StEin
Stationary Equipment Module Page 35
17.
APPENDIX: Glossary
CAN-bus:
International standard for secure data exchange between electronic devices, assemblies, etc.; it is
used among others in automotive electronics. ZIMO uses this protocol for communication on the
connection cables (= "CAN-bus cable") between command station, controllers, accessory decoders,
track section modules, turn table control modules, etc.
For “CAN-bus cables” sometimes are also called “controller cable”.
Also see:
ZIMO system brochure or catalog, info at
Signal controlled speed influence (a.k.a.: “location dependent control“, “HLU“ method):
For prototypical railroad operations it is not only important to have the ability to control all trains inde-
pendently (that is a basic DCC function), but also to keep trains safe through the overriding influence
of signals, block control, routes, etc.
The well-known method in conventional model railroad layouts of killing power in a section of track be-
fore a red signal is not suitable in combination with a DCC system, because it leads to the loss of ac-
cessory devices (lights, smoke…) and causes abrupt train stops.
ZIMO therefore uses the special method of signal controlled speed influence. Additional information is
fed to a track section ahead of a red signal (where any train should stop automatically).
Also see:
ZIMO system brochure or catalog, further information:
Turnout ladder:
A turnout ladder is a combination of turnouts that switch to predetermined directions, which is first de-
fined as such and can later be called up when needed.
Route:
A “route” as used here is an extended turnout ladder, i.e. a combination of turnouts set to specific posi-
tions, possibly also through buttons (to be connected to a switch panel), and of track sections (connect-
ed to track section modules StEin or MX9).
Line, block, unidirectional, bidirectional:
The term "line" is used for a sequence of "blocks"; a block in turn consists of at least two "track sec-
tions", of which (usually) the last is a "stop section". The term "block section" should not be used be-
cause it is often unclear whether a single block or the entire route is meant.
Note: In model railroad literature, especially in documents of other manufacturers, this combination of
turnouts is often referred to as routes, but ZIMO uses the term route for a more evolved set-up: a turn-
out ladder that includes track section control (a feature most often not available from other sources, so
no differentiation is needed).
