|
All types MX695
(old, no longer in production, predecessor of MX699):
similar to MX699, but NO integrated Supercaps, "only" connection for an external energy storage device.
All types MX699
(currently in production):
6 A motor current, 2 A function current (total),
10 Watt audio power, synchronous rectifier for less internal loss, 8 or 15 function outputs , additionally 4 servo connections ("KN-" and "V-types" include a 5 V supply, "S-types" only have connections for the control, wires), three integrated Supercaps as energy storage devices (= a capacity of 1 Farad on 8 V), additional connection for an external energy storage (also for Goldcaps). screw terminals/ pin connectors: more than MX695 (2 x 12 or 3 x 12) to 2 x 14 or 3 x 14.
MX695KN (without Sound):
32 screw terminals + 4 3-pole pin connectors (connections for servo), 14 function outputs, 3 low voltage outputs (5 V, 10 V, variable), 4 connections for servo (each: control wire, ground, supply + 5 V), potentiometer.
(This non-sound large scale decoder is the only one of this family that is still being produced!)
MX695KN WITHOUT Sound
MX695KV (old - no longer in production, predecessor of MX699K): 36 screw terminals+ 4 3-pole pin connectors (connections for servo), 14 function outputs and 1 special output for smoke fan, 3 low voltage outputs (5 V, 10 V, variable 1.2 V to full), 4 connections for servo (each: control wire, ground, supply + 5 V), two controllers (volume, potentiometer).
MX699KV (currently in production):
42 screw terminals (compared to the MX695, it additionally has a Train-Bus and amplified pins for the connection to the motor), 15 function outputs (instead of 14), 2 special outputs for smoke fan (instead of 1), 2-Bit-switch for low voltage adjustment: to 1.5 - 6.5 - 14 - 19 V, the rest is like MX695KV, but like all MX699 of course with three Supercaps.
MX699KS
(old - no longer in production, predecessor of MX699KS): 28 screw termianls, 8 function outputs, 1 low voltage output (10 V)
MX699KS (currently in production): 32 screw termianls, 8 function outputs, two low voltage outputs (5 V, 10 V), 4 complete servo connections (i.e. with 5 V, instead of only connections for the control wires like MX695).
MX695KV (old)
MX695KS (old)
MX699KV
MX699KS
MX695LV (old, no longer in production, predecessor of MX699LV)
3 pin connectors, each 12-pole +4 3-pole pin connectors (connections to servo), 14 function outputs and 1 special output for smoke fan, 3 low voltage function outputs (5 V, 10 V, variable 1,2 V to full), 4 connections for servo (each control wire, ground, supply + 5 V, two controllers(volume, potentiometer).
MX699LV (currently in production):
3 pin connectors, each 14-pole +4 3-pole pin connectors(connections to servo), 15 function outputs (instead of 14), 2 special outputs for smoke fan (instead of 1), 2-Bit-switch for low voltage adjustment: to 1,5 - 6,5 - 14 - 19 V, the rest is like MX695LV, but like all MX699 of course with three Supercaps, with 6 mm langen pin connectors (i.e. 10 mm higher than PCB).
MX699LLV (currently in production): like MX699LV, but with 12 mm pin connectors (i.e. 16 mm higher than PCB)
MX695LS
(old, no longer in production, predecessor of MX699LS):
3 pin connectors: 2x12 + 4-pole, 8 function outputs, one low voltage output (10 V)
MX699LS (currently in production): 3 pin connectors: 2 x 14-pole, 8 function outputs, two voltages (5V, 10V), 4 complete connections for servo (i.e. with 5 V instead of only for control wires like on MX695), with 6 mm pin connectors (d.h. 10 mm higher than PCB)
MX699LLS (currently in production): like MX699LS, but with 12 mm pin connectors (i.e. 16 mm higher than PCB)
MX699LM: can be seen as derivative of the MX699LV, with screw terminals instead of "third" pin connector,
or as derivative of the MX699LS: same pin connectors, but additional screw terminals for he functions of the -LV.
MX69LS and MX699LM can be used with the 2 x 14 -pole Märklin interface (-LM has additional connections on the screw terminals)
MX695LV (old)
MX695LS (old)
MX699LV 
MX699LS 
MX699LLV MX699LLS
MX699LM 
All types MX696:
4 A motor current, 2 A function current (total), 10 Watt Audio power
(except: MX696N), synchronous rectifier for less internal loss, 4 servo connections (only for control wires, no 5 V
supply in contrast to MX695), connection for external energy storagy device (also for GoldCaps) - especially important for uninterrupted sound.
MX696N (type without sound):
20-pole pin connector, 8 function outputs, one low voltage output (10 V).
 MX696N: WITHOUT sound; all other types WITH sound.
MX696V: two 20-pole pin connectors, 14 function outputs and 1 special output for smoke fan, low voltage output variable (1.2 V to full voltage) and one fixed low voltage output (10 V), 4 connections for servo control wires.
MX696S:
1 20-pole pin connector and 1 10-pole pin connector, 8 function outputs, one low voltage output (10 V)
MX696KV (combination of loco PCB + decoder
LOKPL96KV + MX696V,combined as individual type): 30 screw terminals + 4 3-pole pin connectors (connections for servo, each control wire, ground, + 5 V), 14 function outputs and 1 special putput for smoke fan,
2 low voltage outputs (5 V, and variable1.2 V to about 18 V), controller (variable low voltage).
MX696KS
(combination of loco PCB + decoder
LOKPL96KS + MX696S) 20 screw terminals, 8 function outputs.
All types MX697: the pictures do not correspond to the final product!
 
MX697V: 4A motor current, 2 A function current (total), 10 Watt audio power, synchronous rectifier for less internal loss, 4 connections for servo (each
control wire, ground, supply, connection for external energy storage device (also for Goldcaps).
MX697S
: 4 connections for servo (only for control wires)
|
|
circuit layout MX695KV (screw terminals) and MX695LV (pin connectors)
Note: types MX695KS or MX695LS - connectors on the upper side with 4 instead of 12 poles!
circuit layout MX696V (20-pole double row pin connections on the right and the left)
Note: MX696S - on the right pin connector 10-pole instead of 20-pole
circuit layout MX699KV (screw terminals) and MX699LV (pin connectors)
Note: types MX699KS or MX699LS - connectors on the upper side with 6 instead of 12 poles!
pin assignment loco board LOKPL95BV
pin connection loco board LOKPL96KV
= decoder MX696KV, a combination from loco board LOKPL96KV and decoder MX696V
solder pads loco board LOKPL99
|
|
The dimensions refer to the length of the decoder PCB without the break-off plates with the screw holes; at delivery, the decoders are longer by 2 x 6 mm.
The types MX696KS and MX696KV are a combination of loco board + decoder (LOKPL96KV + MX696V
or LOKPL96KS + MX696S). They are handled as individual products, because it usually is a suitable combination. Functionally and in connection terms (screw terminals), MX696KS and MX696KV largely correspond to MX695KS and MX695KV (except the low voltage output 10V is not accessible), but they are significantly slimmer (29 instead of 40 mm). Therefore, they are a little longer and higher, and this way useful to fit them in steam boilers of 33mm and bigger.
|
|
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 the consumers off immediately, when the PCB reaches about 100°C. In contrast, when exceeding the higher "peak current", the current sensor is activated.
Displaying overload (=overtemperature): the decoder quickly flashes the headlights (about 5 Hz); the decoder is resarted after the PCB cooled down about 20°C (hysteresis).
Indicating a maximum continuous current is a simplification, although every manufacturer indicates it, because a truly correct specification would be enourmously extensive and hardly understandable. The actually possible continuous current depends on many factors (e.g. the air temperature inside the loco).
Due to the fact that all ZIMO large scale decoders are equipped with a low-loss synchronous rectifier (instead of the usual bridge rectifier that consists of 4 diodes and heat up faster), they usually have enough reserve assets.
|
|
While the continuous current regards the long-time heat development in the decoder (see above), the "peak current" defines the threshold on which the power consumption itself (also with hypothetically perfect cooling) is the maximum load of the respective components. This does not mean that the decoder is turned off immediately after exceeding the peak current; in this case exceeding the threshold is possible for some seconds or milliseconds. The closer the current is to the short circuit current, the faster the decoder is turned off.
In case the motor is turned off due to exceeding the peak current or short circuit current, it is turned on again after 3 seconds, but this is not displayed (i.e. no flashing headlights like overtemperature). In combination with the bidirectional communication (RailCom etc.), alarms on the controller are planned.
|
|
ZIMO decoders have different types of outputs. They vary between the families in number and resilience:
- "Normal" (often called "reinforced") function outputs as they come in decoders of all makes, these are (technically) "open collector" or "open drain" outputs to which headlights, other lamps, smoke generators, uncoupler coils and other devices can be connected. The second connection of the consumer can be connected to:
- the "common positive pole" of the decoder (blue wire), or
- the "low voltage output" (purple wire) if the decoder has one (MX632V, MX632W).
- it is also possible to connect the second output of a consumer to the left or right rail (in some vehicles this must be done anyway, because the light bulbs are connected via the conducting chassis), whereby the consumer only receives current half the time (using symmetric DCC signal), i.e. light bulbs only have half the brightness (although it seems brighter than that).
- "Special outputs for smoke generators: In contrast to the "normal" function outputs, this one can brake the fan motor, what increases the fan's pulsed operation - it practically cuts off the steam puffs.
- "Logic level" (often also called "unamplified") outputs, see below.
- "LED outputs", see below.
- Outputs for servo control, see below.
|
|
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 that exceeds the defined threshold. This, inter alia, makes a cold start of light bulbs possible. For the case that this is not enough, the function "soft start" was developed.
|
|
To control the fan motor of a clocked smoke generator, a special connection for a smoke fan is used. In contrast to "normal" function outputs, this one can brake the fan motor (by shorting the motor terminals in the breaks), whereby the smoke fan produces shorter puffs.
The output is designed for a 5V-motor and withstands a continuous current of up to 100mA; the start-up current can be higher.
A pulsed smoke generator consists of a smoke fan and heating element.
Since SW version 34, a single heating element can be connected to any function output of FA1-FA8 (effects CVs).
If two heating elements are to be connected, the following must be observed in order to provide the necessary power:
The 1st heating element is connected to FA1-6 with the minus cable and the plus cable to the common +10 V (fixed). The 2nd heating element is connected with the minus cable to FA7 or FA8 and the plus cable to +10 V (variable low voltage, set to +10 V) The latter is not possible with the models MX699KS and MX699LS due to the reduced equipment!
|
|
LED-Outputs are special logic level outputs, i.e. stronger than those (up to 10mA) and equipped with a LED resistor (330 Ohm), so it is possible to directly connect a LED. The LED has to be connected to the GROUND of the decoder, (not to the positive pole as usual). LED outputs can always be used as logic level outputs (with an external amplifier).
|
|
Outputs for servo control wires; with these, standard servos (Grauppner, 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.
Servo supply MX695, MX697, MX699:
V-decoders (...KV, ...LV, ...) and the non sound version MX695KN are equipped with complete servo connections, including 5V supply. S-types (...KS, ...LS, ...) are only equipped with connections for control wires (5V supply has to be provided externally).
Servo supply MX696:
with the MX696V the variable low voltage can be used for the 5V supply; this is then blocked for all other voltages. MX696N and MX696S are only equipped with the connections for the control wires (the 5V supply has to be provided externally).
|
|
The "SUSI" interface originally was designed, because it was difficult to place sound production in the decoder (regarding space and processor performance), and therefore own 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 (functional or car decoder) 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).
Attention: on the MX695, the SUSI interface is only partially functional because of the functions' conbination on the processor pins (depending on software version and on needs); all other families have fully functional SUSI interfaces.
|
|
Decoders of the family MX699 contain 3 internal Supercaps with 3 Farad each (former Goldcaps), which enable an effective energy storage for 1-5 seconds, depending on the consumptions. This allows to pass dirty or powerless parts of the track, without interruptions in the sound in full volume.
NOTE: The three Supercaps are connected in series and charged to 8V (2.7V per cell), so they can supply the decoder with max. 8V if needed (declining in typical capacitor discharging curve). A "set-up" controller in the decoder makes sure that the sound, nonetheless, is supplied with 10V. The supply for motor and function outputs (if they are supplied by track voltage, not by 5V or 10V low voltage) drops to the Supercap's voltage. This is enough to continue driving, altough it could have an impact (most of the time the interruptions happen when driving slowly).
THEREFORE: if needed, external energy storage modules can be connected to all large-scale decoders. Those modules have to be designed for 16V, and charged to this amount. See "external energy storage".
|
|
Energy storage modules, connected to decoders as capacitors or Supercaps, have a big impact in a number of ways; already small capacitors of 470µF show a positive effect (see below) - bigger capacitors up to 10,000µF or Goldcap-packs with some 100,000µF or F - even more.
The advantages of energy storage modules are the following:
- avoid getting stuck and light flickering on dirty tracks or frogs, especially in combination with the software feature "prevent stopping on powerless parts of the tracks" (included in all ZIMO decoders). This feature provides that the loco continues driving until power is detected again on the wheelts.
- less heat development by preventing blind consumption in the decoder, especially on decoders with low-resistance motors.
- using RailCom: elimination of energy loss by "RailCom-cutouts", reduction of the motor sounds produced by RailCom, better RailCom signal quality (=readability), already useful with 470 µF.
- the "HLU-cutout" also prevents energy loss at ZIMO's "signal controlled speed influence".
|
|
Low voltage function outputs are available as alternative positive poles (instead of the "common positive pole" which is the rectified track voltage). The low voltage sources are based on efficient, low heat producing, switches.
Low voltage is used for:
- operate low voltage lights (1.2 - 1.5V or 5-6V) like headlights or other light bulbs
- operate LEDs, whereby the 5V version (or 10V) is used and the LEDs are operated via a 330 Ohm resistor (with 10V more likely 1K) - this way, less heat loss is produced than when operating them with full voltage via 2K2 resistors.
- supply standard servos (5-6V), which's control wires use the servo outputs of the decoder
- supply smoke generators (usually 10V)
The use of low voltage supplay is additionally advantageous, because it provides stable voltage, regardless of fluctuations in the track voltage.
Depending on the type, a fixed 5V or 10V supply is available, whereby the 10V low voltage is parallely used inside the decoder to supply the sound amplifier. Due to the fact that every large scale decoder has a 10V low voltage output, load peaks can be heard.
The "variable" low voltage (provided by large scale decoders type V) can eb adjusted via potentiometer from 1.5V to 18V. For the "adjustable" low voltage of MX699, there is a micro switch with 4 steps; 1.5V - 6.5V - 10V - 15V. These precise values can be reduces (e.g. from 6.5V to 5V) by software dimming (CVs).
|
|
Inputs are mainly important for sound decoders: they are used to connect cam sensors (to play steam chuffs synchonously) or to activate position-dependent sound functions (by Reed-contacts), for example a warning signal before reaching a level crossing.
|
|
Selecting a speaker means: the bigger, the better, whereby it naturally depends on the quality of the product and also a professional installation, i.e. a hermetic sound box or loco housing. The product range of VISATON speakers is very popular with large scales, especially the LSFRS7 (available as accessory from ZIMO).
|
|
ZIMO large scale decoders use digital audio amplifiers that are supplied by the integrated 10V switch. This prevents fluctuations in the sound, also at rather low voltage in analog mode (with a step-up switch starting at about 5V).
|
|
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.
|
ZIMO large sacle decoders' features (valid for all types)
in order to maintain clarity.
