KASTENLOK INDEX

Locomotive decoders

Function decoder

Sound decoders

Zimo Sound decoders

Zimo sound decoders are known for their ease of use and with a Roco Z21 and a computer (Windows, though works through Parallels with a Mac), you can actually upload new sounds to the decoder. No additional hardware necessary! The Tramfabriek will only sell the tiniest decoders, mostly suitable for N and 009/H0e/H0m gauge.


Pre-installed sound

If you would like to have a certain sound installed,  the Tramfabriek can install a sound from the Tramfabriek Sound Experience. The Tramfabriek does NOT install 3rd party sounds that need a paid unlock code! Check for available Zimo sounds here on the Zimo website.

Tramfabriek Sound Experience files are free and installed, when chosen, with the purchase of a decoder. Choose the sound you would like to have installed in the pop up window. If you choose a sound from the Zimo database, specify which one in the notes at the check out. 

Zimo sound installation with 

MS500N and STACO3A

MS500

MS490

MS590N18

MS500 series

Zimo’s smallest (wider, shorter)

- Size: 14 x 10 x 2,6 mm

- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)

- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions

- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps

- With RailCom


Zimo sound decoder MS500 is functionally identical to MS490, but wider and shorter.

MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.


Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.

The decoders of the MS500 family are not mfx-compatible.

For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here

Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.

MS490 series

Zimo’s smallest (narrow, longer)

- Size: 19 x 8.6 x 2,9 mm

- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)

- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions

- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps

- With RailCom


Zimo sound decoder MS490 is functionally identical to MS500, but more narrow and 5 mm longer.

MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.


Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.

The decoders of the MS490 family are not mfx-compatible.

For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here

Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.

MS590N18

Zimo’s smallest Next18 solution

- Size: 15 x 9.5 x 3.3 mm

- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)

- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions

- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps

- With RailCom


Zimo sound decoder MS590N18 is functionally identical to MS490 and MS500, but with Next18 plug.

MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.


Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.

The decoders of the MS500 family are not mfx-compatible.

For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here

Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.