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ZIMO MXULFA Decoder Update Module Tips & Tricks

Last Updated 250316 - Page Under Construction

Note: The MXULFA is shipped with 1x terminal block, 1x SUSI Cable, and 1x USB2.0 thumb drive only.  Power supply is not included.

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Decoder Update Device MXULF

English Version

 

 

 

MXULF Tutorials 5-part explanatory video on YouTube

• First steps MXULF: Installation and configuration tutorial part 1
• MXULF: Decoder sound load over track tutorial part 2
• MXULF: Decoder sound load over SUSI tutorial part 3
• MXULF: Decoder-software update with a PC part 4
• MXULF and its functions with a USB part 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

German Version

MXULF tutorials 5-part explanatory video on YouTube

Note: This video still refers to an MX decoder. When updating an MS decoder, connect the MX/MS tap only with a SUSI or track cable .

 

Additional help from ZIMO expert Mr. Paul Chetter, a.k.a. pauliebanger.

ZIMO MXULF First Release Version

 

ZIMO MXULF Version Two Part 1

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Decoder Update Device MXULF 

MXULF - The device

The ZIMO MXULF ( MX U pdate L aden F ahren) is more than just a simple decoder update device. Like a small digital system, it can perform the following tasks:

• Loading new software versions (software updates) from a USB stick into all types of ZIMO decoders (sound, non-sound, function, and accessory decoders); the vehicle is located on the "update track" with the decoder.
• Synchronous update for ZIMO accessory decoders of the MX820, MX821 generation installed in the layout
• Loading sound projects from USB stick into ZIMO sound decoder, vehicle on the "update track"
• Fast sound loading (approx. 2 - 3 min instead of 20 - 30 min) via the decoder's SUSI interface
• Parallel sound loading of multiple decoders via SUSI interfaces
• Driving operation & functions-switching for one address at a time via the controls of the MXULF (scroll wheel, 4 buttons, LEDs) to test the vehicle being processed
• Programming and reading the CVs of the connected decoder or vehicle
• Entering and checking the loading code (CV #260, ...) for coded sound projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the above tasks can also be controlled from the computer; in this case, no USB stick is used; instead, all data (software update files, sound projects) are transferred via the USB interface (client). Programs such as ZSP (ZIMO), ZCS (Manhart), PfuSch (Sperrer), and others are used on the computer.

The previously offered version of the MXULF without a display is largely identical in terms of hardware, except for the missing screen, and, with the latest update, can still be operated today—especially when controlled via a computer. The later, current model with a display was therefore known for a long time as the MXULF A.

Today, the device is generally referred to as MXULF again, as it has always been on the casing, in the software, and in use by most users.

The MXULF can be used as a low-cost workshop system, and in many aspects it is even applicable to third-party decoders (of course not regarding software updates and sound loading).

MXULF control and display elements: 4 buttons, 1 scroll wheel, and 8 bi-color LEDs.

External connections: screw terminals for power supply, track (update track), "SUSI" connector, USB (client, to computer), USB (host)

The MXULF and the connected vehicle are powered by any voltage source (DC 12-20 V, AC 10-16 V). Therefore, a power supply is not included as standard, but is available as an accessory if required.

 

MXULF in decoder update and sound loading mode

 

Software update and sound loading with MXULF (for MX decoders and MS and MN decoders from SW version 4.08, full description see MXULF operating instructions )

IMPORTANT: Update MXULF beforehand by self-updating:

• Download the new MXULF software from ..UpdateMXULF as a .zip file, unpack the .zip file , save the two actual update files MXULF.ulf and MXULF.bin (names might be slightly different) in the root directory of a USB stick (ZIMO stick or other stick - most work ...).
• Preparing the MXULF:
• Disconnect all connections, reconnect “Power” (to the supplied power supply or track output of a digital command station) ➜ LED “Power” – green .
• Insert the USB stick prepared above ➜ LED 3 flashes red-green-yellow (if the correct files, i.e. .ulf and .bin, were found on the USB stick).
• Start self-update with button 3 (long, approx. 3 sec).
• Wait for the message “SELF-UPDATE OK”  - “CRC OK” may appear instead!
• Unplug the USB stick and disconnect from “Power”.
• Reconnect “Power” ➜ MXULF ready for use.

Possible update and loading processes

There are different ways of updating or loading sounds for MX, MS and MN decoders:

• A USB stick or a computer can serve as the data source for the MXULF
• Loading from the MXULF into the decoder can then be done via rail or SUSI pins
• The "rail" method also applies to decoders that are plugged into a test board (MSTAP, MXTAP), which is connected to the MXULF via the "rail" connection

ATTENTION : Updating and loading sounds from the computer via rail is (as of 10/2023) ONLY possible with MX decoders!

Software update for decoders via USB stick over the rail (decoder installed in locomotive or test board)

• Download the new decoder SW collection file - .zsu file (if for MS decoder from ..MS-MN-Decoder-SW-Update ) and save it in the root directory of a USB stick ; preferably (easier) only this one .zsu file on the stick *)
• Connect “Power” (power supply or ...) to the MXULF ➜ “Power” LED green.
• Connect the rail (or connect the TAP to the "rail") , put the vehicle on the track (only vehicle on the track) ➜ LED "rail" yellow.
• Insert the prepared USB stick ➜ LED “1” yellow (if decoder SW collection file found), name of the decoder SW collection file on the display.
• Start decoder update with button 1 ➜ progress indicator on the display.
• Waiting for message “100%”
• Remove the vehicle from the track (or disconnect the decoder from the TAP) and, if further loading or update processes are to be initiated:
• Confirm with button 1 , then
• - if the sound project is on the same USB stick, i.e. ➜ LED “2” yellow , start loading the sound with button 2 (as below), or
• - put a new vehicle on the track (or connect the decoder to the TAP) for an update with the identical SW version.

Sound loading via USB stick via the track (decoder on test board or built into locomotive)

• Download the desired sound project - .zpp file from the ZIMO Sound Database  and save it in the root directory of a USB stick * ⁾
• Connect “Power” (power supply or ...) to the MXULF ➜ “Power” LED green.
• Connect the track , put the vehicle on the track, or plug the decoder into the MSTAP or connect the decoder cable   ➜ LED “Rail” yellow .
• Insert the prepared USB stick ➜ LED “2” yellow  (if sound project/zpp found), name of the sound project on the display.
• Start sound loading with button 2 ➜ progress indicator on the display.
• Waiting for the message “SOUND 100%”
• De-rail the vehicle or disconnect the decoder from the TAP , and, if further loading or update processes are to be initiated:
• Confirm with key R  , then ready for operation again

*) If there are multiple .zsu and/or .zpp files on the stick, the first two files will be displayed, and others can be made visible by scrolling. The file marked with an arrow is then ready to be loaded into the decoder (press the T or R key).

Sound loading via USB stick via the SUSI pins (decoder outside the locomotive)

NOTE: SUSI loading is the faster alternative (approx. 10x), but only possible if the decoder is NOT installed. This requires the connectors (PluX, MTC, Next18, etc.) on an MXTAP or MSTAP test and connection board . With wired decoders (including NEM-651 or -652), sound loading via the SUSI pins is also possible, but the SUSI connectors (solder pads are provided) must be made accessible by soldering wires (this will void the warranty!).

• Save the desired sound project to a USB stick * ⁾
• Connect the decoder to a suitable interface (PluX, MTC, Next18,...) - for safety reasons, with the connection board switched off (on/off switch on the board).
• Connect “Power” to the MXULF ➜ “Power” LED green.
• Connect the connection board (MXTAP or MSTAP) to the MXULF using a SUSI cable (connectors "SUSI").
• Press the R button   (long, approx. 3 seconds) ➜ Opens the MXULF menu on the display.
• Use the scroll wheel to select “ SUSI SOUND Load ”.
• Press R key  (short) ➜ Start sound loading, progress indicator on the display
• Waiting for message “SUSI 100%”
• Confirm with key R , then ready for operation again

*) If there are multiple .zsu and/or .zpp files on the stick, the first two files will be displayed, and others can be made visible by scrolling. The file marked with an arrow is then ready to be loaded into the decoder (press the T or R key) 

Using the MXULF from the computer:

The USB interface (client, left) of the MXULF can be used for two different tasks:

1. Decoder software update and sound loading with the ZSP software.The update process and sound loading and the functionality of the ZSP can be found in the current ZSP manual ;
   software updates are available under ZSP-ZIMO-Sound-Programmer.CAUTION: Update and sound loading from the computer via rail is NOT possible (as of 10/2023) with MS and MN decoders.
2. Configuring (CV programming and reading), as well as driving - from the computervia the so-called "binary protocol" and with the ZCS software. Information and a download link can be found under ZCS - ZIMO-CV-Setting .

NOTE: Original Source Last update: March 28, 2024 (used with permission) https://www.zimo.at/web2010/products/MXULF-Decoder-Updater.htm

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Software Updates for MS Sound Decoders & MN Non-Sound Decoders