ZIMO MX660 Micro DCC Sound Decoder - Universal Board-style Hardwire with Large Solder Pads

ZIMO DCC decoder ship to us blank (or mute, or no pre-loaded sound file, or...) unlike other decoder options that we offer.  ZIMO has worked hard to develop a thorough, high quality sound file catalog covering many prototype models from many regions around the world.  ZIMO is a small company with limited resources and is simply not able to produce every possible sound through their own effort.  A network of so-called Sound File Authors has emerged as a result which has helps to grow and expand the ZIMO Sound Database.  This group of Sound File Authors are partners of ZIMO, not employees.  Each has their own specialty and area of expertise and work closely with ZIMO to ensure the files meet the high quality standards ZIMO users and fans have come to expect.

CLICK HERE to access the ZIMO Sound File Information page.

SBS4DCC will preload any Free or Coded sound file from the ZIMO Sound Database with the initial purchase of a MS Series Sound Decoders for no additional charge upon request.  Please note, there are numerous third party sound file authors but most of these are offered with a surcharge for use.  SBS4DCC will pre-load third party OEM and non-OEM files in most circumstances but a processing fee may apply.  Please CONTACT US to discuss your specific project or needs. 

Regarding firmware updates, SBS4DCC will update the firmware automatically when loading a requested sound file for no additional cost.  There is a modest fee for updating firmware on non-sound decoders.

There are two ways to request that SBS4DCC pre-load a sound file when you purchase a ZIMO decoder from us. 

The preferred way is to enter the Sound File Number (having the format ZSP00065 or ZSP01064, etc.) in the space above labeled "REQUEST A PRELOADED SOUND FILE (NUMBER OR NAME)".  You can enter a prototype model or prime mover type if you are unsure but using the number guarantees you will get the exact file you want.

The second way is enter the same information noted above in the comments field at checkout but those notes will print on the shipping label so best to use the space provided.

As always, CONTACT US with questions.

ZIMO Sound Decoders are equipped with 6 independent sound channels, 1.1W sinus audio output at 11 kHz or 22 kHz depending on sound sample and 32 Mbit memory

ZIMO sound decoder offers an innovative concept for sound adjustment and optimization, which makes these procedures particularly simple for the user. The user can produce usable sound even without a computer or detailed configuration variable settings.

ZIMO sound decoders also offer all of the world class functions of our non-sound decoders: silent drive selectable between 20 or 40 kHz, adjustable BEMF, special settings for coreless motors, optional kph or mph speed control, constant stopping distance, HLU, ABC, advanced uncoupling functions, smart stopping (prevents stops on dirty track sections), updatable firmware, and RailCom.

ZIMO MX660 DCC Decoders offer the following features:

The MX660 is the universal board-style hardwire "micro model" for N scale sound in the ZIMO decoder range.  The MX660 is essentially the MX649 laid out flat with absolutely nothing on one side of the circuit board to allow mounting against any surface.  

The MX660 is the perfect micro sound decoder for narrow hood diesels because it is the thinnest sound decoder on the market today, measuring just 2.5mm tall.  The footprint is so compact, it fits easily into almost any N or HO scale diesel.

Specifications:

• 0.8A Continuous-1.5A Peak Power
• 2 - Normal Function Outputs
• 4 - Common Function Outputs
• All Function Outputs Are Constant Current source for use with LEDs (Current 5mA; External Resistors Not Required)
• Voltage Common (+) solder pad connection for each function output
• SUSI Compatible
• 47uF Energy Storage Capacitor On-board
• Direct Off-board energy storage capacitor support
• 1 Watts Audio Power
• 8 Ohms Speaker Impedance
• RailCom compatible

RailCom is a Trade Mark of Lenz GmbH

* All Function Outputs Are Constant Current for use with LEDs (Current 5mA; External Resistors Not Required)

Be sure to review the ZIMO MX660 Micro DCC Sound Decoder Application Notes on my DCC Tips page.

Feature Summary:

• 14, 28, 128 speed steps
• 3-way adjustable back-EMF
• Selectable frequency for noiseless operation
• For all DC motors including coreless
• 3-point or 28-step speed table
• 5 digit addressing
• All US lighting effects with programmable timing and dimming
• Free mapping, NMRA mapping or Swiss mapping function control
• NMRA bidirectional communication (RailCom)
• Short circuit protection
• Thermal protection
• Reliable overload protection
• User updateable firmware
• Editable and updatable sound files

ZIMO Features and Characteristics:

• Conforms to applicable NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices.
• Address range from 1 ... 10239, consist range 1 ... 127; Functions controlled by main or consist address.
• 14, 28 or 128 External Speed Steps, 256 or 1024 Internal Speed Step resolution for incredibly smooth motor control.
• 3-point adjustable speed curve (CVs #2, 5, 6) or fully programmable 28-step speed table (CV #67 - 94).
• Top speed (CV #5) can be used even when the speed table is used (CV #67 - 94), which means that all entered table values will be reduced automatically (i.e. to 80% if CV #5 holds a value of 200 instead of 252).
• Switching Mode button function - Selectively switches to low speed and/or reduces or even removes programmed momentum.
• Multiple CV sets, predefined or self-defined: by storing more than one CV set, a locomotive can quickly and easily be changed for various duties that require different CV settings (i.e. single locomotive or consist, layout at home or club etc.)
• Supports Operations Mode (Program On Main) and Service Mode (Program Track) CV Programming.
• Special programming mode called "Pseudo Programming" for Digitrax, Lokmouse-2 and other systems with only 2-digit display (up to 99).
• Hard reset with CV #8 = 8; Optional hard reset to Alternate CV Set or sound project with CV #8 = 0.
• Automatically recognizes and switches between the MOTOROLA and DCC protocols.
• Operates with standard DC analog power packs, PWM power packs, and DC power supply. Motor regulation and momentum are also available in analog operation.
• AC analog operation with Marklin transformers.  ZIMO decoders recognize the power surge that initiates a direction change.
• User Updatable - Install the latest firmware yourself, in minutes, at no charge and without opening the locomotive. All ZIMO decoders come with this feature (including function and accessory decoders).  The new firmware is always available at no charge from the ZIMO or ZIMODCC web site. (Requires MX10, MXULFA, or other device)

ZIMO Safety Features:

• Reliable high voltage protection and short circuit protection for motor and function outputs.
• Thermal protection (100 - 120 C), shuts decoder down and notifies user with flashing headlights.
• Models available for use with track voltage up to 35 V (MX644, MX699).

ZIMO Motor Control Features:

• ZIMO Silent Drive motor control with Self-Optimization and numerous settings for manual optimization:
  • PID parameters
  • Reduce or cut regulation
  • Reduce or cut regulation above defined speed
  • Modify EMF sampling rate.
• Realistic momentum:
• Standard momentum (CV #3 and 4)
• ZIMO exponential (nonlinear) momentum for extremely prototypical acceleration and deceleration
• ZIMO adaptive acceleration to prevent startup jolt
• High frequency Silent Drive motor control, selectable between 20 or 40 kHz, suitable for use with:
• Standard DC motors
• Coreless motors (Faulhaber, Maxxon...)
• Difficult cases, such as the round Fleischmann motor
• Old motors requiring low frequency 30 - 150 Hz
• C-Sinus and SoftDrive motors as found in Marklin/Trix locos
• The Self-Optimization feature of the decoder automatically tunes the motor control parameters of the decoder to the locomotive.
• Designed to startup at extremely low threshold voltage.
• Adjustable compensation for gear backlash during direction changes to eliminate startup jolt.
• Mph or km/h speed control. Each speed step (1 - 128) is interpreted as 0.5 mph, 1 mph or 2 mph (for high speed trains). All locomotives on the layout are adjusted by means of a semi-automatic calibration section (i.e. 160 scale-yards = 72.83 on the layout). In operation, the speed is kept as exact as possible by continuously recalculating and readjusting it.
• Special circuitry to prevent interference from capacitors, choke coils, which are often found on motors.  In some cases removal of these components may still be beneficial (See Decoder Manual).
• Uninterrupted operation (no stalling, stopping and new startup) during continuity interruptions of up to 1 second.  All current models of ZIMO decoders have Common (+) and Ground (-) pads available for adding external capacitors.  Many ZIMO decoders have special circuitry for adding external capacitors (SPEIKOMP, SPEIGOMP) which minimizes programming interference.
• Uninterrupted operation on dead track sections. The decoder firmware prevents the loco from stopping when track power is lost, even while the loco is coming to a scheduled stop. This ensures that the loco can start up again even after the capacitors dissipated the stored electricity.  Note: Requires external energy storage module MXSPEIK or MXSPEIG, other similar products or self-made modules connected to the decoder.

ZIMO Function and Function Output Features:

• 4-15 Normal function outputs and logic-level outputs, depending on decoder type.
• 2-4 Low voltage 5.0V servo outputs, depending on decoder type.
• SUSI interface for the connection of other external modules, most often sound modules.
• NMRA function mapping.
• ZIMO Free Function Mapping procedure (CV #61=98) enables mapping of any output to any function key, directional or non-directional, which is not possible with NMRA function mapping.
• ZIMO Swiss Function Mapping (CV #61=...) for special cases such as direction dependent taillights and cab light in Swiss engines.
• Numerous special effects:
• Soft start for function outputs
• Function output dimming
• Function dependent low/high beam
• Adjustable flasher
• Stop light logic
• Output time-out function
• Firebox Flicker
• Speed and load dependent smoke generation and fan control
• All US lighting effects
• Mars Light
• Rotary Beacon
• Strobe and Double Strobe
• Gyra Light
• Ditch Light - Type I and II
• Variable cycle times and minimum dim values.
• Special CVs for automatic uncoupling (aka The ZIMO Coupler Waltz).  After pressing the function key defined for this action, the loco backs up a few millimeters to unload the couplers then actuates the uncoupler and moves forward away from the train. The distance the loco backs-up and moves forward as well as the loco speed step is definable with CVs.

Note: On some decoders, the same function outputs can be used as either logic-level, servo or SUSI outputs.

ZIMO Common Function Outputs (a.k.a. Logic Level Outputs):

The common function output, also called a "Logic Level" output or "unamplified" output, refers to the voltage level at the terminal (0V for "off", 5V for "on").  The funtion output has an internal protection resistor equal to 10K Ohms resulting in 0.5 mA maximum available output current.

The use of the common function outputs is determined with CV settings: 

CV # 124:

• Bit 7 = 0 -> SUSI 
• Bit 7 = 1 -> Logic Level 

CV's # 181, 182

• If set, the common function outputs are used for servo control.

Logic Level Outputs of [C] and [D] Types: 

In all decoders with 21-pin "MTC" interface (either a [C] - type or a [D] - type, e.g. MX634C MX634D or MX644C); the two variations differ in the execution of function outputs FA3 and FA4:

• "D" - Outputs FA3 and FA4 are "normal" amplified outputs
• "C" - Outputs FA3 and FA4 are "logic level" outputs

Note: Logic-level outputs can power one LED or any other load by using an external amplifier (i.e. M4000Z)."Logic Level" outputs can be amplified by adding the ZIMO M4000Z Logic Level Function Amplifier or similar devices.

CAUTION: "Logic Level" outputs are NOT active in the default configuration of the decoder because they use the same ports as the SUSI interface (clock and data) as well as the servo-control lines.

ZIMO Train Control and Feedback Features:

• DC braking distance, ABC (stopping on asymmetrical DCC signal), Marklin braking section,
• ZIMO "signal dependent train control" (HLU) with speed limits in 5 steps and "stop before red signal",
• ZIMO loco number recognition only with ZIMO DCC system and ZIMO track section modules,
• Constant braking with two variations:
• Always start braking immediately
• When speed is low, stop in same place
• RailCom - bidirectional communication hardware is found in all ZIMO decoders:
• km/h feedback
• CV "on-the-main" read-out and confirmed programming
• RailCom address feedback
• Many more RailCom applications in future software releases

RailCom is a Trade Mark of Lenz GmbH

ZIMO Sound Features:

• ZIMO sound decoders are equipped with 6 independent sound channels, 1 to 3W sinus audio output at 11 kHz or 22 kHz depending on sound sample and 32 Mbit memory.
• ZIMO sound decoders use digital audio amplifiers supplied with 5V from a regulated power supply.  The sound produced from this solution is not influenced by fluctuations in the power supply and is fully available on analog DC systems of over 5V.
• A sound-memory of 32 Mb corresponds to a playing time of 180 sec in the higher quality (22 kHz sample rate) and 360 sec in the lower quality (11 kHz).
• ZIMO sound projects typically use high quality sound samples of 22 kHz.
• 8 ohm speakers can be used with any ZIMO sound decoder which can be ordered from your ZIMO dealer. 
• 4 ohms speakers or 8 ohm speaker arrays can be connected to the MX644 and MX645 models which have audio power up to 3 Watts.
• Virtual cam sensor for sound synchronization of steam engines lacking a real cam sensor. A function output is programmed to send 2 or 4 signals per wheel revolution, which causes the sound module to playback a chuff sound with every signal received. This output is connected to the same input on the sound module that normally connects to a real cam sensor.
• Most sound decoders have inputs for mechanical sound synchronization using cams, reed switches or hall-effect sensors.
• Acceleration and load dependent sounds can be automatically adjusted by a test drive to set the load sensitivity parameters, and many other features (See the ZIMO Sound Database and User Manuals).
• User Updatable - Install the latest sound files yourself, in minutes, without opening the locomotive.  All ZIMO sound decoders come with this feature (including function and accessory decoders).  ZIMO sound files are always available from the ZIMO or ZIMODCC web site. (Requires MX10, MXULFA, or other device)

Recommendation: Two ZIMO "Sugar Cube" speakers with sound chamber (Part Numbers LS10X15 and LS8X12) produce high volume from a very small footprint.

Note: During selection of the speakers, bigger is always better.  It is very important to use a speaker enclosure, baffle or an airtight locomotive housing with a sounding board and openings in the housing, etc. for professional installation.