Zimo MX33FU, The MX33FU remote control in the MX33FU radio version

Cable and wireless versions

ZIMO remote control desks are available in two versions:

for exclusive use on the CAN bus andwith integrated radio module and built-in battery for optional, wireless use via radio or CAN bus,The battery is charged at the same time via the bus cable.

The operation is practically identical in cable or radio mode, only certain loading sequences (photos, larger files,...) can take longer or be prevented via radio.Software update via USB stick

To make the software update as problem-free as possible, a USB socket (host) is installed (USB-C on the MX33), on which a standard memory stick with the new software version downloaded from the ZIMO website is installed gets infected.

Additional locomotive image collections, operating languages, signal boxes, etc., are also loaded into the device in this way via a USB stick.RailCom

ZIMO cabs do not contain any special hardware for “RailCom”, as the detectors are located in the control center and distributed in external modules (local detectors). Like all other data, the RailCom information reaches the MX33 via the CAN bus.

RailCom, i.e. the ability of the decoders to send feedback to the system, is a fundamental part of the ZIMO system. Of course, operation is also possible with decoders that do not support RailCom; But RailCom-capable decoders are better, namely those that offer more than just CV programming and reading, as well as reporting your own address.

The operating concept

As is usual with modern devices, the aim is for operation to be “intuitive” without having to study the operating instructions in detail, which of course is only possible to a limited extent. During use, the user finds information on the screen about the current options, e.g. the current assignment of the softkeys and other flexibly assigned keys. If necessary, a context-related help file can also be displayed (not available everywhere).The touch capability of the screen is primarily used to change the way it is displayed (switching between small and large locomotive photos, switching between speedometer scales, setting switches in the future signal boxes, etc.).

A focus is also on the operating states "SERV PROG", the programming and reading of CVs in "Service mode" (actually a relic from the early days of digital technology) and "OPMODE PROG", programming in the "Operational mode" (" PoM”). Decoders from other manufacturers than ZIMO are also supported by CV handling with command line storage and CV set management, but ZIMO decoders are supported to an extended extent.

The operating state “WEI” (so called for traditional reasons) combines switches and signals, regardless of their connection locations on various decoders and modules, in “switching panels” where they are operated using a number key or touch.