Page 2 Function-Decoders MX681, MX685, MX686, MX687, MX688
1
Overview
Function decoders are
locomotive decoders for non-motorized vehicles
and are therefore not
equipped with a motor end stage but do offer special features for use in cars usually belonging to a
“block train” pulled or pushed by a locomotive.
The hardware of the MX685 function decoder is based on the loco decoder MX630 (board and hard-
ware is almost identical), the MX686 (on the MX631 until 2012) from 2013 onwards on the MX634
and the miniature function decoder MX681 on the miniature decoder MX621. The dimensions and
most of their features are therefore identical to the decoder they are based on.
A distinctive feature of all ZIMO function decoders is the
programmable SECOND ADDRESS
(CVs
#64 to #68), which can be used as an alternative address for the coach containing the function de-
coder and is commonly set to the same address as the loco pulling the train. If all coaches of a train
are equipped with such a decoder using the same (second) address, they can all be controlled simul-
taneously with a single key stroke (i.e. the interior light of all coaches are turned ON/OFF with a func-
tion key of the loco address, if that is the second address). With this, the simplest form of a
virtual
“train bus”
becomes reality, which will certainly play a major role in future digital train technology.
12 x 6.5 x 2 mm
0.7 A - 4 Fu-Outputs DCC and DC-Analog (
but not
MOTOROLA)
MX681
Family
Miniature-Function-Decoder
,
with reduced ZIMO features; the software does
not contain: MM (Motorola), Servos, SUSI, ZIMO spec. Function mapping.
MX681 plug configurations:
MX681
MX681N
(MX681R)
(MX681F)
7 wires (120mm long) for power pick-up, 4 function outputs. Solder pads are
available for further outputs.
MX681 with
6-pin plug
as per NEM651 and NMRA RP 9.1.1., mounted to the
circuit board.
(Versions with 8-pin plug as per NEM652 on 70mm wires
or 6-pin plug on 70mm wires; special order only).
20 x 11 x 3.5 mm
1.0 A - 8 Fu-Outputs - 2 Servos - SUSI
MX685
Family
Function-Decoder
, compact design for universal applications.
MX685 plug configurations:
MX685
MX685P16
(MX685R)
(MX685F)
7 wires (120mm long) for power pick-up, 4 function outputs. Solder pads are
available for further outputs and for 2 servos or SUSI.
MX685 with
16-pin PluX connector
mounted on decoder board.
(Versions with 8-pin plug as per NEM652 on 70mm wires
or 6-pin plug on 70mm wires; special order only).
20.5 x 15.5 x 4mm
1.2A - 8 Fu-Outputs - 2 Servos - SUSI
MX686
Family
High performance
Function-Decoder
with built-in
energy storage circuitry
.
MX686 plug configurations:
MX686
MX686D
7 wires (120mm long) for power pick-up, 4 function outputs. Solder pads are
available for further outputs as well as for servo or SUSI.
MX686 with
21-p
in “MTC” plug
mounted directly on decoder board.
20.5 x 15.5 x 4 mm 1.2 A - 8 Fu-Outputs - 2 Servos - SUSI
MX687
Family
High performance
Function-Decoder
with built-in
energy storage circuitry
and
low-voltage output
(1.5 V or 5 V)
.
MX687 plug configurations:
MX687V
MX687W
MX687WD
10 wires (120mm long) for power pick-up, 4 function outputs. Solder pads are
available for further outputs as well as for servo or SUSI. Low voltage output of
1.5V.
Same as MX687V but with 5 V low-voltage output.
Same as MX687V but with 5 V low-voltage output and
21-pin
“MTC“ plug
mounted on circuit board.
15 x 9.5 x 2.8 mm 0.7 A - 8 Fu-Outputs - 2 Servos - SUSI
MX688
Function-Decoder
,
only available with
Next-18
interface
