Zimo MSTAPG Test and Connector board for MS large scale decoders

The ZIMO decoder test and connection boards MSTAPx or MXTAPx are mostly used together with the decoder update and sound loading device MXULFA, 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 MXULFA. 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

• TCarrier of the (onboard) mating connectors for interfaces availablewithZIMO decoders, i.e. PluX12, -16, -22, Next-18, 21MTC, E24, NEM651, NEM652 (allNMRAorVHDM standardised), as well astheZIMO-proprietary (partlyESU-like) large-scale railway interfaces of MX696, MX697, MX699, MS950, MS955, MS990... (in each case the versions with pin headers).

  There are different versions of the MSTAPx or MXTAPx boards (see below), which differ mainly in the choice of available interfaces (for small or large decoders, or both).

• Connection to MXULFA 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 and MXTAPx 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.

MSTAP vs MXTAP

The MXTAPx boards were developed together with the MX decoders, the MSTAPx boards, on the contrary, in connection with the MS sound decoders (also for MN non-sound decoders), in order to fully support their possibilities (therefore e.g. two loudspeakers for large-scale railway decoders, interfaces for the new gauge-0 decoders, PluX-26 decoders and many more).

MSTAPx and MXTAPx are nevertheless similar in many respects. The new MSTAPx test and connection boards are practically universal and can be used for both MS and almost all "small" MX decoders (except MX634C/D, MX644C/D). Only MX large scale decoders are not compatible!
One difference between MSTAPx and MXTAPx is the 21MTC interface. For MSTAP, it was adapted to the VHDM standard (Railcommunity) adopted in 2016, which has partially changed the pin assignment: However, this only affects function outputs as from FA5 (leads to incorrect or missing LED display). For a fully functioning MX634C/D or MX644C/D you therefore need a MXTAPx; for a MS440C/D or upcoming, small MS and MN decoders you need a MSTAPK.
The product division between MSTAPx and MXTAPx is also different: For the MX world there has been a version for all interfaces with MXTAPV, while in the MS and MN world there are separate test and connection boards for small (K) and large (G) decoders with MSTAPK and MSTAPG.
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 one board.