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StEin
Stationary Equipment Module
Product features and system configurations
“StEin”- Modules
(
St
ationary-
E
quipment-Modules) are ZIMO DCC components that are
designed to work together with a ZIMO command station MX10; with limitations also to-
gether with one of the older MX1 command stations, but for the time being NOT with
THIRD PARTY SYSTEMS.
As the name implies, all kinds of “stationary equipment” found on a model railroad can
be connected to the “StEin” module, above all,
track sections
,
accessories
such as
switches, signals, uncouplers,
point
-
detectors
and speakers.
The operation and control of
fully equipped track sections
(with occupancy detection,
loco number recognition, local or global RailCom, short-circuit handling as well as the
ZIMO feature “HLU” for the “signal controlled speed influence”) is the central task of the
“StEin”.
The detector inputs on the “StEin” are most often (but not exclusively) used with track
sections, which complements the principle of train influence (placing speed limits on sec-
tions of track using the HLU method) by adding precise local train control (by using point
detectors such as track contacts, reed switches, infrared sensors etc.).
A partially functional alternative is the Roco “Z21 occupancy detector with RailCom” (manufac-
tured by ZIMO) for limited applications (i.e. when HLU is not needed).
The “StEin” is also an affordable alternative for
accessory control
to the normally used
stationary decoders (because those functions are included at no extra charge): The
“StEin” offers a number of functional advantages such as power supplied independently
from track power and the CAN bus as a powerful control and feedback path.
Using the “StEin” with the current ZIMO system, MX10 and MX32:
The minimum requirement for using the "StEin" consists of the
MX10 command station
and the
StEin module
itself (or several modules). For reasons of operability, however, at
least one
MX32
cab
(later MX33) should be at hand, and usually a
computer
is also used
in connection with StEin applications.
HOW THE PIECES ARE CONNECTED TOGETHER IS ILLUSTRATED ON THE NEXT PAGE,
with explanations below:
-
The “StEin’s” power supply for the track and accessory outputs:
A special feature of the "StEin"-concept is the origin of the DCC signal at the track out-
puts: "StEin" modules operate as
boosters
, which means, the DCC signal for both rails
("P" and "N") is generated by the module itself and synchronized with the outputs of the
command station (via the wires 7 and 8 on the extended CAN bus cable).
In contrast to this, the typical occupancy detectors on the market (including the Z21 occupancy and
RailCom detector manufactured by ZIMO) pass the signal through from the command station. Also the
“old” ZIMO track section modules MX9 work like that.
Therefore: The power amplifier of a track output of a “StEin” module is fed with
DC power
that is applied to the terminal
“+ track power”
(and GROUND), not by the track output
of a command station. This DC voltage can easily be taken from the “DC-out” connection
(usually S1) of the MX10 command station, but can also be taken from an external inde-
pendent power supply.
Accessories connected to the “StEin” module (turnouts, signals etc.) are also supplied with
DC voltage, which is connected to the terminal “
+ Accessory power
” (and GROUND).
This is usually supplied by the output “DC-out” S2 from the command station and there-
fore separated from track power, but that is not mandatory: it could also be connected to
track power or an external power supply.
It is often the case that
all the power
(track power and accessories) is supplied
by the MX10
,
in which case a
3-conductor cable
(2.5 mm
2
diameter suggested) is connected between the
3-pin socket on the MX10
(“DC-out”: S1, GROUND, S2) and the
3-pin socket on the “StEin”
(+Track power, GROUND, +Accessory power).
(See schematic on next page)
-
The input/output connections of the STEIN88V module:
8
track section connections, with up to 8 A load capacity each (suitable for large-scale
trains) and occupancy detection from as little as 1 mA current draw (corresponding to an ax-
le resistor of 10 – 20 KOhm),
short circuit detection and shutdown with adjustable thresholds and times,
local RailCom (address recognition) and global RailCom (receiving and forwarding of
complete reports on “channel 2”),
ZIMO HLU speed limits in 7 steps with function influence and location detection,
ZIMO ACKs for loco number recognition (alternative and complementary to RailCom).
8
turnout connections (double coil, motorized…) with extensive position and speed control,
also usable for 16 single connections such as uncouplers, lights etc.
16
logic level inputs for all kinds of sensors: rail contacts, photoelectric sensors etc.
1
I
2
C bus connection, for 16 signal or other boards mounted close to the accessory it-
self (signals: each board can supply 16 LED’s or several multiple signals),
2
speaker outputs for station announcements and similar, from the StEin’s internal sound
generator,
2
connectors for expansion boards (for more turnouts, servos etc.).
-
Other “StEin” facilities:
The "StEin" is equipped with a
numeric display
(for displaying the module number and as
support for manual setup) as well as numerous control LEDs: occupancy status, short cir-
cuits, HLU status of each track section, input states, switching operations, various internal
voltages and operating states.
The
5 buttons
are mainly used for manual module settings, for example: fixed HLU settings
on track sections (e.g. "slow" or "stop"), later also for automatic dependencies (such as
block control or hidden stations) but also for restarting after short circuits and turnout test-
ing etc.
The
USB drive socket
is used for software updates of the StEin module, but also to
load configurations that are created on external sheets; possibly also to load sound
files.
Using the “StEin” with the “old” ZIMO System, MX1 and MX31:
WILL BE ADDED LATER
ATTENTION
: this 3-conductor cable is to connect “Pin 1 to pin 3 and pin 3 to pin 1“
(NOT 1:1).
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ATTENTION
: do NOT use “Schiene 2” (track 2) for the programming track in SER-
VICE MODE, if “DC out S2” is used for StEin accessory power.
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