Page 70 Non-Sound Decoder MX618 - MX638 and Sound Decoder MX640 - MX659
Operating with Märklin MOTOROLA Systems
Using the MOTOROLA mode of a ZIMO decoder makes only sense if the system used is not capable
of operating in the DCC format. DCC is substantially more powerful and should be the preferred pro-
tocol.
MOTOROLA (MM): 14 speed steps, 80 addresses, 4 functions compares to 126 speed steps, 10239
addresses and 28 functions with DCC.
The MOTOROLA format is recognized automatically by the decoder.
Addressing and CV programming is possible with the current
Mobile Station
as well as the
Märklin
6021 command station.
The procedure in the first case is automated and easy to do (see operating
manual of the Mobile Station); with older systems however it is very tedious (because this system
doesn’t provide much help):
Instruction for CV programming with the old Märklin 6021 central unit:
Start the programming mode by:
1. selecting the address of the engine to be programmed
2. press
the “STOP" key at the central unit and wait a few seconds
3. Crank the speed regulator past the left stop and hold (direction switch)
4. press the "START" key
5. release the speed regulator
The front headlight of the engine should now be flashing once per second indicating that the decoder
is in the programming mode.
You can now choose between two programming modes:
1. Short mode: programming is limited to CV’s 1 – 79 and a value range from 0 – 79
2. Long mode: the values to be used in each case are split and transmitted in two steps (CV 1-799,
value range 0-255)
The short mode is always active after entering the programming mode.
To change to the long mode write 80 to CV #80 (enter address 80 and change direction twice to
change to the long mode).
Short mode:
Enter the CV to be programmed in the central unit as an address and briefly operate the di-
rection switch.
The headlight now quickly flashes twice.
Now enter the desired value for the selected CV and again operate the direction switch
briefly (enter 80 for a value of 0).
The headlight flashes once indicating that you can program the next CV or end the pro-
gramming by turning the track power off.
Long mode:
Remember to set address 80 for a value of 0!
Enter the hundreds and tens digit in the central unit of the CV you want to program. For ex-
ample: for CV 123 enter 12 and operate the direction switch.
The headlight now quickly flashes twice.
Now enter the ones digit of the same CV (for example: for CV 123 enter 03) and operate the direction
switch again.
The headlight briefly flashes 3 times.
Enter the hundreds and tens digit in the central unit for the value you want to program and operate
the direction switch.
The headlight briefly flashes 4 times.
Now enter the ones digit of the value and operate the direction switch again.
Again, the headlight flashes once indicating that you can program the next CV or end the program-
ming by turning track power off.
10
DC and AC Analog Operation
ZIMO decoders switch automatically to analog when DC voltage is present and CV #29 is set accord-
ingly (Bit 2 = 1, which is the default setting).
Operation is possible with various power packs:
–
“normal” DC throttles, with poor or no ripple control
–
smooth power from a power supply unit
–
PWM throttles such as the Roco analog mouse.
The following CV adjustments are possible for analog operation:
CV #14, Bit 7 = 0: Analog operation without motor regulation
Bit 7 = 1: Analog operation with motor regulation (is of particular value with
sound; for example: that the chuff frequency fits the wheel movements)
CV #14, Bit 6 = 0: Analog operation with momentum as per CV #3 and 4.
Bit 6 = 1: Analog operation without momentum.
CV #13, CV #14: Select function outputs that should be ON in analog mode.
SUGGESTION: With extensive analog operation it is recommended to use the
update lock
CV #144, Bit 7, for example: CV #144 = 128,
to avoid interference and poor performance!
ATTENTION: Decoders of the
MX621 family
(miniature decoder) and
MX640
(older sound decoders)
do not
have the dielectric strength to cope with the surge pulses (>30V) required for direction
change, as is used in the classic AC operation!
