Page 78 MS-SOUND decoders MS440 to MS990
9 Service Notes
Even ZIMO decoders can break down ... sometimes "for no reason", sometimes due to short circuits
during installations, sometimes by a failed update ...
These defective decoders can of course be sent to Zimo for repair or replacement. Whether this is
covered by warranty or a payable service, the submitter should expect a decoder back that is not only
functional, but is also configured similarly as the original (i.e. the same CV values and the same sound
project).
However, this is not possible if the decoder is damaged so badly that it cannot be read-out anymore.
To be sure, important data are not lost, you should
SAVE, i.e. READ OUT IMPORTANT DATA
from the decoder as long as this is possible, i.e. the de-
coder is not defective, to communicate the data to ZIMO if necessary or to have them available for a
replacement decoder:
•
loaded SW version (CV #7, #65)
•
possibly activated CV set
(activation code for CV #8, concerns non-sound decoder)
•
Decoder ID (CV #250 - #253, if available)
•
Possibly load code (CV #260 - #263, relates to sound decoder)
•
loaded sound project.
It would also be
very useful
(but relatively complex) to read out the entire CV list and keep it in a safe
place, so it can later be programmed to a repaired decoder (which sometimes requires a hard-reset) or a
replacement. Reading out and reprogramming decoders is easy with the help of
•
the program "ADaPT" (from E. Sperrer, works with ZIMO and some other DCC systems),
•
ZSP (works with MX31ZL MXDECUP or, in the future, with MXULF or MX10), or
•
ZSC (works with MXULF in the future or MX10).
FURTHER NOTES concerning sending in defective decoders:
To avoid unnecessary repair shipments, it should be verified beforehand whether a defect is in fact
present. Many of the submitted decoders are only configured wrong and all that was needed was a
"hard reset" (CV #8 = 8) to get the decoder CVs back to the default values or the default values of a
sound project.
If the problem is “only” very poor drivability, it would be of advantage to contact
fore sending the decoder back. Often a simple remedy can be found without sending the decoder
back.
ZIMO can only accept decoders for repair, BUT NOT complete engines or engine parts with a decoder
installed. There are of course exceptions in problematic cases that have to do with the interaction
between the locomotive and decoder, but only after prior agreement.
The defect (or reason for return) should be described with as much detail as possible in addition to the
above-mentioned information required.
So called OEM decoder, such as have been installed by a loco manufacturer, should be taken care of
by them. However, ZIMO will repair these as well when sent to the ZIMO service department. The
warranty and repair conditions may of course differ from those of the vehicle manufacturer (whether
this is "better" or "worse" is rather coincidence). Even in these cases: submit only the ZIMO decoder,
not complete engines!
If a decoder gets exchanged, the original OEM sound project can in most cases be used in the re-
placement decoder as well (if the necessary information has been submitted to us). This applies to
vehicle manufacturers like Roco, Fleischmann, Wunder, Demko and many others, but it is also pos-
sible that ZIMO does not have the sound from manufacturers that provided the sound themselves.
"Preloaded" sound projects (see Sound Database), however, are usually NOT available from ZIMO,
but only the author / company who usually provides the sound only as preloaded in a decoder. Such
sound decoders are therefore better sent directly to the original supplier. Naturally if the problem is a
pure hardware issue, such as a defective motor or function output, it can be dealt easily at ZIM
Repair form
Please fill out and accompany
a ZIMO repair form with your
shipment. Such forms can be
downloaded here:
Print out
NOTE
: ZIMO command stations will read decoder configurations automatically (in the background)
and make it available when needed.
WARNING
: Sometimes defects are simulated when a loaded sound project or its integrated CV
table expects a specific loco model (e.g. certain types of lighting equipment), but the equipment
is missing or not wired appropriately. Typical cases are: The light is no longer working with F0
(because the sound project has redirected the light to another function key), or the locomotive will
"drive off unchecked" (because the sound project activated a servo with a corresponding uncou-
pling procedure).
NOTE
: for each sound project in the ZIMO sound database there is usually also a version available
that contains only the sound, which does not require a specially prepared vehicle.
