miniaturdecoder


	Current list of ZIMO DECODER characteristics and features - September 2007 relevant for MX620, MX63, MX64, MX64H, MX64V, MX69, MX690 families of decoders unless noted otherwise; subject to change without notice, errors expected.
Special markers:
	Text marked with an empty bullet describes qualities that are found in most modern decoders, at least in a similar form. That doesn't mean however that all decoders sold on the market are so equipped. There are still decoders sold today without any load regulation (BEMF), the last such decoder produced by ZIMO was in the past century....
	This bullet describes qualities that are only found in ZIMO decoders and in just a few competitor products.
	This bullet denotes text that describes new qualities that were just recently introduced (from about 2006 to present).
	Features that are to be introduced in 2007, 2008 (likely, but not guaranteed) and that can be installed in already sold decoders by the user (with the help of the decoder update module MXDECUP). New decoder software is ready for download on the UPDATE page at ZIMO's web site.

	1 ... 10239 addresses, 1 ... 127 consist address, Functions can selectively be assigned to single or consist address.
	14, 28 or 128 (external) speed steps; internally, all speed changes (e.g. acceleration) are processed with 252 steps.
	Silent drive, selectively with 20 or 40 kHz, ideally suited for coreless motors (Faulhaber, Maxxon, ...); low frequency of 30 ... 150 Hz is also available for special cases.
	Load regulation (BEMF) with multiple ways of fine tuning: PID-Parameter, regulation force adjustable from slightly reduced to turned off, BEMF cut-off at selected speed, modifiable sampling frequency.
	Adjustable speed table with CVs # 2, # 5 and # 6, or fully programmable 28 step speed table (CVs # 67 - # 94).
	Km/h - oder mph - defined speed control alternatively to the normal speed step control, eg. 1 km/h or 1 mph per step, adjustable by a sample ride. For large scale decoders MX69 (and large scale sound decoders MX690) implemented since SW version 8; other decoders depending on customer request.
	Adjustable acceleration and deceleration characteristics: in addition to the standard CV's #3 and 4, ZIMO decoders also feature an exponential procedure for particularly prototypical starts and stops and adaptive acceleration to prevent start-up jolts.
	Shunting function - electively half speed and /or reduction or removal of momentum.
	Actual track voltage measured to automatically adjust to layout specifics and for future applications (e.g. "ABC" by Lenz).
	Uninterrupted operations (no stops and restarts) with up to 1 second power interruptions; further improvements possible with external capacitor.
	Continuous operation on dead track sections such as frogs and sections with heavy dirt build-up. The decoder automatically prevents the loco from stopping in such sections - preferably in conjunction with an external energy module MXSPEIK, MXSPEIG or a home-made unit. The required software is planned for the second quarter or 2005.
	Automatic override dirty tracks (when no volatge detected on reels); in this cases the decoder automatically avoids stopping, also in case of speed step 0. Prerequisit: energy storage capacitor corretly connected, MXSPEIK or self-made circuitry according to the manual. MX69 since SW version 8; MX62, MX63, MX64 since SW version 25 (September 2006); MX620, MX690, MX64D since start (2006, 2007)
	Analog operation with or without momentum, just as with DCC, selective functions turned on, automatic switching between analog and DCC, display mode.
	Load compensated analog operation for better slow motion and less load dependency. MX63, MX64 since SW-Version 30 (March 2007) MX620, MX64D, MX69, MX690 planned 2007.
	Overload protection for motor and function outputs (in groups) as well as thermal protection.
	Automated stops in front of "red" signals (stop sections), besides ZIMO's own "signal controlled speed influence" it also supports the "brake generator" and "stop on DC signal" method.
	"Signal controlled speed influence" - the ZIMO method for automated stops and speed limits (5-stage speed limits), additional acceleration and deceleration rate settings (separate from standard parameters in CV #3 and #4); use "MAN" key at ZIMO cabs to override these functions.
	Extending the existing ZIMO "signal controlled speed influence" by making it direction dependent (e.g. no stops on "red" signals in opposite direction), adding the "location dependent function control" (as already implemented in function decoders) and the transmission of other position dependent data.
	Automated stops in front of "red" signals with "asymmetrical DCC signal" (according to Umelec/LenzABC). This method offers the possibility to stop trains direction specific with just 4 diodes installed to the track (practically no cost involved). MX69 since SW version 9; MX62, MX63, MX64 since SW version 25; MX620, MX690 since start of delivery
	Distance controlled stopping. The often cited "exact stop point" and "constant stopping distance" doesn't really exist (different disturbances such as poor track to wheel contacts are unavoidable). A large degree of accuracy can be achieved though if the decoder continuously carries out recalculations and corrections - ideally combined with slow down sections and other measures. Software should be ready around the second quarter of 2005, possibly gradual introduction. MX69 since SW version 9; MX62, MX63, MX64 since SW version 25; MX620, MX690 since start of delivery
	"Automated operations" (e.g. shuttle train service), controlled by the decoder. The "logic outputs" of the MX63 or MX64 decoders are converted to inputs (the MX69 has separate inputs) and can be used to trigger a pre-programmed route or function as well as the features of the "signal controlled speed influence" and the "asymmetrical DCC signal". Software should be ready around the second quarter of 2007.
	Complete NMRA function mapping (each function from F0 ... F12 can be mapped to 8 outputs). Additionally special function assignments for direction specific taillight, Swiss loco lighting and more.
	CV (=configuration variables) programming and read-out at the programming track (service mode) as well as on the layout (operational mode, on-the-main). Hard reset by programming CV #8 = 8 (all systems) or by programming decoder to address "0" (with ZIMO cabs only!).
	With a special procedure (initiated with CV #61 = 98), more freedom in mapping function outputs F0 - F12 to function keys F0 - F12 is possible than with the NMRA "function mapping". Each function can be direction specific, if so desired. MX69 since SW version 9; MX620, MX690 since start of delivery.
	"SUSI" interface in order to connect external sound an d function modules.
	"Simulated reel position detector output" in order to support external sound modules. in case of ZIMO sound decoders used internally. MX69 since SW version 9; MX62, MX63, MX64 since SW version 25; MX620, MX690 since start
	Special programming mode for "Lokmaus-2" and other systems with only 2-digit displays (0 - 99).
	Ready made or self defined CV-sets: having several sets of the more important CV's stored in the decoder allows for a quick loco characteristic switchover - for example, switch between a single loco or consist, passenger or goods train. Already exists in part since 2003 (for locos with Norwegian lighting system); full implementation planned during 2005.
	Incremental CV programming: a method that replaces the tedious CV programming of driving characteristics by simple CV corrections during operation. Software probably ready in the second quarter of 2005.
	Dimming function of outputs, flashers and function specific dimming (high beam/low beam), assignable to the various outputs.
	Activation of decouplers (system Roco, Krois), soft-start of function outputs (including headlights), US-lighting effects (mars, strobe, double strobe, gyra, ditch lights) with variable cycle time and minimum dim value.
	New effects for lights and other functions such as slow headlights turn-off, street car stop lights and more. Such features are often customer driven. We are open and grateful for your suggestions too. Gradual implementation.
	ZIMO loco number recognition - received commands are acknowledged by high current pulses, which can be interpreted by corresponding detectors (inside track section module MX9).
	RailCom ("Bi-directional communication") is already present in terms of hardware on all ZIMO decoders. Implementation through software update; there will be continous development of new features for many years ! MX63, MX64 since SW version 29 (march 2007); MX620, MX64D since SW version 5 (september 2007); MX69, MX690 in autumn 2007.
	User-activated software-update (update with latest software without opening the loco, no charge, in a matter of minutes) for all ZIMO decoders (function decoder MX68 excepted). Updateable decoders delivered since September 2004; the necessary update module MXDECUP is available since January 2005. Latest software updates are listed on the UPDATE page of ZIMO's web site.
	Expansion to multi-protocol decoder (Motorola, ev. Selectrix). MX69 with MOTOROLA since SW version 9; MX620, MX690 with MOTOROLA since start of delivery.
	Control of C-Sinus motors und SoftDrive motors in Märklin and Trix locos with 21-pole interface (as built 2006, 2007). Only MX62D since start (september 2007).