Massoth DiMAX 1210Z User manual
MASSOTH
User’s Manual
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station
Digital Central Station for the operation of NMRA-compatible model railroads
Item No.: 8136501
Version 2.40
11/07
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station
MASSOTH
Index Page
I. General Description 3
II. Summar of Functions 3
III. La out of Terminals 4
1 Please read this first! 4
1.1 Safety Details and Warnings 4
1.2 Warranties and Guaranties 5
1.3 Warranty Claims 5
1.4 Servi e and Customer Support 5
2 Scope of Suppl 5
3 Introduction to Digital Control with DiMAX® Digital 6
3.1 Database for 128 Locomotives 6
3.2 Locomotive Address 6
3.3 Speed Steps 6
3.4 Producing Special Functions 7
3.4.1 Producing Parallel Functions 7
3.4.2 Producing Serial Functions 7
3.5 Number of Locomotives in Simultaneous Operation 7
4 Starting Up 8
4.1 Connection 8
4.2 Displa and Ke board 11
4.3 Status LEDs 11
4.4 Connecting the Input Devices 12
4.5 Fuse 12
5 The first switch-on 12
5.1 The Displa 12
5.2 Menu Prompting 12
5.3 The Emergenc Stop Ke 13
6 Operational Settings 13
6.1 Maximum Driving Current 13
6.2 How to log off Locomotives when using the DiMAX® Transducer 14
6.3 Turn Off Time in case of Short Circuit 15
6.4 Maximum Number of Active Locomotives 15
6.5 F-Functions be ond F8 16
6.6 Track Voltage Adjustment 16
7 Advanced S stem Settings 17
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7.1 Settings of the Automatic Functions 17
7.1.1 Save the Status of Active Locomotives 17
7.1.2 Reset Status of Active Locomotives 17
7.1.3 Store Automatic Functions 18
7.1.4 Reset Automatic Functions 19
7.1.5 Delete Locomotive Data Base 20
7.2 S stem Settings 20
7.2.1 Language 20
7.2.2 Firmware Update 21
7.2.3 S stem Information 21
8 Menu Flow Chart 22
9 Using LGB® MTS II Components with the DiMAX® Central Station 23
9.1 Operating Mode of the DiMAX® 600A Transducer 23
9.2 Managing Speed Steps in the DiMAX® 600A Transducer 23
10 Advanced Functions 23
10.1 Demonstration Mode 23
10.2 Automatic Functions 24
11 Software Update 25
11.1 Connect our PC to the DiMAX® Central Station 25
11.2 Update Program 26
11.3 Software of DiMAX® Components 26
11.4 Start Update Function of the DiMAX® Central Station 26
11.5 Execute the Update 26
12 Useful Hints 30
12.1 The Central Station calls for a Software Update 30
12.2 The Central Station cuts the Connection during Update 30
12.3 Hidden Service Mode for Software Update of the Central Station 30
12.4 Hidden Service Mode for Software Update of Bus Components 30
12.5 How to Update the DiMAX® Navigator and other RC Components 30
13 Glossar 31
14 Support 34
15 Manufacturer Information 34
Please read this Manual thoroughly before operating your DiMAX® Central Station
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station 2
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I. General Des ription
The DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station is the optimum choice for Garden Railroaders. It is the best combinati-
on of a powerful 12 Amps driving current, high safet standards and up to date high end technolog .
Based on the NMRA Standard the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station controls Locomotives equipped with de-
coders of all major manufacturers. A unique feature is the abilit to produce digital and analog signals
which enables the DiMAX® 1210Z to operate locomotives equipped with older sound modules. A conversi-
on of old models is therefore not necessar .
II. Summary of Fun tions
Properties of the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station:
- Max 12 Amps Driving Current (adjustable to 4, 7 and 12 Amps)
- Supply Voltage 16 V to 24 V DC or 12 V to 18 V AC
- Separate Programming Outlet
- Voltage Limitation (Driving Voltage limited to 24 V DC)
- Adjustable Turn Off Time in ase of short ir uit (between 0.1 and 0.8 sec)
- Integrated Fan (Temperature Controlled)
- LCD Display (White Letters with Blue Background Lighting)
- Compatible to NMRA DCC
- Compatible to LGB® MTS
- Parallel and Serial Data Pro essing
- Booster Interfa e
- PC Interfa e (Protocol available for free)
- Tra k Voltage Adjustment (onl with new Hardware)
System Properties:
- 10239 Lo omotive Addresses
- 14/28/128 Speed Steps
- 2048 Swit h Addresses
- 2048 Feed Ba k Addresses
- Data Base of 128 Pre onfigured Lo omotives (Input with handheld Controller)
- 32 Lo omotives simultaneously ontrollable (other s stems do 8 or 12 Locos)
- Automati Fun tion without PC (using Feedback Interface and Train Detection Module)
- Write CV (direct/indirect)
- Read CV
- Register Programming
- PoM (Program on Main / Programming on Track)
- LGB® MTS Components usable (via Transducer)
- Automati Speed Step S aling (14/28/128) with LGB® Components
Note: The functional range of the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station is being updated on a
regular basis. Suggestions are welcome. The DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station can be easil kept up to
date using the Update Function.
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station 3
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III. Layout of Terminals
- Mains Power Supply (16 V to 24 V DC or 12 V to 18 V AC) separatel fused
- 3 Bus Outlets on the Front (e.g. for Handheld Controller)
- Tra k Power Terminal
- Program Terminal
- Booster Interfa e (on the back)
- PC Interfa e RS232 (for Updates and PC-Controlling)
The bus outlets for handheld controllers, RC receivers, feedback modules etc. ma be
extended b an additional DiMAX® Adapter (Item No. 8138001).
1 Please read this hapter thoroughly before starting the operation!
1.1 Safety Details and Warnings
1.1.1 This Product is not suitable for children under the age of 8 ears. This product ma have sharp edges. In-
appropriate handling ma cause injuries. Operate this product only with products posted in this
manual. Measurements and electrical data are subject to change without further notice.
1.1.2 The DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station ma onl be used for the operation of digitall controlled model
railroads. Do never connect the bus connectors to our telephone line! This will result in irreparable and
costl damages.
1.1.3 The DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station ma onl be operated with digital components posted in this
manual. Even if other devices ma have the same connectors, an operation will not be possible and ma
result in damage of the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station and other components.
1.1.4 Do not drop this product. Do not expose the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station to shocks and do not shake
it. This ma result in damage.
1.1.5 Do not expose the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station to direct heat, sunlight or a damp environment. This
ma affect the operation.
1.1.6 Do not open the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station. There are no user-serviceable components inside. This
will void our warrant and ma result in damage.
1.1.7 Do not clean the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station with abrasive cleaners, strong acids or corrosive clea-
ners. Use a plastic-compatible cleaner or dr soft cloth onl .
1.1.8 We stress the fact that this product is not a to . Do never leave our children unattended when operating
the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station. Children should operate this item onl under supervision of adults.
1.1.9 Never use analog transformers on the same track with digital components. This goes for the operation
of catenar lines also.
1.1.10 Keep the ventilation grilles free of obstructions. These vents are needed for cooling the DiMAX® 1210Z
Central Station. Do not pour an liquids into these grilles; keep the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station in a
dr environment.
1.1.11 Visuall inspect our digital components regularl , remove damaged items immediatel .
1.1.12 The right to change this product in accordance with technical progress is reserved b MASSOTH
ELEKTRONIK, Seeheim, German . We can not compensate for damages resulting from inappropriate
handling, non-observance of this manual, operation with altered or damaged items or items not suitable
for the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station. We do not compensate for damages resulting from overheating
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station 4
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or moisture and inappropriate opening of the housing.
1.1.13 Removing the safet label voids our warrant instantl and irrevocabl .
1.2 Warranties and Guaranties
MASSOTH ELECTRONICS USA warrants this product for 1 ear from the original date of purchase. This
product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Peripheral component damage is not
covered b this warrant . Normal wear and tear, consumer modifications as well as inappropriate use and
handling are not covered. Errors and changes excepted.
1.3 Warranty Claims
Valid warrant claims will be serviced without charge within the warrant period. To initiate a warrant
claim, please contact our dealer or MASSOTH ELECTRONICS USA for an RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization). MASSOTH ELECTRONICS USA cannot be responsible for return shipping charges to our
repair facilit . Please include our Proof of Purchase with the returned goods.
1.4 Servi e and Customer Support
For support and technical questions contact: [email protected] or call (see below).
For downloading the latest firmware update go to www.massoth.com.
Massoth Electronics USA, LLC
6585 Remington Dr.
Cumming, GA 30040
Ph. 770-886-6670
Fax 770-889-6837
2 S ope of Supply
•DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station
•Multi-Connector (to connect track power, programming track and external power source)
•Manual
In case an of these items is missing or damaged contact our local dealer or the
manufacturer.
Note: Please keep our box and the St rofoam parts, to ensure proper packaging in case of shipping. If
dropped, the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station can be damaged significantl .
DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station 5
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3 Introdu tion to Digital Control with DiMAX® Digital
The DiMAX® Digital S stem complies with the NMRA DCC Standard. All digital components that compl
with this standard ma be operated with the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station. The DiMAX® 1210Z Central
Station works with the special functions of the LGB® MTS S stem and NMRA compatible components on
the same track.
3.1 Database for 128 Lo omotives
One of the prominent benefits of the DiMAX® Digital S stem is the abilit to store locomotive data per-
manentl such as address, speed step configuration, special functions, and the pictogram. These data are
made available to all DiMAX® Navigators or other handheld controllers connected to the DiMAX® Central
Station. This data is available after ever power up and will not be lost after shut down. The names of the
locomotives are generall user related and therefore stored in the handheld controller onl .
The integrated database stores up to 128 locomotives permanentl . All relevant locomotive data is shown
immediatel after the respective address has been put in a DiMAX® Navigator. The address, speed steps,
special functions, and pictogram are displa ed here. The locomotive is read to drive without an further
actions. The onl thing for ou to do is: select and load the locomotive.
3.2 Lo omotive Address
The DiMAX® Digital S stem identifies each locomotive b an address (Number 1…10239). The numbers
1…9999 are used for regular locomotive addresses.
3.3 Speed Steps
The DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station supports the usual 14, 28 and 128 speed steps defined b the NMRA
DCC Standard. The speed steps define b which number the maximum driving current is divided. Using
lower numbers result in a slow speed, the higher numbers result in faster speeds. A decoder programmed
for 14 speed steps will control the locomotive in 14 voltage steps in ever direction. 28 speed steps provide
28 voltage steps, 128 speed steps 128 voltage steps respectivel . For G-Scale Garden Railroading we re-
commend 28 speed steps.
In case no configuration of the locomotive has been done, the DiMAX® Navigator automaticall configures
the locomotive to 28 speed steps. Using LGB® Components in combination with a DiMAX® Transducer
the locomotive will be controlled with 14 speed steps automaticall .
(See chapter 6 – LGB® MTS II Components with the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station)
Please note that in locos configured in 14 speed steps the light will not displa correctl if the are con-
trolled with 28 speed steps. The same is true for locos defined for 28 speed steps that are controlled with
14 speed steps. In these cases the lights of the locomotives ma flicker or ma not work at all.
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3.4 Produ ing Spe ial Fun tions
The DiMAX® Digital S stem provides two kinds of function triggering: parallel and serial. The selection of
the respective technique is made during the locomotive configuration via the
DiMAX® Navigator or an other handheld controller.
3.4.1 Produ ing Parallel Fun tions
Parallel function triggering is standard in the NMRA DCC operation. Each function command is sent to the
locomotive directl . Pushing the F1 ke releases the function 1; the F2 ke releases the function 2 and so
on. The functions are produced immediatel after pushing the ke as there is onl one single command to
be sent to the locomotive.
The number of functions has been changed during the last few ears. It started out with 8 functions and
was changed to 16 or more functions available. The DiMAX® Digital S stem is one of the few digital s s-
tems that support 16 functions according to the NMRA DCC Standard and the DiMAX® Digital S stem is
read to implement an further changes in the future.
3.4.2 Produ ing Serial Fun tions
Serial function triggering has a long stor . Starting out as a single function triggered b one single ke , the
request for multiple functions resulted in the development of serial function triggering. As there was onl
one ke available on the handheld controller, one had to push the same ke repeatedl to get other functi-
ons. One had to push the ke once for function #1, twice for function #2 and three times for function #3
and so on. The F1 command was sent as a pulse string.
Example 1: The F1 ke is pressed once and command #1 was sent once. Subsequentl the
whistle went off.
Example 2: The F1 ke is pressed 5 times and the command was sent 5 times.
Subsequentl the function #5 was initiated.
The higher the number of function, the more often the ke had to be pushed. Therefore the dela between
the command and the actual initiation depended on the value of the number of the command.
Normall LGB® locomotives with serial sound function processing can be upgraded to parallel functions.
3.5 Number of Lo omotives in Simultaneous Operation
The DiMAX® Digital S stem distinguishes between active and passive locomotives. Locomotives that are
controlled b a DiMAX® Navigator or other handheld controller are active. An command that is put into
the controller is transmitted to the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station and then sent to the locomotive.
The maximum allowable number of active locomotives can be set in the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station
menu. The manufacturer’s setting is 16; a maximum of 32 locomotives is possible.
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It must be pointed out that the actual number of active locomotives, that receive data from the DiMAX®
1210Z Central Station actuall slow down the s stem as the number grows because the Central Station
has to process the data and send these data to the locomotives. The
DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station handles the active locomotives in strict rotation, once it is finished with the
last one it starts all over with the first. Changes on the DiMAX® Navigator, e.g. input of F3, are sent to the
track immediatel . This happens in a fracture of a second. The more locomotives are there to be handled,
the more data are to be processed. The Processing dela with 32 active locomotives ma be up to 1.5 sec.
A locomotive signed off while driving remains active. If a locomotive that is parked and not moving is si-
gned off, it is not active an more. The count of active locomotives is therefore reduced b the number of 1.
Note: The data processing load per active locomotive is extensive. This is the reason for most of the digi-
tal s stems to limit the number of active locomotives to 8 or a maximum of 12. The DiMAX® 1210Z Cen-
tral Stations operate with two high performance processors that handle the data and the controlling of up
to 32 active locomotives.
4 Starting Up
The chapters below will guide ou through the set up and first operation of our DiMAX® 1210Z Central
Station. Please follow ever step closel .
4.1 Conne tion
Take our DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station out of the box and position it in an appropriate place. The Di-
MAX® 1210Z Central Station should not be placed close to a radiator, an other heater or in direct sunlight
to ensure sufficient ventilation and temperature range for the DiMAX® 1210Z Central Station.
The ventilation outlet is on the ba k side and it should be kept lear of any
obstru tions at all times.
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DiMAX® 1210Z Digital Central Station 9
Illustration #1: Front view of the DiMAX 1210Z
Illustration #2: Rear view of the DiMAX 1210Z
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