MSTAP - decoder test and connection boards

ZIMO MSTAPK2 ZIMO MSTAPG

The ZIMO decoder test and connection boards MSTAPK and MSTAPG are mostly used together with the decoder update and sound loading device MXULF, but also with ZIMO command stations (MX10 or older ZIMO digital systems) or with third-party systems. They serve as a docking station for decoders - whether with interfaces or wires - to connect them to a DCC command station or the ZIMO MXULF. In this way, decoders can be tested for their functions or their software can be updated, and a sound project can be loaded. All components of a model vehicle (see below) are available for testing.

Basic features

  • Carrier of the (onboard) mating connectors for interfaces available with ZIMO decoders, i.e. PluX12, -16, -22, Next-18, 21MTC, E24, NEM651, NEM652 (all NMRA or VHDM standardised), as well as the ZIMO-proprietary (partly ESU-like) large-scale railway interfaces of MS950, MS955, MS990... (in each case the versions with pin headers).
  • Connection to MXULF or to ZIMO command stations, or other digital command stations, for supply with "digital power" via the double terminal "rail" ("Schiene") and, if necessary, via SUSI plug and SUSI cable (for fast sound loading).
  • For testing the decoders, the typical consumers of model vehicles are available on the MSTAPx boards:
    DC motor, 1 (MSTAPK2) or 2 (MSTAPG, for "stereo" decoders) speakers of 1 watt each, connections for alternative motors and speakers,
    up to 20 LEDs for function outputs, fan outputs, servo control lines and push-buttons for testing inputs.
NOTE: The ZIMO test and connection boards can also be used to test decoders from other manufacturers.
                  Software updates and sound loading with MXULF, however, is only possible with ZIMO decoders.

General information

MSTAPx  boards were developed in conjunction with the MS sound decoders and MN non-sound decoders in order to fully support their capabilities (e.g. two loudspeakers for large railway decoders, interfaces for the new gauge-0 decoders, PluX-26 decoders, etc.). They are nevertheless similar to their predecessors MXTAPx in many respects and can therefore be used practically universally for both MS and almost all ‘small’ MX decoders (except MX634C/D, MX644C/D). Only MX large railway decoders are not compatible!

The 21MTC interface of the MSTAPx has been further developed and adapted to the VHDM standard (Railcommunity) adopted in 2016, as a result of which the pin assignment has changed in some cases. However, this only affects function outputs from FA5 of e.g. old MX632, MX634C/D, MX644C/D or MX686 (leads to incorrect or missing LED display). An MXTAPx is therefore required for these decoders.

With the MSTAPK2, the second version of the test and connection board for ‘small’ MS and MN decoders, it now also has an interface for E24 decoders. This interface introduced by the RailCommunity in 2023 (but not yet standardised) is therefore also reserved for a board. 

Models/Versions

click on plus  to show more images and a connection diagram

ZIMO MSTAPK2
ZIMO MSTAPG
MSTAPK2
MSTAPG

Test and connection board for "small" decoders

  • from subminiature decoder to PluX decoder for gauges N, TT, H0, 0, etc.
  • suitable for MX-decoder as well as for all MS- and MN-types
  • equipped with decoder interfaces PluX12, -16, -22, Next-18, 21MTC, NEM651, NEM652, as well as terminal block for connecting wired decoders
  • 100mm x 55mm x 24mm  

Note: In the case of decoders with 21MTC interfaces of the MX generation, the LEDs for the function outputs from FA5 onwards may display incorrectly.

Test and connection board for MS large scale sound decoders

     (and for potentially future MN non-sound large-scale railway decoders).
  • Equipped with the (ZIMO proprietary) interfaces for MS950, MS955, MS990L (the pin-rail version of MS990).
  • For decoders with screw terminals or wired decoders of all kinds, the terminal strip is available.
  • 165mm x 55mm x 24mm  
  Test and connection board MS and MN decoders MX decoders
MS440
MN340		 MS540E24
MN140E24		 other small
MS, MN		 large scale MX632
MX634
MX644
MX686		 MX636
MX676		 all other small MX large scale

Compatibility
of
boards & decoders

 MSTAPK2 ✔  ✔ ✔ — * ✔ ✔ —
MSTAPG —  — — ✔ — — — —
MSTAPKarchive ✔  — ✔ — * ✔ ✔ —
MXTAPSarchive *  — ✔ — ✔ — ✔ —
MXTAPVarchive *  — ✔ — ✔ — ✔ ✔

✔ Fully compatible

*Compatible except for function outputs from FA5 onwards,
      where the LEDs may display incorrectly due to different PIN assignment.

— NOT compatible.
       Even with the same, matching interface, merging can lead to the destruction of components!

archive No longer in production
24.09.2024

The following MXTAP types are no longer produced, but are still listed for information purposes

ZIMO MXTAPS
ZIMO MXTAPV
MXTAPS
MXTAPV

Test and connection board for "small" decoders

  • from subminiature decoder to PluX decoder for gauges N, TT, H0, 0, etc.
  • suitable for all MX-decoders as well as for MS- and MN-types
  • quipped with decoder interfaces PluX12, -16, -22, Next-18, 21MTC, NEM651, NEM652
  • as well as terminal strip for connecting wired decoders
  • 126mm x 79mm x 24mm  

*) Note: In the case of decoders with 21MTC interfaces of the MS/MN generation, the LEDs for the function outputs from FA5 onwards may display incorrectly.

Fully equipped version, for "small" AND large scale decoders

  • from subminiature decoder to PluX decoder for gauges N, TT, H0, 0, etc.
  • fsuitable for all MX-decoders as well as for MS- and MN-types
  • as well as MX-large scale decoders
    equipped with decoder interfaces PluX12, -16, -22, Next-18, 21MTC, NEM651, NEM652
  • Terminal block for connecting wired decoders or screw terminal decoders
  • ZIMO proprietary interfaces for MX696, MX697, MX695L, MX699L (L, pin-rail versions)
  • 126mm x 79mm x 24mm