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Decoder-Update-and-Sound-Loading-device
MXULFA
, Test and Connection boards
MXTAPS, -V, MSTAPK, -G
1. MXULFA Features
The MXULFA has the following tasks and capabilities:
- Software update of all ZIMO decoders of the generations MX... and MS..., either from USB stick or from
computer (programs ZSP, ZCS), in case of MS... only without PC.
- Loading of sound projects into all ZIMO decoders of the generations MX... and MS...,
either from USB stick or from computer (programs ZSP, ZCS),
optionally via rail (decoder built into locomotive) or via SUSI interface (1/10 time requirement).
- Special measures such as "Power Cycle Update" for cases where MS decoders have been "software de-
stroyed" by malfunctions during the normal update process or by other means.
- Simultaneous sound loading of several decoders via SUSI interfaces connected in parallel (via several
MXTAP or MSTAP boards, or special multi-update boards for applications in series production).
- CV programming and CV reading,
optionally in OP MODE (Operational Mode, POM) or SERV MODE (by type of programming track),
with simplified display for decoder ID reading and load code writing.
- Testing decoders or vehicles, mostly after software update or loading of a sound project: Driving operation
and switching of functions via control elements and display of the MXULFA, also test operation in the
context of repair work; however, the MXULFA is NOT a replacement for a digital command station.
- Interaction with the test and connection boards MXTAP.. to MSTAP.. where decoders with standard inter-
faces (PluX, MTC, Next, NEM651, NEM652) are plugged in or wired decoders are connected to terminals
and tested (by means of motor, loudspeaker, function LEDs, etc. installed there).
- Self-update of the MXULFA via USB stick.
-
Synchronous update
(loading software parallelly) for accessory decoders MX820, MX821
- Operation of MXULF via the USB device interface (alternative to flash drive). Software updates, sound
loading, configuration of and testing decoders from the computer via programs like ZCS, PfuSch and
TrainProgrammer enable comprehensive and comfortable possibilities to improve ZIMO decoders,
also, and especially, for larger fleets.
2. Technical Data
Supply voltage at input “Power” ..
12 - 20 V DC
(power supply unit or rail current from digital command sta-
tion) or 10 - 16 V AC (in case of problems: use DC!)
for software update and loading sound of large-scale decoders …….. …..……
min. 16 V DC!
Maximum supply on output “Schiene” (track) (stabilized to 12 V) ........................................ 2 A
Dimensions (L x W x H) …...
125 x 65 x 12 mm
3.
The USB stick for use with MXULFA
A USB stick compatible with the MXULFA is used as a data carrier when updating the decoder and loading
sound projects; alternatively, however, these tasks can also be performed without a USB stick, directly from
the computer (via USB cable).
The self-update of the MXULFA is only possible with the help of a USB stick on the MXULFA.
A "ZIMO USB stick" is included with each MXULFA; however, other sticks can also be used.
If a USB stick does not (or no longer) work with MXULFA (this will be more often the case with third-party
sticks), the USB stick must be reformatted to "FAT32" on the computer (see Windows ...).
On the USB stick (root directory) are stored (in connection with MXULFA):
•
If a self-update of the MXULFA is to be made:
from the ZIMO website (
www.zimo.at)
under
Update & Sound / Decoder Update Device MXULF
,
from a (usually the latest) .zip file of the type (example)
MXULF_ver_0_83_55.zip
the unzipped files
MXULF.ulf
and
MXULF.bin
(these files have the same name in all versions).
•
If a decoder software update (for one decoder or for several decoders) is to be executed:
from the ZIMO website (
www.zimo.at
) under
Update & Sound / Update - MS decoder
or
Update - MX de-
coder
, from a .zip file (usually the latest one containing the decoder group in question) of the type
MS_4_202.zip
the unzipped file (single file in the .zip) of the type
MS_4_202.zsu
: the so-called
decoder software col-
lection file
.
The term "collection file" means that new software versions are included for a variety of decoder types;
in the above example for all MS sound decoders (but not for MX decoders); there may also be collection
files for MX and MS decoders on the website, as well as collection files for subsets (e.g. MX non-sound
decoders). During the update process, MXULFA and decoder ensure that the correct update file is ap-
plied.
•
When a sound project is to be loaded:
from the ZIMO website (
www.zimo.at)
under
Update & Sound / ZIMO Sound Database
the desired ready-to-use sound project of the type (example)
OeBB_16-KkStB310_ZIMO_8Bit_S01.zpp
The above-mentioned files can be mixed and stored in any number on the USB stick (root), i.e. several
.zsu files together with several .zpp files. However, a selection must then be made directly on the
MXULFA before the actual update or loading process; see the following descriptions
4.
Switching on the MXULFA and connecting a decoder
•
"
Power
": Connect power supply unit or transformer according to
technical data, preferably the one supplied, to the MXULF.
→
LED „Power“ green.
The display shows "MXULF", the hardware revision (e.g. "E" or
"E+"; + stands for the optimized RailCom-detector hardware, no
matter if originally installed or by subsequent upgrade, which is of-
fered in 2021/22);
Software version, voltage on rail, max. current.
Connect
rail
to MXULFA, decoder to rail,
OR: Connect connection board MSTAP, MXTAP, etc. , plug in/connect decoder there.
→
LED „rail“ yellow..
NOTE
: Due to ongoing development of the MXULF software, there are sometimes slight differences
between the operating instructions and the actual behavior of the MXULF; in particular, display rep-
resentations sometimes anticipate planned software versions.
NOTE
: in case of a (chargeable) "coded" sound project, a "load code" must be programmed into the decoder
in question before the actual sound loading process. See Info under
ZIMO Sound Database
.
