Advantages of the ZIMO DCC system:
While offering all high level
standard features of the DCC world, ZIMO has additional
characteristics, which make the system stand out from rival
products. This is a (possibly incomplete) list of such features:
-
Multi protocol operation (NMRA-DCC
and MOTOROLA).
-
Stabilized and adjustable (12
to 24 V) track voltage.
-
Programming track with
capability to operate trains.
-
Built-in volt and amp meter.
-
-
Multifunctional cabs
(handhelds) including loco and accessory operations
programming, routes, block control, etc.
-
Bidirectional communication
for wireless cabs (infrared and radio).
-
Virtually noiseless and very
smooth way of driving the locomotive motors.
-
Function mapping not only
corresponding to, but going beyond the NMRA
recommendations.
-
Prototypical slow
illumination and dimming of signal lights.
-
AND the very unique "Signal
controlled speed influence" and loco number identification.
Zimo MX31:
The following section lists
some typical characteristics and features, which illustrates the status
of the ZIMO MX31 in comparison to handhelds, cabs, stations and “mice”
of the competition. This list is neither complete nor compiled according
to significance:
NOTE: Not all planned
features are operational when delivery commences in 2005. ZIMO's concept
of a continually evolving system will bring new software updates in the
course of this and next year. These updates will be available to ZIMO
users at no charge and may also contain changes to the original planned
projects. The ZIMO Service Tool program (ZST) is designed to facilitate
the update procedure.
-
Unrestricted access to
all functions within a ZIMO system (true for all ZIMO cabs):
driving, switching, programming, block control, automation.
-
Two main operating
modes (OPERATOR and EXPERT) with their aim of “basic functions –
comfortable and simple” or “maximum information - largest range of
functions”; as well as the “GUEST” mode for the control of one
pre-assigned train only.
-
Assignment and use of
names not just for locomotive and turnout addresses but also for
trains (consists), turnout ladders and in the future for other
elements as well (e.g. operating sequences).
-
Keyboard illumination,
automatic dimming of LED’s and display (daylight sensor), readable
in full sun light.
-
Background memory can
be superimposed and scrolled through (list of locos and accessories
stored in the background memory, ready to be activated) at the same
time a loco or accessory address is active; switching to a selected
background address is possible with just one keystroke.
-
Simultaneous control of
two locos (incl. graphical representation), speed/direction with
speed slider/directional key or encoder wheel respectively,
particularly suitable for shunting activities and consist building.
-
Accessibility of most
application levels either through a comprehensive menu structure
with integrated help files or by direct acting key combinations.
-
Programming mode
(service mode and operational mode) with "command line memory" to
simplify experimental changes in coherent decoder CV’s that also
allows copying to other addresses.
-
Integration of the
bidirectional communication in the areas of “driving”, “switching”
and “programming”. Numerical display of target speed and actual
speed as well as indicators for automated signal stops and brake
sections. Fast clock, selectable as local time or synchronized
system-time.
-
Special procedures for
the definition and activation of different “automated operating
sequences”, which are processed by the command station (ABA, ARA,
block control, future features….).
-
Multilingualism,
probably with an option of adding phrases in your own slang.
-
Software updates via
Internet and command station with the help of the ZIMO Service Tool
(ZST), no charge of course.
The development of a radio
version MX31FU will be completet a few weeks after the release of the
MX31 cab (a US/Canada version will take a little longer), with notably
higher battery capacity compared to the MX21FU but all the advantages of
the new generation.
The most outstanding features of the
ZIMO system:
ZIMO offers many advantages
(like powerful start sets, wireless cabs, supersonic decoders,
etc.), but there are two outstanding features, which make the big
difference between ZIMO systems and all other digital systems:
Both, the "signal controlled speed influence" and the "loco number
identification" has been used for many years in ZIMO systems with
the "old" ZIMO data format; now they are also implemented in the
NMRA-DCC compatible ZIMO system, even in an improved version.
Realistic railway operation
with “signal controlled speed influence”:
Signal controlled speed influence"
describes a method to stop or to apply speed limits to trains on
certain track sections depending on actual circumstances of
operation (e.g. state of signals). The stop information and speed
limit information has to be accepted by all locos independent of
their decoder address.
Different ways (other than ZIMO´s):
The “conventional” method: The
power supply to the track section belonging to the red signal is
switched off. Disadvantages: lights are off (also sound, etc), no
control over train as long as signal stays red.
The computerized method: The actual position for all trains is
calculated at all times by a computer; the speed influence is made
via normal commands. Disadvantages: Computer and a lot of associated
equipment (occupancy detectors, etc.) distributed all over the whole
layout is necessary right from the beginning; no unrestricted
(manual) operation of trains possible, as computer would lose
track of the position of train.
The brake generator method: In certain track section the digital
control information is replaced by broadcast commands which only
contain speed information. Disadvantages: no control over the
train from the cab during stop; complicated setup to avoid
bridging the gap (both-rail) between sections by locos and cars.
ZIMO´s special way of signal controlled speed influence:
Speed limits bits (stop and 5 speed steps) are fed into the data
stream, which do not replace the individual loco instructions coming
from the cabs. So all disadvantages mentioned above can be avoided
and some good features are added:
-
full control over headlights and
other loco functions (steam, sound, etc.) is maintained at all
times, even when stopped at a red signal and on sections with
restricted speed
-
overriding the signal controlled
stop or speed limit is possible from the cab with the special
key “MAN”
-
acceleration and deceleration of
locos is adjustable on an individual basis (by special
configuration variables which are added to the normal NMRA set
only in ZIMO decoders)
-
bridging the isolation gap
between adjacent track sections does not cause short circuits or
undefinable conditions.
ZIMO´s “signal controlled speed
influence” is an economical method, too: no additional hardware is
needed within the decoders (which is very important because of space
limitations), and rather simple electronic circuitry in the track
section modules MX9 allow application of speed limits to track
sections.
For computer controlled layouts the "STP" SOFTWARE takes advantage
of this special ZIMO feature: The computer has no need to internally
trace train numbers across the layout. No control commands are
issued directly to any loco decoder; instead trains are controlled
via track sections. So manually driven trains as well as manual
interventions are considered automatically.
Loco number identification:
Each loco decoder acknowledges the receipt of a command addressed to
it with a special pulse on the rail. This pulse is detected by track
section circuits, which give information about the actual location
of the locos.
System architecture - The CAN-Bus:
One of the most important
characteristics of a DCC system is the data link (the "Bus") between
the system components like command stations, cabs, modules for
feedback information, etc. The differences among the systems in this
respect are not to be seen when starting with a DCC application, but
they will be crucial when expanding the control system. Well-known
bus systems are the X-Bus (used by Lenz, Arnold), the Loconet (used
by Digitrax), the NCE-Bus (used by Wangrow / RamTraxx), and the
CAN-Bus (used by ZIMO / STP).
The ZIMO CAN-Bus is probably the most powerful and reliable data
link used in model railroad control today. It works as a Local Area
Network (LAN) with multi-master capability, there is no
time-consuming polling by a central device.
HIGHEST SPEED (115 kbit/s):
This is more than any of the
rival systems offer. Although a bus with lower speed would be
sufficient if used as cab bus only, the ZIMO CAN-Bus shows its
superior performance if e.g. hundreds of occupancy detectors and
loco number identification boards have to transmit continually
changing information to a computer (or to several computers).
Because of this high performance the ZIMO system needs not to use
separated cab and feedback buses, but all data transmission is done
within one network.
HIGHEST RELIABILITY:
The CAN-Bus hardware and software protocol is widely used in
industrial, automotive and medical applications. The physical layer
is similar to the well-known RS-485 standard, but with special
capabilities in order to handle heavy traffic efficiently. Extensive
automatic error recognition and correction are included in the CAN
protocol. Error counters, which are provided in the micro
controllers of all cabs and modules, allow successful problem
diagnosis, if this should be necessary at some time.
FREE TOPOLOGY FOR MOST
APPLICATIONS:
Only in case very large
cabling length (up to several hundred meters = about 1000 feet) the
CAN-BUS should be installed as a "linear terminated bus", that means
wiring point to point rather than a tree with branches and placing
resistors at both ends of the network. In most applications (up to
50 m, but more likely up to 100 m) trees and branches are allowed
without any restrictions.
EASY TO WIRE:
The ZIMO CAN-Bus uses 6 pin TelCo type connectors and ribbon cable.
The CAN-Bus itself needs only 2 wires; the cable contains also power
supply for cabs and modules and various "grounds". CAN-Bus cables in
various lengths are available from ZIMO.
Alternatively the user is able to make his own cables by means of a
special mounting tool (also available from ZIMO, or Your local
electronic supply store). This should be used for larger layouts
(wiring of accessory modules, track section modules, etc).
Zimo MX31 and MX31FU Cabs:
The following section lists some
typical characteristics and features, which illustrates the status
of the ZIMO MX31 and MX31FU in comparison to handhelds, cabs,
stations and “mice” of the competition. This list is neither
complete nor compiled according to significance:
NOTE: ZIMO's concept of a continually
evolving system will bring new software updates. The ZIMO Service
Tool program (ZST) is designed to facilitate the update procedure.
-
Unrestricted access to all
functions within a ZIMO system (true for all ZIMO cabs):
driving, switching, programming, block control, automation.
-
Two main operating modes
(OPERATOR and EXPERT) with their aim of “basic functions –
comfortable and simple” or “maximum information - largest range
of functions”; as well as the “GUEST” mode for the control of
one pre-assigned train only.
-
Assignment and use of names not
just for locomotive and turnout addresses but also for trains
(consists), turnout ladders and in the future for other
elements as well (e.g. operating sequences).
-
Keyboard illumination, automatic
dimming of LED’s and display (daylight sensor), readable in full
sun light.
-
Background memory can be
superimposed and scrolled through (list of locos and accessories
stored in the background memory, ready to be activated) at the
same time a loco or accessory address is active; switching to a
selected background address is possible with just one keystroke.
-
Simultaneous control of two locos
(incl. graphical representation), speed/direction with speed
slider/directional key or encoder wheel respectively,
particularly suitable for shunting activities and consist
building.
-
Accessibility of most application
levels either through a comprehensive menu structure with
integrated help files or by direct acting key combinations.
-
Programming mode (service mode
and operational mode) with "command line memory" to simplify
experimental changes in coherent decoder CV’s that also allows
copying to other addresses.
-
Integration of the bidirectional
communication in the areas of “driving”, “switching” and
“programming”. Numerical display of target speed and actual
speed as well as indicators for automated signal stops and brake
sections. Fast clock, selectable as local time or synchronized
system-time.
-
Special procedures for the
definition and activation of different “automated operating
sequences”, which are processed by the command station (ABA, ARA,
block control, future features….).
-
Multilingualism, probably with an
option of adding phrases in your own slang.
-
Software updates via Internet and
command station with the help of the ZIMO Service Tool (ZST), no
charge of course.
Radio characteristics MX31FU :
Range 50 - 100 m in buildings, even
more in outdoor operation.
Battery operation time 8 hours.
Number of radio cabs operating
simultaneously: "officially" 4,
practically various events worked with 8 cabs
without problems.
MX1 Command Station:
The command station, the heart of
the ZIMO system, generates stabilized power to the track, a
standardized DCC signal as well as the MOTOROLA format. Being
the CAN bus central unit, it also processes data from the cabs
connected (loco speed and functions, programming procedures
etc.) as well as from a possibly hooked up computer;
It also manages and controls
other ZIMO products, such as accessory and track section
modules.
The track voltage can be adjusted
between 12 and 24 Volts to accommodate all scales and provide
optimum conditions for any kind of operation. The high output
current of 8 Amps is enough to power 10 or more HO trains or 5
or more large scale engines simultaneously. ZIMO's high output
MX1HS delivers even more power with 2x8 Amps for two separate
layout sections or, used in parallel, for one large section.
However, ZIMO's command stations are
more than simple high powered digital central units: the big
difference to command stations of other DCC systems becomes apparent
when looking at the informative display showing voltage and amperage
to each track outlet and the status of the CAN bus, it's 8 inputs
for automated shuttle train operations and for future expansions
("automatic operations"), the software development possibilities in
directions of operational control and train surveillance techniques
(block control at first).
More information can be found on the
Zimo Web Site by clicking
here.