The new MX32 cab:

The cab design:

The “crooked” design introduced with the MX31, which soon became a much appreciated “ZIMO trademark”, has been retained in the MX32. The basic idea behind this design is the optional use of the cab as either a table top or walk-around throttle, and has been very well received by many model railroaders. The 2.4” OLED touch screen has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and is an important part for the extended functionality and ease of operation.

Tethered version MX32 and radio version MX32FU:

This cab will be offered in three versions:
1) as a tethered version connected exclusively to the CAN bus or
2) as MX32FU with integrated radio module and permanently installed rechargeable battery for use as a radio cab or connected to the CAN bus; the latter also charges the battery or
3) as MX32ZL, the “system cab” with built-in mini command station.
The cab functions are identical in tethered or radio operation, with the exception that some larger file downloads (i.e. pictures) may take a little longer in radio mode.

The 2.4 GHz ZigBee standard is used for radio communication within the ZIMO system. The network capability of ZigBee guarantees good radio communication among cabs even in dead spots.

Firmware update via USB stick:

The MX32 is equipped with a USB host interface in order to simplify firmware updates, especially for users of the “old” ZIMO system (MX1 etc.). Simply download new firmware to a USB stick from the ZIMO web site, insert the stick into the USB port of the cab and start the update.

RailCom:

RailCom information is sent to the MX32 via the CAN bus, like all other data, and plays an important role in the cabs operational concept.

RailCom, the capability of the decoder to send messages back to the system, is an integral part within the new ZIMO system. While decoders without RailCom capability can still be used, it is of course far better to use RailCom capable decoders and from those, even better decoders that can do more than just the basics such as sending back its own address or CV values. This makes it necessary to use only updatable decoders and from a vendor who actually continues the software development in this direction.

RailCom is also necessary for automatic loco recognition by the system, which in the future eliminates the annoying problem of not being able to drive an unknown engine because its address is not known and a programming track to read out its address is not available. A loco address can be identified with just the basic RailCom function (although a little slow).

The operating concept:

The key arrangements as well as the basic operations are taken over from the proven MX31. But the operating and programming procedures provide much more information and comfort, especially in the future with the inclusion of scheduled software updates. This is made possible by the high-resolution OLED color touch-screen display and the powerful 32-bit micro-controller with large memory (several GB of RAM and Flash).

The aim is to offer a cab that can be operated intuitively without extensive study of an operating manual. The display offers instructions of available options such as the current soft keys and other flexible key assignments. Context sensitive help is also available.

The touch-screen function is primarily used to change the display layout (switch between small and large loco picture, select different speedo scales, scrolling through the recall memory etc.), but can for example also be used to control turnouts and signals directly from a simplified switch panel display or in the future from a more complex switch board in the MX32 display.

In the operating mode ”Loco”, the locomotive is in constant contact with the cab thanks to RailCom (together with a new generation command station) and sends as much information back to the cab as the decoder and command station can support: Display of actual loco speed (through the speedo in the display), motor load, current draw, calculated stopping distance and more. The MX32 can display loco pictures or symbols as well as the current state of function keys through suitable icons independent of RailCom. These icons are displayed with 50 x 40 pixels and are therefore easy to read.

Much attention is also paid to the operating modes “SERV PROG” and OPMODE PROG”, which are the decoder programming procedures in “Service Mode” or “Operations Mode”. Even third-party decoders (from manufacturers other than ZIMO) are supported by the “CV command-line storage”, and “CV-set” management. Zimo decoders are supported with plain English text CV’s, beyond the usual NMRA CV’s. RailCom with its CV readout function is also very useful here, indeed almost indispensable, in order to get the full benefit of the MX32 user interface.

The operating mode “SWI” provides - after several stages of software updates - more than simple turnout switching using old technology with its obsolete mode of “entering decoder address and operation per function key”. Turnouts and signals are grouped to “switch panels” in the MX32 display regardless to what decoder or module they are connected to and operated with the corresponding function key or directly on the touch screen icon. Gone are the days of remembering turnout addresses, which function key is for which turnout or placing ugly address signs next to each turnout and signal! Planned for the future are, besides the well known MX31 turnout ladder and AOS (Automated Operating Sequence) functions, miniature dispatcher panels in the cab display likely in conjunction with computer dispatcher software such as STP or ESTWGJ.

*) RailCom is a registered trade mark of Lenz GmbH

        System Cab MX32ZL

is a complete DCC system in a cab but can also be used as a normal cab (throttle), if a large command station (MX10) is added at a later date. The characteristics of the MX32ZL besides the normal MX32 cab functions are

- up to 4A track power at track voltages adjustable between 12 and 20V,
- full address range (up to 10239) and 28 functions,
- active control of 32 vehicles plus accessories (i.e. turnouts),
- radio communication with MX32FU radio cab,
- precision RailCom detector (global railcom functions),
- doubles as decoder update and sound load module,
- USB-Host-Interface (same as MX32) and additionally a USB-Client-Interface.

"RailCom" is a registered trade mark of Lenz GmbH