Manual in German

MX31 Start of Production

The picture on the left shows the first production MX31

Production has started in August and with it dawns a new era for ZIMO systems (as well as for DCC control in general...).

The MX31 represents a great leap forward in technology, ergonomics and design but does not renounce experiences gained from building 5 generations of ZIMO cabs over the last 25 years.

Our product philosophy is represented by high quality equipment as well as proven and innovative concepts. ZIMO doesn’t offer minimum function handhelds just to get the prices down

The following section lists some typical characteristics and features, which illustrates the status of the ZIMO MX31 in comparison to handhelds, cabs, stations and “mice” of the competition. This list is neither complete nor compiled according to significance:

NOTE: Not all planned features are operational when delivery commences in 2005. ZIMO's concept of a continually evolving system will bring new software updates in the course of this and next year. These updates  will be available to ZIMO users at no charge and may also contain changes to the original planned projects. The ZIMO Service Tool program (ZST) is designed to facilitate the update procedure.

• Unrestricted access to all functions within a ZIMO system (true for all ZIMO cabs): driving, switching, programming, block control, automation.

• Two main operating modes (OPERATOR and EXPERT) with their aim of “basic functions – comfortable and simple” or  “maximum information - largest range of functions”; as well as the “GUEST” mode for the control of one  pre-assigned train only.

• Assignment and use of names not just for locomotive and turnout addresses but also for trains (consists), turnout ladders  and in the future for other elements as well (e.g. operating sequences).

• Keyboard illumination, automatic dimming of LED’s and display (daylight sensor), readable in full sun light.

• Background memory can be superimposed and scrolled through (list of locos and accessories stored in the background memory, ready to be activated) at the same time a loco or accessory address is active; switching to a selected background address is possible with just one keystroke.

• Simultaneous control of two locos (incl. graphical representation), speed/direction with speed slider/directional key or encoder wheel respectively, particularly suitable for shunting activities and consist building.

• Accessibility of most application levels either through a comprehensive menu structure with integrated help files or by direct acting key combinations.

• Programming mode (service mode and operational mode) with "command line memory" to simplify experimental changes in coherent decoder CV’s that also allows copying to other addresses.

• Integration of the bidirectional communication in the areas of “driving”, “switching” and “programming”. Numerical display of target speed and actual speed as well as indicators for automated signal stops and brake sections. Fast clock, selectable as local time or synchronized system-time.

• Special procedures for the definition and activation of different “automated operating sequences”, which are processed by the command station (ABA, ARA, block control, future features….).

• Multilingualism, probably with an option of adding phrases in your own slang.

• Software updates via Internet and command station with the help of the ZIMO Service Tool (ZST), no charge of course.

The development of a radio version MX31FU will be completet a few weeks after the release of the MX31 cab (a US/Canada version will take a little longer), with notably higher battery capacity compared to the MX21FU but all the advantages of the new generation.