Zimo DCC equipment

I'm experimenting with a Zimo 690 decoder, and it's got some amazing functions.

Also, the new system is due out in about the end of 2010, and the price is more reasonable and there will be a 15 amp booster, as well as newer throttles with larger screens.

Using the programming track:

• you MUST have a motor connected to the motor outputs (probably some other load will do) otherwise you cannot read anything back.
• Often equipment from Germany needs "direct" programming, if writing to CV's does not seem to work, drop back to this mode.

Installing the sound file software:

•  Get the latest software from the Zimo site. In August 2010 this is 1.8.1.
• You get 2 programs installed, the soune programmer, and the decoder update.
• The software wants a com port. If you are using a usb converter and no communication, test it on a real com port first.
• After installing, when you run the the sound programmer software, the main menu is (and will always be) in German, there are 5 choices, from top to bottom they are:

• Decoder Software-Update --- downloads new firmware to the decoder, not sound file
• Vorhandenes Sound-Projekt unverandert in den Decoder laden --- Existing sound project loaded into the decoder unchanged ---- use to just put the project right into the decoder
• Vorhandenes Sound-Projekt erstellen --- Existing sound Create Project
• Neues Sound-Projekt erstellen --- Create new Sound Project
• Programm beenden --- Exit program

• When you install the software, you can select English, but that's only for the installation messages, you need to go into the software to change the messages to English, from the menus on the top row select "Einstellungen"... then "Optionen"... you will see "Language" and a drop down menu below it, select English.
• After that, still a number of things are in German. Keep a Google window open to translate until you remember all the places you want to go.

Installing new sound files:

• The new software uses several types of files, but I have not made all of them work.
  • There is a "ready-to-use" file, which ends in .zpp - already configured.
  • There is the "traditional" sound project file that ends in .zpr - it implies a directory structure beneath it.
  • Recently, the ability to read a .zip file that has all the files in one archive has been added, I used this. Often when downloading, this type of file is termed "full-featured". This has been the most successful for me so far.
• You load a project and then you use the "decoder" menu, "load sound to decoder" to install, it goes through erasing flash, programming flash, and then programming eprom. The last part is about 7,900 steps, and it shows a counter as it progresses. If it finishes successfully, you get a green "Close" button.
• The first thing to do after doing the sound upload is reset the decoder. The K27 file made my decoder act crazy right afterwards. Seems that the sound file is ok, but some of the CV settings are nuts. So reset the decoder, you must use the DCC programming track, set CV8 = 8. I had to do this on the programming track, did not seem to work on the main.
• Remember that most sound files need TWO presses of F8 to turn on.

Zimo sound "projects" are found here:

http://www.zimo.at/web2007/content/sound/inhalt.htm

Installation tips:

If you are using HO decoders, be sure to add an electrolytic capacitor to help brief outages. You typically use these smaller decoders in smaller locos, so you also typically have fewer track pickup points. I found a 1000 mfd to be niticalyb better than a 220, the 220 still allowed some dropouts. Remember the shorter lead on a radial lead cap is usually minus. On the newer Zimos, there is a gray and a blue lead already connected for this, be sure to check carefully, these 2 leads were on the opposite end from the rest of the leads. Gray minus, Blue plus.

Operating:

There are extended CV's and like everyone else, there is a "trick" to get these "higher numbered" CV's that do not meed the nmra spec.

• There is a "shift" function to access CV's over 128 on most systems
• CV 7 is used to do the shift function, The "tens" digit of CV7 does what you want (read the manual for what the 1's and the hundreds digits do)
• Set CV7 = 110 and on the next CV programmed, you will "add" 100 to the CV address, i.e. program CV 65 and it will really program CV 165
• Set CV7 = 120 and on the next CV programmed, you will "add" 200 to the CV address, i.e. program CV 65 and it will really program CV 265
• Set CV7 = 130 and on the next CV programmed, you will "add" 300 to the CV address, i.e. program CV 65 and it will really program CV 365
• Set CV7 = 0 to return to normal.
• If the hundreds digit of CV7 = 1, then this mode stays on until you power the decoder down or do CV7=0.
• If the hundreds digit of CV7 = 2, then this mode stays on forever until you do a CV7=0.

 CV 266 = main volume, usually defaults to 63, can increase to 100 usually without distortion.

Note: usually F8 turns the sound on and off, and it is default off. Sometimes you have to also hit f0 to turn the headlamp on too. If you have no sound this is probably your problem.

Notes on Galloping goose sound file:

CAUTION: After installing a test drive of the decoder required -> CV # 302 = 75

The load dependent sound is based on EMF (Electro Motive Force) measurements inside the decoder, which is pri-marily used for keeping the motor speed constant with changes in load. For the decoder to produce the correct sound for the respective driving conditions it has to know first what these measurements are at normal no-load cruis-ing speed (smooth rolling of the engine or train on straight level track) that is, the “basic load” of an engine or train, which due to gearbox losses, power pick-ups etc. is often considerably higher on model trains than on the real rail-road. Deviations from this “basic load” will then be interpreted as inclines or declines, which will result in analogously changed chuff sounds.

Setting CV #302 = 75 causes an automated run is performed to record the “basic load” factor in forward direction;

The engine (or the train) is driven automatically in forward direction for which unoccupied track must be available of at least 5 meters (15 feet), with absolutely no inclines or declines and without any (tight) curves.

With CV #302 = 76 an automated recording run can be performed in reverse direction, for locomotives that have different “basic loads” in this direction (otherwise, the basic load in reverse is considered identical to forward).

F0 = headlight
F1 = taillights
F2 + horn 1
F3 = horn 2
F4 = chain drive rattle
F6 = headlights on high beam
F7 = air release
F8 = sound on off

The following CV values are set, on which reset with "Project Reset" - CV # 8 = 0 -:

CV # 3 = 30
CV # 4 =25
CV # 5 = 180
CV # 60 = 170
CV # 114 = 252
CV # 119 = 131
CV #275 = 150
CV # 276 = 180
CV # 280 = 200
CV # 286 = 180

K27 default function mappings in the sound file:

F0 - Headlight
F1 - dynamo on off with startup and shutdown sounds
F2 - smoke on (have not tested)
F3 - nothing
F4 - short whistle over and over forever
F5 - long whistle that only ends when you turn the function off
F6 - whistle crossing sequence (2 long, 1 short, one long that stays on until you turn the function off)
F7 - bell
F8 - sound on/off (not sure it is mute)
F9 - coal shoveling, you can hear a little talking at the end
F10 - "Blaser" - Wind? injectors (I guess so, kind of a roar, maybe steam letoff)
F11 - air pump
F12 - injectors