Service Notes - ZIMO MX638 Series Instruction Manual

Page 78 Non-Sound Decoder MX618 - MX638 and Sound Decoder MX640 - MX659
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Service Notes

Even Zimo decoders can break down ... sometimes "for no reason", sometimes due to short circuits
during installations, sometimes by a failed update ...
These defective decoder can of course be sent to Zimo for repair or replacement. Whether this is
covered by warranty or a payable service, the submitter should expect a decoder back that is not only
functional, but is also configured similarly as the original (i.e. the same CV values and the same
sound project). However, this is not possible if the decoder is damaged so badly that it cannot be
read-out anymore.
THEREFORE ... is it recommended to READ OUT IMPORTANT DATA from the
decoder before it is defective and to record this information along with
the personal information on the repair form:
Address
Loaded SW version (CV #7, 65)
Possibly activated CV Set (activation code for CV #8, concerns
non-sound decoder)
Decoder ID (CV #250 ... 253, if available)
Possibly load code (CV #260 ... 263, relates to sound decoder)
Loaded sound project.
It would also be very useful (but relatively complex) to read out the entire CV list and keep it in a safe
place, so it can later be programmed to a repaired decoder (which sometimes requires a hard-reset)
or a replacement. Reading out and reprogramming decoders is easy with the help of
the program "ADaPT" (from E.Sperrer, works with Zimo and some other DCC systems),
or ZSP (works with MX31ZL MXDECUP or, in the future, with MXULF or MX10)
or with ZSC (works with MXULF in the future or MX10).
NOTE: Future Zimo command stations will read decoder configurations automatically (in the back-
ground) and make it available when needed. But is at the time of this writing (May 2013) still future...
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to submission of defective decoders:

To avoid unnecessary repair shipments it should be verified beforehand whether a defect is
in fact present. Many of the submitted decoders are only configured wrong and all that was
needed was a "hard reset" (CV #8 = 8) to get the decoder CV's back to the default values
or the default values of a sound project.

WARNING: Sometimes defects are simulated when a loaded sound project or its integrated
CV table expects a specific loco model (e.g., certain types of lighting equipment), but the
equipment is missing or not wired appropriately. Typical cases: The light is no longer work-
ing with F0 (because the sound project has redirected the light to another function key), or
the locomotive will "drive off unchecked" (because the sound project activated a servo with
a corresponding uncoupling procedure).
Note: for each sound project in the Zimo sound database there is usually also a version available that
contains only the sound, which does not require a specially prepared vehicle.

If the problem is "only" very poor drivability, it would be of advantage to contact
service@zimo.at before sending the decoder back. Often a simple remedy can be found
without sending the decoder back.

ZIMO can only accept decoders for repair, BUT NOT complete engines or engine parts with
a decoder installed. There are of course exceptions in problematic cases that have to do
with the interaction between the locomotive and decoder, but only after prior agreement.

The defect (or reason for return) should be described with as much detail as possible in ad-
dition to the above mentioned information required.

So called OEM decoder, such as have been installed by a loco manufacturer, should be
taken care of by them. However, ZIMO will repair these as well when sent to the ZIMO ser-
vice department. The warranty and repair conditions may of course differ from those of the
vehicle manufacturer (whether this is "better" or "worse" is rather coincidence). Even in
these cases: submit only the Zimo decoder, not complete engines!
If a decoder gets exchanged, the original OEM sound project can in most cases be used in
the replacement decoder as well (if the necessary information has been submitted to us).
This applies to vehicle manufacturers like Roco, Fleischmann, Wunder, Demko and many
others, but it is also possible that ZIMO does not have the sound from manufacturers that
provided the sound themselves.

"Preloaded" sound projects (see Sound Database), however, are usually NOT available
from Zimo, but only the author / company who usually provides the sound only as preload-
ed in a decoder. Such sound decoders are therefore better sent directly to the original sup-
plier. Naturally if the problem is a pure hardware issue, such as a defective motor or func-
tion output, it can be dealt easily at ZIMO.
Please fill out and accompany a ZIMO repair
form with your shipment. Such forms can be
downloaded here:
http://www.zimo.at/web2010/sales/Reparatur-Formular_en.pdf