MS500R Micro 8 Pin Wire Sound Decoder

Current Rating - Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps

Connector - NEM 652 (Wires)

Size - 14 x 10 x 2.6 (mm)

Functions - 4 (0.6Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions

RailCom - Yes

Asymmetric DCC - Yes

BEMF - Yes

Sound - Yes

KeepAlive/Standby (Available) - Yes

An all together new Zimo sound deocder, it is functionally identical to MS490, but with different dimensions.

This is offered as a direct 6pin direct or wired, and a 8pin wired.

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 STACO1 or also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.

In order to make their small dimensions possible, however, the decoders of the MS500 family are NOT mfx-compatible.

DCC addresses 1 – 10239, consist addresses 1 – 9999, MM addresses 1-80, functions F0-F28
14, 28 or 128 external speed steps, 256 or 1024 internal steps
Programming CVs in “Service Mode” (on the programming tracks) and in “Operational Mode” (with RailCom for feedback and acknowledgements), using mfx, if available
Driving operation without interruptions (without decoder reset or restart) after losing contact to the rails for 1 or 2 seconds (even without external stay-alive capacitors)
Automatic continued operation if the wheel/track contact is interrupted until the supply is restored (if sufficient energy storage - "Stay alive" - is available in locomotive; see section "ENERGY STORAGE, below)").

DC and AC analog operation, the latter including direction reversal through Märklin-typical overvoltage pulse (up to 35 V)
Updateable software: new software versions are loaded into the decoder without opening the loco, via flash drive with the decoder updating and sound loading device MXULF/A or with the central controller MX31ZL, or directly from the computer via ZSP (ZIMO Sound Programmer) and MXULF or MX10 (planned)


Overcurrent protection for all outputs, protection against overtemperature
Protection against high voltage peaks due to the inductivity of the motor by suppressor diodes