Command stations and controllers from the "old" Systems (MX1, MX1HS, MX1EC, MX31, MX31FU, MX31ZL) are no longer available!

The "old" ZIMO System

.

 MX1, MX1HS

 Standard and High,
 Current Command Sation

MX1EC

Economy
Command Station

MX31, MX31FU

Controller,
     Radio Controller

.More Info - Click on the underlined Product Family (MX1, MX31, ...) !

  MXFU

    Radio Base Module

MX7, MX7/3

Reverse Loop Modules

MX8S, MX8M

Accessory modules

MX9V, MX8B

Track section modules

CAN-Bus

Cables and connections

 

MX1

MX1 Command Station,
MX1HS High Current
                  Command Station
 

  MX1

Technical Information:

 
pdf
manual for
MX1, MX1HS, MX1EC
    Power supply by external transformer (MX1HS: 2 Transformer)
Stabilized track voltage
Max. track current of MX1, output  "SCHIENE 1" (Track 1)
Max. track current of MX1HS, output  "SCHIENE 1", "SCHIENE 2" (Track 1, Track 2)
Max. current on programming track (Output "PROG" at MX1)
FLASH EPROM / RAM memory
Lithium battery for data retainment in RAM
Dimensions
Weight

24 - 28 V, min. 150 VA, e.g.TRAFO25
adjustable 12 - 24 V
8 - 10 A,
reducible  through CV
2 x 8 A (15 A par.)

3 A, 
reducible  through CV
256 kByte / 256 kByte
10 years
210 x 90 x 210 mm
1500 g (MX1) / 2000 g (MX1HS)

     
The command station, the heart of the ZIMO system, generates stabilized power to the track, a standardized DCC signal as well as the MOTOROLA format. Being the CAN bus central unit, it also processes data from the cabs connected (loco speed and functions, programming procedures etc.) as well as from a possibly hooked up computer;

It also manages and controls other ZIMO products, such as accessory and track section modules.
 

The track voltage can be adjusted between 12 and 24 Volts to accommodate all scales and provide optimum conditions for any kind of operation. The high output current of 8 Amps is enough to power 10 or more HO trains or 5 or more large scale engines simultaneously. ZIMO's high output MX1HS delivers even more power with 2x8 Amps for two separate layout sections or, used in parallel, for one large section.
 

However, ZIMO's command stations are more than simple high powered digital central units: the big difference to command stations of other DCC systems becomes apparent when looking at the informative display showing voltage and amperage to each track outlet and the status of the CAN bus, it's 8 inputs for  automated shuttle train operations and for future expansions ("automatic operations"), the software development possibilities in directions of operational control and train surveillance techniques (block control at first).

 

Front view including the MX1 (MX1HS) display:

 
  • 3  LEDs (MX1HS: 4 LEDs) show the units actual status: Input voltage, track voltage, short circuit, transformer input too low.

  • The illuminated display with 2 x 16 digits is normally used to indicate track voltage and power (separate for main and programming track at MX1, or the two track outputs at the MX1HS), as well as for the CAN bus activity (C..%) or CAN bus error (E..). Product and version number will be shown depending on system state; help information is shown in the scope of programming procedures (initiated from connected cabs).

  • The red adjusting knob is used to regulate the track voltage (12-24V), the MX1HS features two regulators.

Display
Back view of the MX1 (MX1HS)
  • Socket for external transformer (MX1HS: 2 sockets for 2 Transformers),

  • Two identical sockets, wired in parallel ("Western", 6 pin  "Telephone", "modular jacks") for CAN bus, to connect cabs, accessory modules,  track section modules, infrared and radio cabs, turn table modules, computer and possibly future system components,

  • 8 switches to select data format (protocol), various particular selections (programming protection, clear memory,.....) and booster number (MX1HS used in slave mode),

  • 8 auxiliary inputs for shuttle train operation, future "automatic operations", external emergency stop button,

  • Sockets for main track (SCHIENE 1) and programming track (PROG),
    or (with MX1HS) to track 1 (SCHIENE 1) and track 2 (SCHIENE 2),

  • DC and ground connections (ahead of DCC end stage) for uses such as, the supply of the     MX7,

  • 4 pin control bus socket to connect boosters (ZIMO MXBOO or MX1HS) as slave units but    also 3rd  party products using a control bus,

  • RS 232 Interface.

Configuration Variables of the MX1 (MX1HS):

Similar to configuration variables in decoders, general system settings can be configured and certain sequences and functions defined; access to the command station CV's is possible with any cab connected.

The RS 232 Interface

does several tasks:

  • Updating the command station by downloading a new software version, available at the ZIMO web site, into the units own flash EPROM; in the future, connected cabs and modules can also be updated provided they too contain a flash EPROM.

  • Several software products can be used for driving, switching and programming with a computer, especially suitable is E. Sperrer's programming software "ADaPT".

 

The Starter Sets:

The command station MX1 (or MX1HS) is usually obtained as part of a ZIMO starter set. Additionally, a cab, one or two decoders for the selected scale, the necessary cable and connectors and a ZIMO manual (which not only contains the information of the starter set but of all ZIMO components) is part of a starter set. NOTE: The necessary transformer is not included; TRAFO25 is recommended by ZIMO, but any other transformer can be used (ca. 24V, min 150VA).
 

Rueckseite
CV # 5, 6   Reduction of the max. allowable current to the track (0,1 A - 8 A)
CV # 7, 8   Power off time during short circuit  (adjustable from 0,002 to 0,5 sec)
CV # 9, 10  Voltmeter calibration
CV # 11, 13, 14   Modification of timing  and bit sequence, DCC signal (not for normal use)
CV # 11   Bit rate at the RS 232 interface (1200 - 38400 bit/s)
CV # 19   Pseudo address to control one analog engine
CV # 20, 21  Automatic stop time between change of directions.
CV # 22   Time interval of turnout operations in a switching route (0,01 to 4 sec)
CV # 25, 26   Zeroing of Amp. meter
CV # 27   General selection between "8-Function"  and "12-Function” mode.
CV # 31 - 38   Assignment of auxiliary inputs for shuttle trains, emergency stop, switching route activation, release of programming protection.
CV # 41 - 56  
Stop time in a automated shuttle train operation. 
CV # 57 - 64   Enter switching routes for automatic activation.
CV # 81 - 84  
Steps to improve data transmission.
CV # 93, 94    current tresholds for programming (better results in programming process)
CV # 95, 96   wait states and reset packages for programming
CV # 100, 101   special CV for ABA's (operating schedules)
from CV # 110  special CV for  ARA's (automated routing schemes)

Order Information

Available via an Customized Startset (see: Click on Products) or as single component:
Individual Components:
MX1 The ZIMO standard command station with 8 A of power.
MX1HS The ZIMO high output command station with 2 x 8A output; can also be used as a booster unit (in slave mode).
MX1BOO Booster unit with 2 x 8 A of power, largely identical to the MX1HS.
Accessories:
MX1STECK Connector set for MX1 or MX1HS.
Transformer:
TRAFO25 A primary power supply is needed for the MX1 or MX1HS (a 24 - 28 V transformer with a min of 150 VA capacity).
Transformer; primary 220 - 240 V, secondary  25 V, capacity 200 VA
Provides optimum power for the command stations!

For each MX1, one TRAFO25 is needed.
For each MX1HS,  two TRAFO25 are needed (to achieve full potential).

trafo

Last Update: 2010-09-30

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