H0 Sound Decoder MX640 Page 45
14. Software Update with MXDECUP
Note…
All MX62, MX63, MX64, MX64H, MX69/MX690, MX82 as well as all future decoders can be updated
with new software by the end user with the help of the update module MXDECUP or MXDECUPU
(with USB converter).
New software versions can be downloaded at no charge from ZIMO’s web site: www.zimo.at (under
“UPDATE”) and add new features, improvements and corrections to the decoder.
The ZIMO Service Tool (ZST from version 1.4) is also required for the update procedure. This soft-
ware can also be downloaded at no charge from
Note that the decoder update page of the current ZST program (Version 1.7.1) is still in German. Un-
til a new ZST version is released, a program extension can be downloaded with this page translated
to English. Please download both, the original ZST mentioned above and the ZST extension from
www.zimo.at
Once both are installed on your PC, the extension can be started as a stand-alone program for de-
coder updates.
RS-232 – DSUB-9-socket Connect to “update track”, Connect to
control-LED’s power supply
behind socket
The update module comes with a power supply, an RS-232 connecting cable and a USB converter
(in case of MXDECUPU).
Power supplies (12V DC, 300mA minimum, unregulated), serial cable with two 9-pin sub-D connec-
tors (1:1) and commercially available USB converters (USB to serial) can also be acquired locally if
necessary.
Implementation and operation:
A
section of track
is used as “update track” and connected to the 2-pin screw terminal of the
MXDECUP. Set the engine with the decoder that is to be updated on the track. The decoder can of
course be connected directly to the track connector of the module instead.
In contrast to the CV-programming procedure, the update procedure with the corresponding ac-
knowledgment does not depend on the load connected to the decoder (such loads are neither nec-
essary nor hindering).
Electrical loads in the loco
that are not connected to the decoder may potentially present a prob-
lem (since the decoder cannot turn the load off), because of the 150mA power limit of the
MXDECUP.
The update process may fail in such cases and the relevant loads must first be removed
or remove the decoder from the locomotive.
Make sure the choke coil recommended in chapter 17 is actually installed, if
external buffer circuits
(capacitors) are used to maintain power to the decoder on dirty track sections. Acknowledgments
from the decoder to the MXDECUP are otherwise not possible.
Although there is a “blind update option” available in ZST that operates without acknowledgements,
its use is not really recommended.
First, plug-in the
power supply
at the MXDECUP. The green LED, visible in the connector recess,
should now be lit. Next, connect the MXDECUP with the
computer
using either the RS-232 cable or
the RS-232 cable with USB converter. The green LED now turns off again (both LED’s are dark).
The actual update process is started and controlled with the
“ZIMO Service Tool”
(
ZST
, always use
the latest version. For English applications use the
ZST extension
, see explanation on previous
page):
We can’t offer a detailed description here regarding the update process; since ZST will often be
modified and expanded (this software performs a number of other tasks within the ZIMO system). In
any case, there is a button on the original ZST main page named: “start with MXDECUP online”
.
English speaking users should start the ZST extension, which opens the COM PORT selection
page. All further steps, such as selecting the right COM port, the update software file (one file con-
tains all current software versions for all ZIMO decoders), starting, control and terminating the up-
date process are self-explanatory on screen or can be obtained from the help file.
The two LED’s at the MXDECUP are flickering very rapidly during the update process (red and
green). This indicates that data packets are sent to and acknowledgments received from the de-
coder. The LED’s remain dark once the update process is
finished. If for any reason the update is unsuccessful
(indicated by ZST), another update can be started after a
waiting period of 5 seconds!
