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The new generation is coming !
This is an artists visualization, not a real photo. The MX31 cab: more attractive with an up-to-date design and latest technology. What has proven itself in the past will be retained by the new MX31 cab, e.g. slightly angled housing (that is ideal for walk-around or desktop application), keypad arrangement and the speed slider. Many useful new items will be added: light bar with 6 LED's to, among others, easily “match” the loco speed during address change and for clear indication of signal initiated stops or breaking, side-mounted encoder for scrolling through address lists (including loco names), setup procedures and possibly even for controlling a second locomotive as well as some new keys (emergency stop, soft keys). We also added a larger display (up to 8 lines) and more importantly, a lot more processing power and an even larger memory for future software extensions. The software development for the MX31 and its predecessor MX21 will for now be jointly conducted, so that owners of today’s cabs can enjoy the new features as well; certain attributes (e.g. larger address table section displayed, soft-key functions) are of course only possible with the new MX31. Emphasis, as in the past, will be placed on a real comfort gain in the way we control locomotives and the layout, and not in the ostensible simplicity of cab handling. Calling up locomotives, trains, turnouts, signals and more by name rather than number (as is already partially realized in the MX21), as well as optimizing loco decoder performance without the bothersome use of CV values pertain to an advanced DCC system, such as ZIMO is offering. Basic functions like 10239 addresses, 128 speed steps, 30 locos in rotational memory, any number of consists, simultaneous control of loco and accessories and so on, are taken for granted with ZIMO cabs for years (Things that are often announced as "new achievements" by the competition). We also started in a completely new direction with the concept of the "PERSONAL RAILROAD ASSISTANT": software for commercially available pocket PC's (PDA) that converts a PDA to an input device for the DCC system. The large touch screen and the powerful Windows CE operating system allows for innovative operational concepts. The first applications should become available in mid 2005 (single cab similar to the one pictured, double cab, programmer tool), many more applications are being considered. An interface is of course required that "translates" between the WLAN of the "PRA" and the ZIMO CAN bus; the designation will most likely be MXELAN (the "E" stands for the integrated Ethernet interface). The “PRA” will on the one hand complement the traditional cabs in ZIMO systems (MX2, MX21 or MX31) and on the other hand can be employed as an independent, single “cab” in conjunction with a command station. |
