MS-SOUND-decoders MS440 to MS990 Page 3
MS
- SOUND DECODERS
Short characteristic
of the decoder family in DCC operation
The prominent feature of the MS decoders is the 16-bit sound, which im-
proves the sound quality drastically. The
“REAL” 16 bits
refer to the com-
plete sound project: starting with the sound files stored in the flash
memory, over the I
2
S-bus (=Inter-IC-Sound) for playback in stereo, to the
fully digital Class “D”
amplifier.
ZIMO dispenses with the often used (cheaper) digital-analog-conversion
(with 10 or 14 bit), as well as with amplifiers with analog input (likewise of-
ten called Class “D”).
With the 32-bit microcontroller and the 128 Mbit flash there is room for pro-
gress in every aspect. A big part of this memory is used from the beginning;
much of the potential will be used in continuous development - as it always
is after ZIMO launches a product. The results of this development will be
available for all users as free software update.
✓
16-bit audio
by default for the sound samples, 8-bit for simple noises and
“old” sample files.
Compared to MX decoders: 8-bit for all sounds.
✓
22 kHz sample rate
by default, but also for sound channels (adjustable in
the sound project) with
11 kHz
for simple noises (like station announce-
ments) and
44 kHz
for full HiFi quality.
✓
128 Mbit sound memory
for 360 seconds playback time (16-bit sound and
22 kHz, i.e. high quality); up to 1440 seconds (with economical use of the
memory).
Compared to MX decoders: 32 Mbit for 180 sec with 8-bit samples.
✓
The combination of channels
with different bit depths (8, 16) and sam-
ple rates (11, 22, 44 kHz) can generate additional sound minutes.
S - SOUND DECODERS
Short characteristic of the decoder family in DCC operation
The
✓
16 sound channels
, simultaneously playable, separately adjustable, with
"stereo decoders" (especially large scales) distributable to two loudspeaker
outputs.
(MX decoder for comparison: 6 channels, generally only 1 loudspeaker connection)
✓
Adjustable timbres
of the driving noise (e.g. chuff sounds, diesel engine)
via CV configuration of high and low pass filters.
✓
Overcurrent protection
for function outputs with a new method to pre-
vent unnecessary turn-offs at short-time exposures (start-up current of
light bulbs, etc.).
✓
Connecting larger external energy storage devices (compared to MX):
“standard HO” decoders (PluX22 and MTC21 types and its wired versions)
now have unlimited capacity (also Supercaps/ Goldcaps), miniature decod-
ers max. 1000 µF (16 V), Next-decoder MS480 unlimited (5 V; this is suffi-
cient for sound and slow driving).
✓
ZIMO HLU technique expanded
by introducing direction bits (this will be
implemented also in MX decoders via SW update - so no real MS feature).
Differences
concerning operation and configuration (MX
→
MS
):
Apart from the new sound quality (see below) and other improvements, the MS de-
coders are very similar to the MX decoders. In some cases, though, specific settings
(CVs) behave differently or have additional functions for better operation:
CV #12
(Operation types): according to VHDM-standard, individual operating states
can be locked (DCC, mfx, MM, analog), by default all unlocked.
Chap. 3.1
CVs #5,57
(top speed, Reg’ref.): CV #5 gets the original configuration to reduce the
top speed back, which was in CV #57 in MX decoders. CV #57, therefore, is
used to select, whether the speed depends on running voltage or if voltage
variations can be eliminated by references to a lower value (e.g. 14 V). NOT
in SW. 4.50!
Chapter 3.6
CV #56
(P- and I-value): only effective, if CVs #147, #148, #149 = 0
Chapter 3.6
CV #144
(Programm./Update lock): dropped, no longer necessary in MS-decoders.
CV #147, 148, 149
(PID settings): new CVs, enable separated, high-resolution ad
justment of integral, differential and proportional values for EMF-load bal
ance control, replace CV #56 if <> 0.
Chapter 3.6
CVs #190, 191
(Brightening up and dimming times for effects 88, 89, 90): New def
inition due to broader range of timeset (now 0-320s).
Chapter 3.21
List of
„MS“
main features
(especially compared to „MX“)
NOTE
: The given times are “theoretic” in nature, because the memory usage de-
pends on t
he sound project and its “organizational” and “documentary” overhead
-
and is therefore not calculated.
