pauliebanger Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 The MXULF, Zimo's new stand alone decoder software updater and soundloader has just been released, supplies are trickling in to dealers now. In the initial release, it is possible to update Zimo decoder software, update MXULF's own software, and load sound projects to sound decoders. Many more features will be added in the coming months, mainly by free software downloads. MXULF Mini review. This is the first release of the MXULF. It has the hardware on board for all the functions that are planned for this stand alone device, with the exception of the 2 line, 16 digit display that will be needed for some of the advanced features to be added later by software updating. The display will be available separately to upgrade the unit to the same specification of the later released MXULFA, so apart from a little additional cost (and the work involved in upgrading) early adopters will not miss out on the good stuff! I will produce a full review in due course, but for now I'll just cover what is available in this first release version. The MXULF came packed in a bubble wrap bag inside the familiar Zimo box. The unit comes with a plug to fit the `track' output wires and a larger size plug for the power input. Power supplies are not included in the standard package. This should not be a problem as the input can come from a wide range of supply types. It's possible to use voltages between 12v and 20v, and both AC and DC is acceptable. There is a multi-coloured LED next to the power input socket. In later releases, the colour and status of this will indicate the appropriateness of the power supply. For now, however, it just shows steady green if power is OK. I have a regulated 12v DC supply on my test rig which is what I have used, but Zimo suggest a universal type power supply of around 15v will be fine. In any event, MXULF will alter the internal voltage to 10v so any attached decoders will be protected. Successful connection of the track wires is indicated by a `yellow' light next to the track socket on the MXULF. This LED will, in time, be able to confirm that a Zimo decoder has been detected. For now, it just indicates that current is being drawn. Just a thought on these `yellow LEDs'. The LEDs in use are Bi-coloured, ie they contain two LEDs, one green, one red. It seems to me that the `Yellow' colour is actually made up by adding red and green light together. The effect is a yellow `glow' to the mounting, but the red and green elements are clearly visible. This caused me a little confusion, especially with the documentation being strictly in German. On the opposite edge of the MXULF is the standard size USB port, and three push button switches labled 1,2 and 3. Each has a multicolour LED associated with it, though a little off-set. When a USB memory device (up to 4Gb) is inserted, the software looks for specific file types in the root directory. These are Decoder Software Updates, Sound Projects and files to update the MXULF itself. If it does not find a file type it can use, all three LEDs remain unlit. If it finds something usable, the corresponding LED will show yellow. If more than one acceptable file type is detected, then other LEDs will show yellow, too. Switch 1 is for Decoder Software Updating Switch 2 is for Sound Project Loading Switch 3 is for MXULF self-updating Pressing one of these switches (when yellow light is showing files of that type are available) will start the transfer of data. The LED next to the switch operated and the LED next to the track output will change to flashing green and will remain flashing until the data transfer is completed. A successfully completed transfer will change the LEDs to steady green. Since there is no display at this time, there is no way to select between sound projects on the USB memory stick. It is important, therefore, to ensure that there is only one sound project in the root directory at any one time. I have created a `Zimo' folder on the stick to hold my projects. Using my computer, I then move individual projects into and out of the folder, allowing only one to remain in the root before connecting to the MXULF. I have successfully loaded 16 sound projects so far without any problems. Here are my thoughts on this the first iteration of the MXULF. Dislikes. The manual is currently only available in German. There is no display yet, so operation is guided by LEDs alone and these are not yet fully featured. Functionality is limited. Likes. It works! With limited functionality, the LED guidance is perfectly satisfactory. (though the lack of 'data transfer progress' feedback my be disconcerting to newer users). It is independent from the computer, so I can continue to work on other things whilst MXULF gets on with it. Platform independent – just need to be able to transfer data to USB memory stick. USB native format. No Serial to USB convertors/adaptors with all the attendant problems that the wrong drivers can cause. It is updateable, and there is a clear map of the projected enhancements. (If not a timeline!). So I can look forward to my MXULF developing into an advanced workshop tool. The MXULF is priced is 148 Euros (Retail). So, is it worth investing in the `initial release' MXULF at the moment, in view of its currently limited functionality? For me, yes. (Evidently!). The ability to load from USB stick independent from my computer is already more useful than MXDECUP when I am compiling sound projects, and testing the changes as I progress. MX31ZL users will probably not benefit much from this first release, nor will the `casual' user with an MXDECUP. Even for prospective new users, the MXDECUP may still provide all they need. It is still just as capable as ever at the task of updating Zimo decoders and uploading sound projects. But it will never be able to do more than that. However, one advantage that MXDECUP still has is that you will have on-screen instructions to follow with ZSP, and there is a `progress bar' showing how the sound loading is going. The MXULF requires that you are confident that you have done everything correct, then set the data transfer going and wait until finished. This can be 20-25 minutes for a full program. This on-screen 'feedback' could be an important factor for new users, and something they shoud take into consideration. If you are a `power user' or a `Sound Provider' then the MXULF will become an essential tool when the '30 second' sound loading capability is added. Here's my demo: Kind regards, Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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