ZIMO Elektronik “KLUG” interface now available

[_trainski]

Wondering if anybody has picked up the latest ZIMO programming interface called the KLUG? It’s USB-C powered, works as a standalone device or with the MSTAPK-2 test board. I have been playing around with their ZSP software, the ZPP Konfig, and ZSC software too. So far it’s easy and similar to the ESU LokProgrammer, slightly different to create and modify some settings, but the motor control is truly sublime! In terms of up-to-date North American diesel locomotive sound projects it lacks a bit behind ESU, but if you’re able and willing to sound record your own locomotives there are many options. I will continue to deep dive with the ZIMO for now and apply my ESU LokSound skillset and create some newer ZIMO additions for some of the CN locomotives that I model. Do you have any thoughts or constructive criticism to share? Cheers 🚂

[peteski]

Yes, ZIMO decoders are on par with ESU (with IMO even better motor control), but the support (sound files, ease of programming, and manuals) are still  way behind ESU.  Also, many sound projects are only available for a fee, and as you mentioned, North American sound projects are very limited, whereas they have plenty of European sound projects available.

Sounds like the KLUG might be bringing ZIMOs ease of programming closer to ESU.

[_trainski]

Yes, ZIMO decoders are on par with ESU (with IMO even better motor control), but the support (sound files, ease of programming, and manuals) are still  way behind ESU.  Also, many sound projects are only available for a fee, and as you mentioned, North American sound projects are very limited, whereas they have plenty of European sound projects available.

Sounds like the KLUG might be bringing ZIMOs ease of programming closer to ESU.

I spoke to Alexander and Sven from ZIMO about the lack of North American up to date sound recordings, and most of the “sound designers” are from Europe. So I inquired if I could use my 30 years of sound recording experience and champion a presence for Canada and the USA. They thought that would be wonderful because their in-house technicians can’t possibly update all of their previous sound projects for North American diesels. I want to give this a shot, fingers crossed hopefully I can meet the right people and meticulously sound record working locomotives. Do you think this is doable, who should I network with to learn more about recording locomotives? I do have to say that the ZIMO motor control is quite superior to ESU, and my hope is to parlay my deep knowledge of the ESU LokProgrammer and infuse that into the ZIMO sound programming architecture. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[peaks]

That's great! I'll second the ZIMO motor control superiority, I have used the non-sound versions in quite a few North American locomotive with satisfaction. Having ZIMO sound decoders with North American locomotive sounds would be awesome.

[Rasputen]

I would like to know what their plans are for the KLUG to update MX series decoders.

[nstars]

I spoke to Alexander and Sven from ZIMO about the lack of North American up to date sound recordings, and most of the “sound designers” are from Europe. So I inquired if I could use my 30 years of sound recording experience and champion a presence for Canada and the USA. They thought that would be wonderful because their in-house technicians can’t possibly update all of their previous sound projects for North American diesels. I want to give this a shot, fingers crossed hopefully I can meet the right people and meticulously sound record working locomotives. Do you think this is doable, who should I network with to learn more about recording locomotives? I do have to say that the ZIMO motor control is quite superior to ESU, and my hope is to parlay my deep knowledge of the ESU LokProgrammer and infuse that into the ZIMO sound programming architecture. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

That would be wonderful!


Marc

[signalmaintainer]

Yes, ZIMO decoders are on par with ESU (with IMO even better motor control), but the support (sound files, ease of programming, and manuals) are still  way behind ESU. 

Am I ever learning this by hard knocks. I love Zimo's motor control. But ESU really is so much more simpler to work with.