Zimo DCC equipment

Main Menu

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 June 2011 this is 1.9.5.
You get 2 programs installed, the sound programmer, and the decoder update.
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 nformation

Vorhandenes Sound-Projekt unverandert in den Decoder laden --- Existing sound project loaded into the decoder unchanged ---- this uses the *.zpp files (ready to go files)

Vorhandenes Sound-Projekt erstellen --- Existing sound Create Project - this uses the "full project" files *.zip

Neues Sound-Projekt erstellen --- Create new Sound Project

Programm beenden --- Exit program

Set the language to English. Start by selecting the third option above, and loading a file. From the menus on the top row select "Einstellungen"... then "Optionen"... you will see "Language" and a drop down menu below it, select English. There is a separate setting in the decoder software updater too.
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.
The software wants a com port. If you are using a usb converter and no communication, test it on a real com port first. Set the com port to 19,200 baud, I know it does not work right at 9600 baud.

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.

Explanation of sound files: http://www.zimo.at/web2007/content/sound/soundprojectprice.htm

Basically, there are 4 steps, all done in the ZIMO Sound Programmer (ZSP) software with the loco containing the decoder on the programming track :-

(1) Make sure ZSP is up-to-date.
(2) Load the latest version of the decoder s/w into the decoder.
(3) Re-save the sound project using the latest version of ZSP.
(4) Load this new version of the sound project into the decoder.

For more details see the link given above, under "Important Advice for loading Sound Projects". The reason for doing this is that there are changes in the structure of the sound project from time to time. This changes the s/w in the decoder and the structure of the file created by ZSP for loading into the decoder. If they are both at the latest version, then there are no problems, but if one is out of step with the other, then problems can arise. You should also use the calibration run (CV302=75) to set the sound levels correctly.

Zimo sound "projects" are found here:

http://www.zimo.at/web2010/sound/tableindex.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 meet the nmra spec. Some DCC systems cannot go over CV 255. Note that the NCE system and current Digitrax systems can access these higher CVs directly and of course the Zimo system. I would guess the Massoth does, but I'd like to hear from someone on this.

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.

On the NCE system, I had to hig F8 twice to get the sound on. You can also just hold down the F8 button until the sound comes on.

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 (a nathan 5 chime!!)
F3 = horn 2
F4 = chain drive rattle
F6 = headlights on high beam
F7 = air release
F8 = sound on off

The above is from the pre-set .zpp file. After consulting with Axel, I loaded the full project ( .zpr) file, and added a bell into F1, and moved the horn from F3 into F2. I'll play some more since, I have not experimented with how the lights are set up. It would be cool to have the taillights get brighter when stopping, like stop lights.

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

Starting from SS (Speed Step) 0 to 1 or above, you hear an air release and putting the transmission in gear, then a "poppety poppety / putt putt sound". This is the "gear shift" After the "gear shift" has been accomplished, the sound reverts / stabilizes to a constant motor "drone / hum".

The "gear shift" occurs again at SS 22, you hear the "putt putt" sound and then the motor "hum" resumes, but the "motor hum" is slightly different (2nd gear).

The shift into 3rd gear occurs at SS 43, and again, after the shift, there is a slight difference in motor "hum"

The final shift (into 4th gear) occurs at SS 64, and again another slight difference in motor "hum".

I tested this with cv 3 and 4 set to zero.

When setting the momentum back to stock, it becomes apparent that the "shifts" happen immediately when commanded, not waiting for the actual motor speed to catch up.

So, if you leave the momentum "up", you can "call up" the shifting sound by going "through" Speed Steps 22, 43, and 64, without making a lot of difference in the speed.

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

Zimo decoder programming tips

For ditch lights

127 controls FO1

128 controls F02

For ditch light type 1, set 127 and 128 to 33 and 37 respectively if ditch lights on in forward only

to set to work in forward and reverse use 32 and 36

For type 2, set 127 and 128 to 41 and 45

lower headlight is rear headlight wire (yellow).. to make it work in forwards only set 126 = 1

Smoke units

use 3 pwm settings.

200 max for the highest of the 3 ranges (that way you can tweak it easily, and set the variable output with a pot on the variable output)

Greg's web site!