Marklin Central Station Software/Hardware Update

We have had many customers ask us about the upcoming update for the Marklin Central Station. The April/May 2007 edition of the Marklin Magazin sent to insider club members contains some incorrect information about the upgrade (likely due to long publishing lead-times, translation, and differences in the North American program.)

Marklin USA has not yet released the final details on the update program, however here is what we know so far;

• The update is both a hardware and software update. This means a new plug-in circuit board as well as new 'operating system' software must be installed to complete the update.
  
  
• The update adds the following features to the Central Station:
  • S88 feedback module connection
  • route control
  • push/pull automatic train control
  • ability to install future software updates via the computer interface
  • train control via computer interface (with 3rd party software when ready)
  • connection of the previous digital components (e.g. 6021 Central Unit)
  • an improved control interface for locomotives and sound effects
    
    
• Marklin USA in New Berlin, WI will be performing ALL Central Station upgrades for North American customers. Marklin USA will not be allowing dealers to perform the upgrade. We expect you will be able to ship your Central Station directly to Marklin USA OR have us send it for you (local customers).
  
  
• We do not yet know when the upgrade program for North America will begin. Marklin Germany has stated the program will run from June through December 2007. We also do not know how long the upgrade process will take, however Marklin has stated all units will be upgraded in the order they are received and there may be a wait period.
  
  
• There will be no cost for the upgrade software or hardware itself but we expect that customers will be resposible for shipping costs to and from Marklin USA. For local cutomers we may be able to arrage a bulk shipment to Marklin USA in order to help keep costs minimal.
  
  
• User data in the Central Station memory should not be lost during the upgrade, however we always recommend you keep a log of what you have entered in your Central Station.
  
  
• Starter Sets containing the Marklin Central Station will ship with an updated Central Station after the update program begins. Please watch our news section for updates.
  

Please DO NOT ship any Central Stations to Marklin USA until the program officially begins. We will let you know here as soon as the North American program starts.