MX32 Controller  -  new software version 1.11 soon (March 2012) available for download!

 see:     Update & Sound  ->  Update: System (MX10, MX32)  ->  Zur Update-Seite ... (in German) 

New Decoder Family MX696 for Large Scales
          - with MX695 and MX696, 8 types to choose from (as of April)

In addition to the production (since mid-2011) of large scale sound decoders of the family MX695,now comes the MX696. ZIMO now provides, in the large scale market, a wide range of locomotive decoders: 6 types WITH SOUND, and 2 types with no sound (but with connections for external sound modules).

The 3 new types of the family MX696 represent a good extension of the current offer, because:

MX696 is   - comparatively narrow construction (29 mm instead of 40mm), fits well in tight steam boiler,
                    - connections are largely compatible with its predecessor the MX690,
                    - inexpensive (RRP from € 148 with sound, € 78 no sound)

For comparison: The MX695 (in photo: MX695KV)

 51 x 40 x 14 mm (ohne Abbrechlaschen)

Motor current = total current:   6 A

8 or 14 function outputs depending on type

4 servo outputs complete with 5 V supply

Low voltage outputs:  5 V fixed, 10 V fixed, and
    (V type) 1,5 V to 20 V (or rail max), adjustable

A choice of screw connections or pins

          MX696KN - without Sound, 14 Functions
          MX695LS - Sound, 8 Functions, pins
          MX695LV - Sound, 14 Functions, pins
          MX695KS - Sound, 8 Functions, screws.
          MX695KV - Sound, 14 Functions, screws

Price (RRP, depending on type) with Sound: €158 to €208, without Sound:  €98

The new MX696 (in photo: MX696V type).

55 x 29 x 16 mm (ohne Abbrechlaschen)

Motor current = total current:  4 A

8 or 14 function outputs depending on type

4 servo control ouptus (V type with 5 V variable)

Low voltage outputs: 10 V fix, and
(V type 1,5 V to 20 V (or rail max), adjustable

2 rows of pins (for 20 pin ribbon cable)


          MX696N - without Sound, 8 Functions
          MX696S - Sound, 8 Functions
          MX696V - Sound, 14 Functions, low voltage


Price (RRP, depending on type) with Sound:  €148 to €168, without Sound: €78

All current ZIMO large scale decoders (ie, MX695 and MX696) have in common: :

+ Low heat even under heavy load due to highly efficient synchronous rectifier
+ Built-in sensor for ascent / descent and curves (which can drive sound effects)
+ Dedicated output for ventilator fan (with braking effect when switched off for rapid cycling)
+ 22 kHz sound sample rate, 32 Mbit Sound Memory, 6 channels, 10 watts audio power into 4 ohms to 8 ohms
+ Flexible solution for connecting low-cost energy storage (Elko capacitors and Gold Caps), see below!
+ Software update and sound project loading on the track (without opening the loco)
+ Of course all the usual ZIMO features: DCC + MM, RailCom, advanced function mapping, light effects, etc. .

Circuit board of the MX695 (in German), shown here with the full set of connectors, in the reduced versions, the 8 connections on the right of the the top set of connections are removed.



Circuit board of the MX696 (in German), the full expansion (V-type) is shown, in the reduced versions, half of the dual row connector on the right side are removed .

 
Energy Storage Capacitors (Elkos) & Gold Caps - Solutions for Large Scales
(Stay-Alive Cicruits for ZIMO Decoders)

- For driving over dirty track sections and insulated turnout frogs ,
- for interference-free sound reproduction (in practice often the most important point), and 
- to avoid energy losses due to HLU and RailCom gaps.

To provide external energy storage, which is connected to the decoder (in addition to the existing minimum decoder memory), a valuable service.

The specific connection technology for external energy storage on ZIMO decoders ensures that there is no excessive charging current ("in-rush current"), and also ensures that the decoder programming,  the ZIMO HLU loco number, as well as RailCom messages are not disturbed.

As energy storage solutions (especially for large scales), ZIMO provides a range of solutions that can be used with electrolytic capacitors (Elkos) and Gold Caps, as well as other purchased components.

In most cases, the use of simple strong electrolytic capacitors (Elkos) from 4,700 µF, (even better with 10,000 µF) are more than adequate and the cost of this solution is very low and it can already energize periods of a few tenths of a second up to a full second and bridge dead areas of track, of course, strongly dependent on capacity and power consumption of the components.

ELKSOGR pack of capacitors - 10 pieces in total with 10,000 uF or 22 000 uF, which typically are enough for about 5 vehicles (several electrolytic capacitors may be connected in parall in one vehicle, depending on available space). The connection to the decoder (MX695 or MX696) takes place between the terminals or pins called "Energy Storage Plus' and GROUND. Note: there is no direct connection to the "old" types MX69, MX690!  
Substantially greater capacity and storage times can be achieved with Gold Caps, typically about a factor of 10 compared to a electrolytic (Elko) solution; so they can last at least several seconds when current may be provided, the difference in costs however, lies in a similar magnitude.
GOLSOR   Assortment of Gold Caps - 15 pieces (each 1 F, 2.5 V)  which is enough for 2 vehicles, when used in series for the necessary voltage requires 7 Gold Caps. This results in an effective capacity of 140,000 uF per locomotive. The connection of the entire chain (7 pieces) at the decoder is the same result as for electrolytic capacitors (Elkos).                     . . .
GOLMRUND  The finished module contains 7 Gold Caps in series and, like the self-made chain (see above) directly connected to the decoder. Effective capacity of 140 000 uF. Round shape, dimensions: d x h = 25 x 14 mm     
GOLMLANG  The finished module contains 7 Gold Caps in series and, like the self-made chain (see above) directly connected to the decoder. Effective capacity of 140 000 uF. Long body: l x w x h = 8.5 x 62 x 14 mm

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