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. Check for available Zimo sounds here on the Zimo website.
Stayalive/Powerpack
I advise to install a Stayalive or Powerpack where possible. This will give uninterrupted power for a few seconds in cases it looses power for a moment from the track.
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
MS491
MS591N18
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 or Train-O-Matic SPP-Nano. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.
The decoders of the MS500 family are not mfx-compatible.
For stayalive, click here
Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker.
MS491 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 or Train-O-Matic SPP-Nano. 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 compatible stayalive, click here
Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker.
MS591N18
(The new version of MS590N18)
Zimo’s smallest Next18 solution
- Size: 15 x 9.3 x 3.1 mm
- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)
- 6 output functions (0.5Amps Total Max), 4 on Next18, 2 through solder pads
- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps
- With RailCom
Zimo sound decoder MS591N18 is the Next18 version of the MS490 and MS500.
MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.
Stay-alive: No direct connection. Only with a STACO or Train-O-Matic SPP-Nano.
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.
