The MX1/MX1EC generates stabilized and short-circuit protected power to the track as well as data signals according to DCC and/or MOTOROLA protocol. The output voltage can be adjusted infinitely between 12 and 24 V for different scales and kind of operation; the output current up to 8 A is enough to run 10 or more H0 trains or 5 or more LGB locos simultaneously. For even more power the high-power version MX1HS is available, which provides two outputs with 8 A each, usable for separated layout sectors or for a single supply with parallel outputs.

Front panel display

3 LEDs (MX1HS: 4 LEDs) show the actual state of the command station: transformer voltage, output voltage, short-circuit and low transformer input indication.
 

The 2 x 16 character LCD display is used in normal operation to display a digital volt and amp meter for both outputs (main and programming track, two track outputs in case of MX1HS), CAN-Bus load (in %), RS232 load and device temperature. Furthermore, the display supports programming procedures (carried out on the cab) for decoders both in service mode and "on-the-main", programming procedures for the MX1's own configuration variables, programming of routes and blocks, and the indication of special system states and errors.
The red control knob (MX1HS: two knobs) allows adjustment of the track voltage between 12 and 24 V.

Back panel:

    From left to right:

• Outputs to main track and programming track (MX1HS: two outputs to main track; one of them usable for programming).
• Two identical CAN-Bus sockets to connect cabs, accessory modules, track section modules, radio base modules, computer with CAN Card and software “STP” for big applications.
• Control bus connector (for connecting boosters to the command station) with DCC output and feedback input pins.
• 8 auxiliary input pins for various applications such as shuttle train operation and external emergency stop (panic) button.
• 8 DIP switches for data protocol selection (DCC, MOTOROLA, spare, various details).
• Auxiliary ground and positive voltage terminals: these connectors are used either for external DC power supply (i.e.booster configuration) or for providing power to other ZIMO modules.
• Connector for 24V transformer (MX1HS: two connectors for two 24V transformers).

The MX1 RS232 interface allows the control of all locos and accessories via computer as well as computer access to live train data, programming and scanning of loco and accessory decoders, defining of routes, memory dumps, user updates etc.

MX1 configuration variables allows the user to modify things like DCC timing (to solve certain decoder problems from other manufacturers), output current limits (to prevent damage to rolling stock), RS232 bit rate, stop time for shuttle trains, etc.

Easy software update:

The MX1 contains a Flash-EPROM. This allows the user to download the newest Software version conveniently via the Internet, direct from the manufacturers Web Site, free of charge! This command station will not become obsolete when new features like new modules or extensions of the data protocol according to new NMRA recommendations, new configuration variables etc. arrive. It can also be updated by e-mail, CD or exchange of EEPROM.