Function decoders are vehicle decoders for non-driven vehicles, i.e. without motor power amplifier, but with some special characteristics to be used in cars, which are mostly part of a train driven by a motor vehicle (locomotive).
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FUNCTION |
![]() MX671/R/N ![]() MX671 /R (top) ![]() MX671 /R (bottom) ![]() MX671N (NEM-651dir, top) ![]() MX671N (NEM-651dir, bottom) ![]() |
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![]() MX675V ![]() MX675V top ![]() MX675V bottom ![]() |
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DECODER FAMILIES |
MX671 MX671R, MX671N |
MX673P22
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MX675V
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MX676VD
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MX685P16 MX685, MX685R |
MX686D
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MX688N18 |
MX689 MX689, MX689P22 |
In development
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In development
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see info below
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Dimensions (mm) | 10,5 x 8 x 2,2 | 22 x 15 x 3.5 | 25 x 15 x 4 | 26 x 15 x 3.5 | 20 x 11 x 3.5 | 20.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 | 15 x 9.5 x 2.8 | 30 x 15 x 4 |
Connections | 9 wires, with NEM-652, or NEM-651(pins) |
PluX-22 | 10 wires | 21MTC | PluX-16 / 7 wires / " with NEM-652 |
21MTC | Next18 | - |
Continuous Current | 0. 7 A | 1.2 A | 1.8 A | 1.8 A | 1.0 A | 1.2 A | 0.7 A | 1.2 A |
The "continuous current" indicates the maximum output rate of the decoder (total), whereby average surrounding conditions are assumed. What limits the continuous current is the heat development; the integrated temperature sensor turns off the consumers when the PCB reaches about 100°C. Displaying overload (= overcurrent): the decoder quickly flashes the headlights (about 5 Hz= 5 times per second); it restarts the decoder after the PCB cooled down about 20°C (hysteresis). |
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"Normal" Funct. Outputs | 6 | 10 (9) | 12 (9) | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
ZIMO decoders have different types of outputs. They vary between the families in number and resilience:
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Current limiter Fu. Out. | in total 0.7 A | in total 0.8 A | in total 0.8 A | in total 0.8 A | in total 1 A | in total 1.2 A | in total 0.7 A | in total 1.2 A |
For reasons of limited space, the output current of the function outputs is presented in total (all outputs together or in groups). The individual FO is strong enough, though, to cope with all the current, if needed. In case of overcurrent, the output is not turned off immediately, but after a time in tenths of a second or milliseconds, depending on the amount exceeding the defined threshold. This, inter alia, makes a cold start of light bulbs possible. In case this is not enough, the function "soft start" was developed. |
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Logic Level Outputs | - | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 4, 2 alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt zu SUSI |
"Logic level" (also called "unamplified") outputs provide a voltage level (0V for off, 5V for on) via an internal 10K resistor on an output (i.e. max. 5mA output current), which can be used via an external amplifier. This is usually done by the user, but the M4000Z by ZIMO is also useful; see instruction manual of the decoders. WARNING: "logic level" outputs are NOT active by default, because they use the same contacts as the SUSI-interface (Data & Clock) and as the servo control wires. The user defines, how the shared contacts are used, by setting: CV #124: Bit 7 = 0 -> SUSI Bit 7 = 1 -> Logic Level and CVs #181, #182 (if those are set, the shared contacts are used as servo control wires). |
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Servo Outputs | - | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2, alt. zu SUSI | 2 | 2, alt. zu SUSI |
Outputs for servo control wires; with these, standard servos (Graupner, Robbe, etc.) can be controlled, whereby different operating modes as well as end positions, cycle times, etc. can be defined in CVs #161 to #182. Decoders with a 5V low voltage output (MX687W) also provide the operating voltage for the servos. The servo outputs use the same outputs as SUSI (Clock & Data) and are activated with CVs #181, #182; SUSI is then deactivated. |
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SUSI | - | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
The "SUSI" interface originally was designed, because it was difficult to place sound production in the decoder (regarding space and processor performance), and therefore individual sound modules were created which were controlled via SUSI data lines (Clock and Data) by the decoder. Further function outputs could also be realized that way. Those additional modules are partly still on the market, although the solution technically is not up-to-date anymore and related to functional limitations. Most of the ZIMO decoders have "SUSI" connections, because these lines feature a fast transmission protocol for the communication between train (locomotive decoder) and attached cars (function decoders) via conductive couplings. Another use of the "SUSI" interface would be the connection to environmental sensors (tilt, lateral acceleration, GPS, ...) and train radio modules or balise readers in the vehicle. Last, but not least, it made more function outputs possible (see above). |
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Direct Energy Storage | yes (25 V) | yes (16 V) | yes (16 V) | yes (16 V) | - | yes | - | - |
ZIMO always recommended the use of stay-alive capacitors (for all decoders); nevertheless, until 2009 the user had to interconnect additional components (throttle, diode, ... available in a set as SPEIKOMP or SPEIGOMP) around the capacitor. This was to prevent disturbing effects while programming, during loco number recognition and because of the in-rush current (high amount of power after start-up, which can overload the central command station). For function decoders, capacities of up to a few 1000 µF are practical, values greater than about 10.000 µF are NOT recommended (possible overload of the charging circuit). DO NOT connect Goldcap modules, because they can cause problems! The energy storage unit on a function decoder is designed to prevent light flickering. |
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Low Voltage Outputs | - | - | adjustable | adjustable | - | - | - | 5 V (200 mA) |
Some decoder types contain a built-in low voltage supply, fixed with 1.5V resp. adjustable (type V), or 5V (type W), which can be used as an alternate positive pole ("blue wire"). The low voltage source is based on a switching regulator which is efficient and produces just little heat loss. Such a low voltage source is used to:
The use of low voltage supply is additionally advantageous, because it provides stable voltage regardless of fluctuations in the track voltage, and by connecting an energy storage capacitor it works without contact interruptions. |
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Speaker Output | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 - 8 Ohm |
Those are naturally found on sound decoders. 8 Ohm speakers can be used everywhere; the product range is wide and some speakers can be found in ZIMO's product range as well. Recommendation: especially efficient (i.e. high volume at small space requirements) are the the rectangular miniature speakers LS10x15 6 LS8x12 from the ZIMO product range. Those types are usually built-in in mobile phones, and difficult to obtain on the market (especially not with sound box). Regardless, selecting a speaker means: the bigger, the better; although it very much depends on a stabilized installation, i.e. a hermetic sound box or loco-housing. |
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Audio Performance | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 W |
ZIMO sound decoders use digital audio amplifiers, which are supplied each by a 5V switching regulator. This solution provides a sound that is not influenced by fluctuations of the track voltage, also at rather low voltage in analog mode (little higher than 5V). |
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Sound Memory | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 32 Mbit |
A sound storage of 32 Mbit corresponds to 180 sec playback time in higher quality (22 kHz sample rate); or 360 sec in lower quality (11kHz). Sound projects by ZIMO usually have samples with 22kHz. |
Info: The function decoder MX689 up to now is a project, whichs development is considered, if an appropriate need or demand, rises.