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 March 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.
• 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 = 10 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 = 20 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 = 30 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

Installing the sound file software:

•  Get the latest software from the Zimo site. In September 2009 this is 1.6.0.
• 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 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 - I downloaded the K27 one and nothing seemed to work right.
• There is the "traditional" sound project file that ends in .zpr - that seems to work, but 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 7,300 steps, and it shows a counter as it progresses. If it finishes successfully, you get a green ok 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. 

Zimo sound "projects" are found here:

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

Operating:

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.

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