static.maerklin.de/damcontent/3b/44/3b44f7c3c18c5d0a2b0c3e377f3df7281570606458.pdf You can also send me an email (see channel About) and I can try to help. Enjoy ;-)

[@guillermoamolina]

Many thanks for your clear and excellent video. If you have more than 20 M83 in a layout, that I means more addreses than the table, what is suitable to convert all to DCC or MFX? And which is the maximun address in DCC? Greetings from Argentine

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Guillermo, 20 m83 would means you need 80 accessory addresses - it sounds like you are making a large layout. For very large layouts I would recommend using DCC as you have more addresses available. The The address range for m83 (Märklin 60831/60832) in the Motorola format is up to 320 and in the DCC format up to 2040. In this case 320 addresses might be enough for you? If you have the 60832 that supports MFX you can either set the dip switch first or leave it blank. Remember to choose DCC or MM. Then you can discover using MFX making the CS3 create all the accessoires for you inside the CS3. If you set the dip switch first, then remember to "use existing address" when discovering the m83s. The advantage with setting the dip switch before is that you can look at the device and see the address. This can be useful as you can arrange the m83s systematically with increasing addresses making it easer for troubleshooting. Note: with this many m83s consider the external power supply using the Märklin 60822 for the m83s releasing the burden of the main track power. Try first without then monitor the power consumption. Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)

[@guillermoamolina]

@@ModelTrainFun very clear as ever! Many thanks for your answer

[@kaptajnsejersen6303]

Great explanation. What's the difference by the way between M74490, M74491 and M74492? Is it just the wire color?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Kaptajn, I have not found any major differences except the wirering. The later numbers seem to have updated internals. However, as far as I know they work the same and have the same reliability. I usually buy the latest to avoid having something really old laying around. However, if there is a sale I would grab whichever one. Let me know if you find or hear anything different - always eager to learn. Enjoy ;-)

[@sethpotter9592]

Can I use Bachman track with macklin digital switches and turnouts?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Seth, the Märklin turnouts are dedicated for 3-rail. The same turnouts can be found in Trix for 2-rail: www.trix.de/en/products/trix-h0/tracks However, as far I can see they do not fit with the Bachman track - the track-to-track connection mechanism looks very different. Enjoy ;-)

[@wanndanneisenbahn]

Great video. Why would Marklin change the color scheme for their wiring?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Erich, Not sure, but I think it has to do with the introduction of the Märklin STARTUP series. The original wirering is still there, but the wirering on the STARTUP items are different. The control boxes are also different, so they have another consistent wirering that is easy for plug'n'play. Just a guess. Enjoy ;-) Bo

[@uwekruger2987]

Ich kann dir Decoderwerk empfehlen.. Super Decoder und deutlich günstiger als Märklin und Programmierung per Knopf. Funktioniert deutlich besser.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Uwe, I have not seen Decoderwerk before - looks interesting. Thanks! Enjoy ;-)

[@louiswrede4177]

Mange takk. Mycket bra. Hvor gör du med signaler?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Louis, Glad you enjoyed it! Yes - there are also some videos about signals. Check out the "Märklin Beginner" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLYAhs-Pox3sG31NwCfqIuk6IvI19q2czn Episodes 5a-5f are about Märklin signals and in episodes 8a-8d I use an M84 with signals without decoders (Viessmann in this case). Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)

[@davidgreenwood5209]

Hello and thanks for posting these helpful videos. I have the M83 installed and connected to two turnouts, also on Markllin C track. and it worked a few times to start with but now it wont operate the turnouts at all. Can anyone suggest something i can try to address the problem?

[@ModelTrainFun]

I am glad the videos are helpful. The issue can be multiple things. I suspect it is the turnout mechanism, but I would go through the following troubleshooting steps - just to be sure: 1. Is everything connected correctly according to the manual? 2. Do the blades move freely? Try to shift the turnout manually - do they shift freely? If not, is something stuck? 3. Is the m83 working as expected? Use the troubleshooting LEDs. Checkout the video at 37:01 or use the "m83 trouble shooting used the LEDs" chapter in the video description above. Is the m83 powered correctly? (the red LED next to the red wire must be blinking happily). Is the m83 being addressed? (When shifting the turnout do you see the red and gren LED blink accordingly behind the connector to the turnout on the m83). If not check the LED behind the brown wire - do you actually address the m83? 4. Is the turnout mechanism working? Try with a different turnout mechanism on the same m83 output. And try a different turnout mechanism in the same turnout. 5. Could there be a power issue? Too far from the MS2/CS3? Try to move the m83 and turnout closer to the MS2/CS3 - preferably try with the m83 being the only item connected directly to the MS2/CS3. 6. Loose connection or bad wiring? Go through all your wires and double check that everything is connected securely. Must not be able to pull apart easily. Look for visual damage to wire and/or connectors. Did you solder? is the soldering actually good? Consider testing continuity through the wires. 7. For old turnout mechanisms it might be the issue described in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHypfIGprZJnr7c However, consider this the last resort as this is a drastic change of the turnout mechanism. Note: You might have bought a new that has been sitting at the dealer in a long time - if this is the case go back to your Märklin dealer for help. Hope this helps - enjoy :-)

[@davidgreenwood5209]

@@ModelTrainFun hello and thanks for the info, i checked my connections and they seemed ok, i tried deleting the m83 (60832) and then re installing it but couldnt get the CS3 to recognise it again, ie did a search of mfx items. The turnouts themseleves move to and fro ok manually. Not sure what to try next. It is possible that the device has developed a fault maybe. I am not very tech savvy so it could be something i am not doing right.

[@ModelTrainFun]

@@davidgreenwood5209 Please do the following and confirm each step to me: 1. Are you using CS3 and m83 (60832)? If yes continue 2. Ensure all power is off 3. Connect only the m83 that cannot be discovered to the CS3 on the layout connection (green connector on back of CS3). 4. Power on and wait til CS3 is ready 5. go out of stop mode 6. On the m83 verify that the red led at the red dot furthest to the right is slowly blinking 7. On the CS3 pull down green tab at the top. Click on Edit->Discover mfx items, choose "Get a new address?" 8. Wait patiently 9. Did the m83 appear? If yes continue 10. On the m83 verify that the red led at the red dot furthest to the right is slowly blinking 11. Change the first turnout that appeared. Does the correspondng LED on the m83 connector blink? 12. try 11 3 more times Let me know how far you got, then we continue with more steps.

[@davidgreenwood5209]

@@ModelTrainFun Thanks, I finally today had some success, I realised i needed to use a programming track so I was able to re-install the m83 and then i got the turnouts working again. I am still not quite sure why they stopped working but if i have the same problem again I will follow the steps you gave me, thanks again for your advice.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Excellent - glad you found the issue. Enjoy ;-)

[@erichendrikse2946]

If you use a Central Station 3 do you need a special tool to get power on the track ?

[@ModelTrainFun]

No special tool required. The CS3 is connected to the track the same way as the Mobile Station 2. It uses the same "spade" connectors as are attached to the wires that plug into the m83 in this video. This way you can connect the CS3 to any C-track easily. Have fun ;-)

[@erichendrikse2946]

@@ModelTrainFun Thank you that's clear

[@geoffwalker315]

I like those screwdrivers. Where can I buy them?

[@ModelTrainFun]

I found these on Amazon - search for "precision screwdriver set with case". The ones I have are these: www.amazon.com/Xiaomi-Precision-Screwdriver-Magnetic-Electronics/dp/B08MV2H7KD Enjoy ;-)

[@hugokonrad86]

Can you use these for the CS2?

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Hugo, absolutely! The CS2 like the MS2/CS3 is able to control Motorola MM/MM2/FX , MFX, and DCC. In this way all the modern Märklin digital systems components can be used with the CS2 as well. Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)

[@KHOU1964]

I believe for lightings it is better to use M84.Correct

[@ModelTrainFun]

The major difference is that the m84 truly disconnects and does not freed track power to the connectors. This means that you do not need to use track power for lights and that you can use DC to get it flicker free. However, the m83 is cheaper - and can do lights as well. Have fun ;-)

[@stefanleybold6073]

Das ist ja H0 oder kleiner, d.h. ... nicht maßstabgetreue Gleise, Wagen und Loks sind nicht so Vorbildgetreu, sie fahren, bremsen oder beschleunigen zu schnell, und es gibt unnatürlich viele Gleise.

[@ModelTrainFun]

Hi Stefan, This is H0 scale. I believe the measurements is accurate - Märklin do produce in exact scale for all but the longest models. You can adjust the speed, acceleration and breaking as you see fit. If you are into very accurate prototype look'n'feel, scenery and sound you can also do that if you like. Some models are more accurate that others and other track is available that might be more realistic for you. It's all a question of what you find fun and what you enjoy. I am more into just running the trains. I will never have room for prototypical scenery, accurate distance between stations and so on. If you have the room you can make things as much to scale as you like. All depends on what you enjoy. Hope you have fun with trains. Enjoy ;-)