ZIMO Progressive Brake Feature

[pauliebanger]

We all know that modelling involves compromise.

 

Very high values in CV4 will produce protoypical coasting and deceleration simulation, but at the expense of greatly extended stopping distances.

 

So, we compromise by using a moderate value for CV4 and practice to be able to stop the train at the chosen position.

 

Wouldn't it be great if we could have both extended coasting and precisely controlled stopping distance available which could be selected with a function key? If that feature also included progressively increased braking force so that light or heavy braking could be simulated depending upon the duration for which the key is engaged, would that not be the icing on the cake?

 

ZIMO sound decoders and selected non-sound decoders have had this possibility since 2014.

 

The good news is that the latest decoder software release, V37.01, rolls this feature out to many more ZIMO non-sound decoders.

 

Even better, since the software on all ZIMO decoders can be updated and the feature is backwardly compatible, you can upgrade to this feature for free on decoders you already own, simply by updating the decoders software, and setting a few CVs to configure the operation of the brakes to your own preferences.

 

This also means that the £19 MX600 can be 'fitted' with 'working brakes'.

 

Real locos have had a separate brake control for a very long time; now your non-sound DCC decoders can have them too.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Edited August 16, 2017 by pauliebanger

[Torper]

How do you update the software on a Zimo decoder?

 

DT

[big jim]

Sounds interesting, as torpor says how can you update the chip?

 

I've only got one zimo sound chip and quite frankly I find it un-useable, far too complicated, so much so I just don't use the loco with sound, a shame to have it sat there doing nothing when functions like the above are available

[pauliebanger]

How do you update the software on a Zimo decoder?

 

DT

 

DT,

 

With one of several ZIMO updating devices (MXULF, MXDECUP, MX31ZL, Roco Z21) and the software downloaded for free from the ZIMO website.

 

If you don't own or have access to one of the above, ZIMO dealers will be able to do this for you. It will take less than a minute to load. There may be a nominal charge for this service, but it's sure better than the situation with many other decoders which cannot be updated at all.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Edited August 16, 2017 by pauliebanger

[pauliebanger]

Sounds interesting, as torpor says how can you update the chip?

 

I've only got one zimo sound chip and quite frankly I find it un-useable, far too complicated, so much so I just don't use the loco with sound, a shame to have it sat there doing nothing when functions like the above are available

 

BJ,

 

ZIMO sound decoders have the same DCC controls as their non-sound versions. Sound decoders obviously have additional internal controls to operate the sounds, but the same ZIMO equipment can update both your sound decoder's firmware and update/modify the sound project loaded.

 

I'm interested in your 'far too complicated' comment. Most feedback I get is entirely different. Are you referring to installaton, CV set-up or operating the loco?

 

You are correct, it is a shame to not be using such an investment to the full. I'll be happy to help you get the most from your ZIMO if you let me know what disappoints you currently and what you would prefer.

 

What is the loco type and how old is the decoder? (you can read the version of software loaded from the decoder, CV7 is the main version number and CV65 is the sub-version number).

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

[tender]

DT,

 

With one of several ZIMO updating devices (MXULF, MXDECUP, MX31ZL, Roco Z21) and the software downloaded for free from the ZIMO website.

 

If you don't own or have access to one of the above, ZIMO dealers will be able to do this for you. It will take less than a minute to load. There may be a nominal charge for this service, but it's sure better than the situation with many other decoders which cannot be updated at all.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Hi Paul, does the Z21 need any 'add-on's' to update a Zimo decoder?

[pauliebanger]

Hi Paul, does the Z21 need any 'add-on's' to update a Zimo decoder?

 

I don't think so, I believe the feature is built into the Z21(not the little brother z21) but I have no hands-on experience.

 

Roco have used ZIMO sound decoders in their r-t-r models since circa 2009 so the ability to update ZIMO decoders was incorporated into the Z21 design from inception.

 

There was some talk that the Roco software for this feature only officially supports ZIMO decoder types supplied by Roco for their models, but I have no confirmation of that.

 

In 2016 I asked for volunteers from Z21 owners on the Roco group on RMWeb (to help establish which decoders could be updated, and if it supported loading encrypted sound projects which I could send by email), but no one responded.

 

Try asking Roco owners for more detail.

 

The MXULF is a 2A DCC controller as well as a decoder updating/sound loading device.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul 

[coachmann]

I found the F'key #2 steam brake feature on a recent Zimo sound decoder for a 'Hall' (ZS012A), but it is too aggressive as set up. However, recent info gives me hope that I will be able to obtain a progressively weaker brake force with the appropriate CV.  I would be pleased to use it when shunting if the braking can be adjusted.

 

However, one non-optional feature that I can most definitely live without is the whistle that automatically sounds every time the loco stops or changes direction. (On real locos we were never called upon to do the Kaydee shuffle!).  I don't have whistle happy finger and so I hope the volume can be reduced to zilch with the appropriate CV. 

Edited August 16, 2017 by coachmann

[tender]

I don't think so, I believe the feature is built into the Z21(not the little brother z21) but I have no hands-on experience.

 

 

Ah, that's slightly confusing, two systems with the same name. After a little research I assume we are talking about the Z21 black box 'expert' system and not the z21 White box 'beginners' system.

[pauliebanger]

I found the F'key #2 steam brake feature on a recent Zimo sound decoder for a 'Hall' (ZS012A), but it is too aggressive as set up. However, recent info gives me hope that I will be able to obtain a progressively weaker brake force with the appropriate CV.  I would be pleased to use it when shunting if the braking can be adjusted.

 

However, one non-optional feature that I can most definitely live without is the whistle that automatically sounds every time the loco stops or changes direction. (On real locos we were never called upon to do the Kaydee shuffle!).  I don't have whistle happy finger and so I hope the volume can be reduced to zilch with the appropriate CV. 

 

Yes, that's a piece of cake. I designed this feature for ZIMO to include 'end user' adjustments so that it could be operated prototypically in a wide range of scales, loco types, layouts and driving styles.

 

Before making adjustments remember that as the brake force applied is progressive, it will not initially have the same 'bite' if the model has a high road speed than if tootling around.

 

Perhaps more importantly, the progressive nature of this feature means that short 'dabs'of the brake key* (as you would use on a real loco) will produce 'light braking' suitable for shunting and other low speed braking. Longer applications will produce greater retardation, whilst engagement of F2 until the model stops moving will produce an 'energency' stop. This will still be appropriate to what the specific loco and train would be capable. Dead stops will still require power to be cut.

 

* This is most easily achieved if your F2 key is set to Momentary action rather than 'Latched'. (On NCE PowerCab, the Whistle/Horn button is actually a 'momentary' version of F2, so use that for braking). Most DCC systems have the option to make at least F2 momentary, if not so by default. That's why the brake key is set up on F2.

 

If you have reduced the high value in CV4 (set high by default to give improved coasting simulation) this will also affect the way that brake force is applied.

 

If, after practising the various braking techniques above  the response is too sharp for you needs, you can reduce the value in CV349 to 'weaken' the brake force, (increasing the value will improve braking efficiency). A value around 6 is a reasonable starting point, with CV4 set between 100 and 150.

 

The above is applicable to ZIMO sound and non-sound decoders alike. (So that they may work together in a Consist if required). Of course, the coasting sound improvements can only be judged with sound decoders.

 

Regarding the auto start whistle, another simple CV change will remove it. (many people like to have the feature - it's easier to put it in initially and later disable it than to add it to a project where it is not set by default).

 

CV581 = 0 should sort it out for you.

 

Let us know how you get on, please.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Edited August 17, 2017 by pauliebanger

[coachmann]

Thanks Paul, I was up with the lark this morning altering the 'amount of braking' by trial & error until I settled on 30.  Much better now and more prototypical together with the large amount of momentum I use.  Then i turned to the CV Jeremy gave me to reduce the volume of the automatic whistle. It is now quiet most of the time and only sounds (very quietly) when I change direction using the Lenz LH100 handset. I only use this for altering CV's, as I operate locos with the LH90.

 

 

Bottom line....I am pleased now with the ZS012A.

 

Cheers,

Larry G

 

PS: It would be useful if Digitrains gave buyers the chance to listen to a short sample of each of their sounds like other sound producers do. At the moment we are buying blind.

[pauliebanger]

Thanks Paul, I was up with the lark this morning altering the 'amount of braking' by trial & error until I settled on 30.  Much better now and more prototypical together with the large amount of momentum I use.  Then i turned to the CV Jeremy gave me to reduce the volume of the automatic whistle. It is now quiet most of the time and only sounds (very quietly) when I change direction using the Lenz LH100 handset. I only use this for altering CV's, as I operate locos with the LH90.

 

 

Bottom line....I am pleased now with the ZS012A.

 

Cheers,

Larry G

 

PS: It would be useful if Digitrains gave buyers the chance to listen to a short sample of each of their sounds like other sound producers do. At the moment we are buying blind.

Larry,

 

Why not suggest your PS to them?

 

Actually, after years of my suggesting the same thing, they are now adding sound videos to their site. (and on their Facebook page). If you go to the Digitrainsound ZIMO pages and scroll to the sound in which you have an interest, you will find a 'more info' button.

 

Click on that, and the User Notes document will open. If there is a YT video, there will be a hyperlink to click. New ones are being added regularly, but as far as I can see, they are starting with diesels to showcase my new SpeedLock sound projects.

 

Regards auto whistle, the CV you have used reduces sound to a minimum, the one I suggested stops it altogether.

 

There is a third option, put the volume up to normal (say CV582 = 100) but restrict the frequency of the whistle by setting a long duration in CV274. This will prevent the whistle from sounding until the stationary period exceeds that set in CV274 (try values around 200 -255), but to allow it to operate on movement after a lengthy stop, say at a station.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Edited August 18, 2017 by pauliebanger