MX1 Comand Station

The MX1 generates stabilized and short-circuit protected power to the track. Data signals according to DCC and/or MOTOROLA protocol. The output voltage can be adjusted 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 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 paralleled output terminals.

Front panel display

3  LEDs (MX1HS: 4 LEDs) show the actual state of the device: transformer voltage on, output voltage on, short-circuit and under-voltage indication.
 

The 2 x 16 character LCD display is used in normal operation as digital volt and amp meter for both outputs (main and programming track, two track outputs in case of MX1HS), for indicating CAN-Bus load (in %), RS232 load and device temperature. Besides this, the display supports programming procedures (carried out on the cab) for decoders both in service mode and "on-the-main", the programming procedure for the MX1's own configuration variables, the programming of routes and blocks, and the indication of special system states and problems.
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 track; one of them  usable for programming).
• Two identical sockets for CAN-Bus in order to connect cabs, accessory modules, turntable modules and track section modules, infrared base module, and 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, mainly used for shuttle train operation and emergency stop by external button.
• Jumpers for defining data signal format (NMRA-DCC, MOTOROLA, “old” ZIMO data format if MX1/MULT) to be sent, and booster operation (master/slave jumper).
• 8 switches for selection of data protocol (DCC, MOTOROLA, spare, various details).
• Ground and positive voltage terminals: these connectors are used either for external DC power supply (booster configuration) or for providing power to ZIMO modules.
• Connector for 24 V transformer (MX1HS: two connectors for two 24 V 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.

By means of configuration variables the user is able to modify things like DCC timing (to solve certain decoder problems from other manufacturers ), output current limits ( to prevent damage of vehicles), 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 version Software conveniently via 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.

MX31   Cab

The MX31 is the result of experience gained in designing and building of cabs for over 25 years. Highest quality, latest processor and data storage technology, modern design and an innovative user interface of this cab will become the benchmarks for modern cab design.

The MX31 is the standard ZIMO cab used for all system functions and is included with all starter sets since September 2005.
As of November 2005 all radio starter sets are equipped with the MX31FU radio cab (European version). A North American version will follow soon.

The MX31 is equally suited for desktop as well as for hand-held walk-around operation.
The two CAN bus sockets on the back of the unit allow for an easy connection of several cabs without the need for other distribution boxes.

Please note: ZIMO cabs, command stations and decoders can be updated by the enduser directly from ZIMO’s web site at no charge. The initial MX31 cab software is identical to the MX21, before its discontinuation. Updates can be downloaded from ZIMO’s web site: www.zimo.at follow the link “update”. The software can be installed with the program ZST (ZIMO Service Tool), which is also available from ZIMO’s web site for free.

The following is a partial list of the MX31 features:

• User interface: 3-colored LCD display 112 x 64 pixel, usable in full daylight, 26 illuminated keys, 1 slider, 1 encoder wheel, 15 function LED’s, 6 light bar LED for speed and speed limit indication, 1 daylight sensor for automatic dimming of display and LED’s.
• The hardware comes with enough reserve capacity for all conceivable future extensions: 32 bit/60 MHz processor, 256kB Flash EPROM, 16 kB RAM and 8 Mbit serial data storage.
• Full access to all functions of the ZIMO system (as with previous ZIMO cabs): driving, switching, collision avoidance, automation; also during radio operation of the MX31FU radio cab.
• DCC: 10239 loco addresses, 511 accessory addresses; MOTOROLA: Märklin compatible address range for locos and accessories; ZIMO modules: address range for accessory modules from 800 to 863 (16 turnouts with each address), address range for track section modules: 900 to 963 (16 track sections with each address).
• Three operating modes for different situations:
  BASIC = control of one train only; exit of this mode is password protected
  ADVANCED = clean easy to read display, easy handling
  EXPERT = maximum amount of information displayed and maximum range of functions.
• Reach most operating areas (Loco, accessory, system, or cab) by either a comprehensive menu structure with integrated help files or with dedicated key combinations.
• Allot and use names (up to 24 characters) for locos (including consists), accessory addresses (including) switch ladders) as well as for trains, stations or station areas.
• Displays much useful information: current speed step displayed numerically, adjustable fast clock for local or global time, data from command station (track voltage and current) etc.
• Easy consist handling for adding, subtracting locos; your choice of actuating functions of single loco or all locos in consist (EXPERT mode)
• Superimpose and scrolling of recall memory in active loco or accessory mode; switch to selected recall data with just one keystroke.
• Control two locos at once (both locos shown in display), one loco controlled with speed slider and direction key, second loco controlled with scroll wheel; especially useful for shunting work and consist building.
• Table display of recall memories (separate lists stored in background of locos and accessories that were previously active on this cab) and list of names (systemwide allocated names for locos, turnouts, signals, trains, train stations); scroll lists with scroll wheel or keys, activated selected object direct from list.
• Display and utilization of “bidirectional communication” as soon as the NMRA standardization is sufficient and implemented in relevant products (decoder, detectors). See news letters concerning this matter.
• Easy programming procedures with clear text guidance and integrated decimal/binary conversion; clipboards for temporary data storage and CV sets that can be reused repeatedly for other locos. Command line storage facilitates experimental programming of coherent decoder CV’s.
• Easy definition of shuttle operation, switch ladders, system autonomous block control, automatic operating sequences (AOS), automatic route sequences (ARS) and future system functions.
• Clear display of occupancy detection and loco identifications (positions) in conjunction with MX9 track section modules.
• Multi-lingual, likely with the option of adding your own phrases with the help of the ZST (ZIMO Service Tool).

A radio version MX31FU will be introduced 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.

Notice to MX21 user: The MX21 and MX31 software originates from the same source file so that new features are developed collectively from this point forward (including the new features already announced for the MX21) - as long as resources of the MX21 qualify (keypad, memory etc.).

                                                                                                     Technical Information:

Power consumption with 20 - 30V at CAN bus:    20 - 50mA Dimensions: Wfront - Wrear x Hfront - Hrear x L  58 - 69 mm x 23 -39 mm x 150 mm Weight MX31: 135g Weight MX31FU: TBA

MXFU

Radio Receiver Module

The radio receiver module MXFU is connected with the command station (MX1, MX1HS or MX1EC) via the CAN bus and allows radio communication with at least 4 MX2FU, MX21FU, MX31FU or future radio cabs. The comunication is bidirectional, which also allows the command station to send data to the cab (e.g. updating cabs during hand-off’s). The radio cab can be used just like the tethered cab with almost no limitations thanks to its fast communication; even programming and read-out procedures that require a particularly high data rate can be done in radio mode.

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