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Decoder-Update-and-Sound-Loading-devices
MXULF, MXULFA
, Test- and Connection boards
MXTAPS, MXTAPV
1. MXULFA Features
Current features (April 2020):
- Software update from a flash drive for all ZIMO decoders and ZIMO sound decoders (of generations MX...
and MS...)
- Loading sound projects from flash drive for all ZIMO sound decoders,
- Selection (by scrolling) of sound projects on the flash drive,
- Self-update of the MXULF, also from flash drive,
- MX decoders: automatic programming of the CVs necessary for updates (e.g. cancelling update locks
in CV #144 or switching off analog operation) and resetting those CVs to the value they had before
the update,
- Test operation for decoders or vehicles: Driving and (de-)activating functions of the vehicle on the update
track via the operating elements of the MXULFA (scrolling wheel, buttons and LEDs). This way, the
software update installed and the functionality of the loaded sound project can be tested.
-
SUSI sound loading
: via the SUSI plug on the MXULF, sound projects can be loaded a lot faster than the
“normal” way: SUSI loading is recommended BEFORE installing the decoder in the train, especially if the
decoder is equipped with an interface (PluX, MTC, Next, ...) and can therefore be plugged into the test-
and connection board.
MX decoders with 32 Mbit sound flash: Loading via SUSI takes about 4 minutes for a project that fills the
memory, compared to 30 minutes via tracks.
MS decoders with 128 Mbit sound flash: Loading via SUSI takes about 6 minutes for a project that fills the
memory, compared to 150* minutes via tracks (*value 06.2020).
- Programming and reading out CVs in Service Mode, enter load code,
- Programming and reading out CVs in Operational Mode, feedback via RailCom
-
Synchronous update
(loading software parallelly) for accessory decoders MX820, MX821
- Operation of MXULF via the USB device interface (alternative to flash drive). Software updates, sound
loading, configuration of and testing decoders from the computer via programs like ZCS, PfuSch and
TrainProgrammer enable comprehensive and comfortable possibilities to improve ZIMO decoders, al-
so, and especially, for larger fleets.
2. Technical Data
Supply voltage at input “Power” ..
12 - 20 V DC
(power supply unit or rail current from digital command sta-
tion) or 10 - 16 V AC (in case of problems: use DC!)
for software update and loading sound of large-
scale decoders …….. …..……
min. 16 V DC!
Ma
ximum supply on output “Schiene” (track) (stabilized to 12 V) ........................................ 2 A
Dimensions (L x W x H) …...
125 x 65 x 12 mm
3. Operating elements of the MXULF/ MXULFA
MXULF and MXULFA are equipped with the same LEDs to display status and processes; the MXULFA ad-
ditionally is equipped with a 2 x 16 characters display.
The LEDs on the MXULF are sufficient for simple updating and sound loading operations; for driving op-
eration with switching functions, programming CVs, etc, the version with display, i.e. MXULFA is highly
recommended.
Resuming graphics of the basic functions an LED displays:
Show supply after connecting a voltage to the input “Power”
(at first delivery and until software 3, not all display variations were implemented)
LED (Power) green: voltage ok, current not too high
red: overcurrent, turned off
Decoder on update track (output “Schiene”) and show loading procedure
(at first delivery and until software 3, not all display variations were implemented)
LED (track)
yellow: found and recognized decoder (i.e. read out type)
flashes green (same pace as LED 1 or 2): Update or sound loading in course
green: update or sound loading complete
flashes red (1:1) same pace as LED 1 or 2: update or sound loading failed
Show content and loading procedure of flash drive
LED 1 yellow: flash drive recognized, readable, decoder software container file available; after pressing
button 1
: flashes green: software update of decoder in course
green: update complete
flashes red: Update failed
LED 2 yellow: flash drive recognized, readable, decoder sound project available; after pressing
button 2
:
flashes green: sound is loaded into the deocder
green: sound loading complete
flashes red: sound loading failed
LED 3 flashes green-yellow-red (1:1:1): flash drive contains software for self-update of MXULF;
after pressing
button 3
:
green: self-update of MXULF complete >> notes on self-update see next page!
press and hold
R-key
(3 sec):
Opens
menu
(only visible on MXULFA; MXULF without control)
(in some software versions not all display variations are implemented completely)
Within the menu, operating states different to update and sound loading can be selected: MS Snd Laden, MS SW
Update, MS SW PowCycle, UPDATE & SOUND, FAHR, OP PROG, OP PROG ID+LD, SERV PROG, SERV PR
ID+LD, SYNC-UPDATE, SUSI SOUND Load, MXULF STATUS, SERV PROG CV8=8, RESET.
After the selection (scroll to LOCO) and start (press
R-key
) operating state
LOCO:
LEDs Forward, Reversed red: Direction of travel at standstill green: Direction of travel while cruising (speed
step > 0)
flashes red (both LEDs): STOP (after pressing
R-key
while cruising)
Press
R-key
shortly at standstill: Change direction while cruising: STOP
Press and hold
R-key
leave operating state LOCO!
LEDs 1, 2, 3 Display of function states F0, F1, F2 (or groups F3 .. F5, F6 .. F8, etc.)
shortly press
buttons 1, 2, 3
switch functions press and hold switch group
ATTENTION: limited reliability of Operational Mode due to errors of the MXULF-RailCom detectors in
some situations; improvements planned by software updates
.
