The software of the MXULF (A) is in constant development, and, depending on delivery date, a specific software development stage is included. On the ZIMO website under the Menu "Update & Sound", the latest update for the MXULF is available and can be downloaded and installed via USB stick. NOTE: the number of the software development stage does NOT correspond directly to the software version number, please refer to the operating manual for details.

- Software Development Stage 1 (Update and Sound Loading) - since the end of 2011 (start of  MXULF)
  -- Stage 3 (driving operation for its own operation element SUSI sound loading)- Since Dec. 2012
    Stage 5 (CV programming, synchronous update for accessory decoders) - Sep / Oct 2013
      Further stages of expansion - USB interface for computers, RailCom, etc.. - Planned

MXULF and especially MXULFA (the version with display) are more than simple decoder update appliances, they are designed more as a small digital systems. The tasks include (in Software Stage 5) :

• Loading new software versions (software updates) from a USB stick into ZIMO decoders of all kinds (locomotive, function, accessory decoder), vehicle with decoder while on the "update track",

• Synchronous update for already installed accessories of the ZIMO MX820 decoder generation,
• Loading sound projects from the USB stick into ZIMO sound decoders, vehicle on "update track",
• Fast Sound loading (about 1 min instead of 10 min) on SUSI connections to the decoder,

• Driving and function switching for one address using the controls of the MXULF (scroll wheel, 4 keys and LEDs) to test the recently changed decoder,

• Programming and reading the CVs of the connected decoder or vehicle, writing and checking the load code for coded Sound Projects

MXULF can be used as an inexpensive workshop or test system for many aspects, even applicable for foreign decoders (obviously not for software updates and loading sound projects).

Operating and display elements of the MXULF: 4 buttons, 1 scroll wheel, and 8 two-color LEDs.
External connections: screw terminals for supply rail (update track), "SUSI" connector, USB (client, to computer), USB (host, for USB stick).

The decoder update device is supplied in two versions: MXULF and MXULFA. The difference is in the display (2 x 16 characters), which only the MXULFA has, but the display can also be retrofitted into an MXULF (using the MXULDIS kit). The display is particularly important in driving and programming operations, almost indispensable. There will be, in the future, also the ability to choose among a number of sound projects on the USB stick (currently you can only have one "Ready-to-use" Sound Project i.e. one  .zpp file on the stick). 

The MXULF can be powered from any voltage source (DC 10 - 16V, AC 10 - 20V) . Therefore, no power supply is included!

MXULF in decoder update and sound upload mode:

Decoder Software Update and Sound Project Loading with MXULF from USB-Stick:

First, power must be connected (for example, a mains power supply or to the rails), and this power is displayed on an LED. Then the device is connected to the decoder, either directly to the locomotive with the decoder or via the rail ("update track") with the locomotive on it. Another LED indicates that the ZIMO decoder has been detected.

The respective LED shows whether a decoder update file collection (zsu file.) and/or a sound project (zpp file) was found when the USB drive is queried. With the key in question (1 or 2), the update process or the sound file loading is started (and then you see flashing green LEDs).

The LEDs will then show success (steady green) or failure (flashing red) of the update/load.

Driving with the MXULF:

About the R key :- A long press calls up the menu, where the commonly option FAHR for DRIVE is already preset, press the R-key briefly to switch to drive mode, one of the direction LEDs indicates this. First MXULF automatically read from the connected decoder some CVs (which can be monitored on the display), in particular the address (this needs dos not need to be set in advance, as usual). With the scroll wheel, the speed is controlled, with the R button you can control the direction of travel (or fast stop), and with the buttons 1, 2, 3, the first 3 functions (and by long-pressing the buttons you switch between the ranges F0,F1, F2 then F3, F4.F5 then F6,F7,F8, as shown on the display.

       
                 Typical Screens in Driving Mode