Manual
EasySound mini
Item no. 43-09200
Sound module
with SUSI interface
tams elektronik
n n n
English EasySound mini
Table of contents
1. Getting started ...........................................................................3
2. Safety instructions.......................................................................4
3. Safe and correct soldering...........................................................7
4. Operation overview.....................................................................9
5. Technical specifications..............................................................13
6. Connections .............................................................................14
7. Saving and releasing the sound files...........................................19
8. Check list for troubleshooting.....................................................21
9. Guarantee bond........................................................................23
10. EU declaration of conformity.....................................................24
11. Declarations conforming to RoHs and WEEE directives ..............24
© 01/2013 Tams Elektronik GmbH
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, without prior permission in writing from Tams
Elektronik GmbH.
Subject to technical modification.
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EasySound mini English
1. Getting started
How to use this manual
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct
connecting of the module, and operation. Before you start, we advise
you to read the whole manual, particularly the chapter on safety
instructions and the checklist for trouble shooting. You will then know
where to take care and how to prevent mistakes which take a lot of
effort to correct.
Keep this manual safely so that you can solve problems in the future. If
you pass the module on to another person, please pass on the manual
with it.
Intended use
The EasySound mini is designed to be operated according to the
instructions in this manual with digital model railways. Any other use is
inappropriate and invalidates any guarantees.
The EasySound mini should not be mounted by children under the age
of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
Checking the package contents
Please make sure that your package contains:
one sound module,
one microSD card with adapter,
an electrolytic capacitor (100 µF / 25 V),
a CD (containing the manual and further information).
Note: a loudspeaker is not included in the package.
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Required materials
In order to play the sounds you need:
a loudspeaker with an impedance of a minimum 32 Ohm and a
rated load-carrying capacity of 0,1 Watt;
If you want to release or interrupt the playback automatically you need:
reed contacts with one normally-open contact (e.g. item no. 84-
53110-10) and / or
Hall-sensors (e.g. item no. 84-53210-01) and
permanent magnets (e.g. Neodym magnets Ø 3mm, thickness =
2 mm, item no. 84-53990-10).
2. Safety instructions
Mechanical hazards
Cut wires can have sharp ends and can cause serious injuries. Watch
out for sharp edges when you pick up the PCB.
Visibly damaged parts can cause unpredictable danger. Do not use
damaged parts: recycle and replace them with new ones.
Electrical hazards
Touching powered, live components,
touching conducting components which are live due to malfunction,
short circuits and connecting the circuit to another voltage than
specified,
impermissibly high humidity and condensation build up
can cause serious injury due to electrical shock. Take the following
precautions to prevent this danger:
Never perform wiring on a powered module.
Assembling and mounting the kit should only be done in closed,
clean, dry rooms. Beware of humidity.
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Only use low power for this module as described in this manual and
only use certified transformers.
Connect transformers and soldering irons only in approved mains
sockets installed by an authorised electrician.
Observe cable diameter requirements.
After condensation build up, allow a minimum of 2 hours for
dispersion.
Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the
ready-built module.
Fire risk
Touching flammable material with a hot soldering iron can cause fire,
which can result in injury or death through burns or suffocation.
Connect your soldering iron or soldering station only when actually
needed. Always keep the soldering iron away from inflammable
materials. Use a suitable soldering iron stand. Never leave a hot
soldering iron or station unattended.
Thermal danger
A hot soldering iron or liquid solder accidentally touching your skin can
cause skin burns. As a precaution:
use a heat-resistant mat during soldering,
always put the hot soldering iron in the soldering iron stand,
point the soldering iron tip carefully when soldering, and
remove liquid solder with a thick wet rag or wet sponge from the
soldering tip.
Dangerous environments
A working area that is too small or cramped is unsuitable and can cause
accidents, fires and injury. Prevent this by working in a clean, dry room
with enough freedom of movement.
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Other dangers
Children can cause any of the accidents mentioned above because they
are inattentive and not responsible enough. Children under the age of
14 should not be allowed to work with this kit or the ready-built
module.
Caution:
Little children can swallow small components with sharp edges, with
fatal results! Do not allow components to reach small children.
In schools, training centres, clubs and workshops, assembly must be
supervised by qualified personnel.
In industrial institutions, health and safety regulations applying to
electronic work must be adhered to.
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3. Safe and correct soldering
Caution:
Incorrect soldering can cause dangers through fires and heat. Avoid
these dangers by reading and following the directions given in the
chapter Safety instructions.
Use a small soldering iron with max. 30 Watt or a regulated
soldering iron.
Only use electronic tin solder with flux.
When soldering electronic circuits never use soldering-water or
soldering grease. They contain acids that can corrode components
and copper tracks.
Insert the component connecting pins of into the PCB´s holes as far
as possible without force. The components should be close to the
PCB´s surface.
Observe correct polarity orientation of the parts before soldering.
Solder quickly: holding the iron on the joints longer than necessary
can destroy components and can damage copper tracks or soldering
eyes.
Apply the soldering tip to the soldering spot in such a way that the
part and the soldering eye are heated at the same time.
Simultaneously add solder (not too much). As soon as the solder
becomes liquid take it away. Hold the soldering tip at the spot for a
few seconds so that the solder flows into the joint, then remove the
soldering iron.
Do not move the component for about 5 seconds after soldering.
To make a good soldering joint you must use a clean and unoxidised
soldering tip. Clean the soldering tip with a damp piece of cloth, a
damp sponge or a piece of silicon cloth.
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Cut the wires after soldering directly above the soldering joint with a
side cutter.
After placing the parts, please double check for correct polarity.
Check the PCB tracks for solder bridges and short circuits created by
accident. This would cause faulty operation or, in the worst case,
damage. You can remove excess solder by putting a clean soldering
tip on the spot. The solder will become liquid again and flow from
the soldering spot to the soldering tip.
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4. Operation overview
The sound module EasySound mini has to be connected via a SUSI
interface to a digital vehicle decoder (locomotive or function decoder) and
is controlled by the vehicle decoder. The digital format used to control the
vehicle decoder has no effect on the EasySound mini´s mode of
operation. The module can play 13 different sound files separately.
Data storage
In order to save the sounds to be reproduced by the EasySound maxi
an integrated micro SD-card is used, which has to be put into a card
holder on the rear side. Cards with any memory space can be applied.
Sound recordings available as audio-file in waveform audio file format
(file extension "wav"), have to be copied from a PC to the SD-card (e.g.
from a sound CD, an internet sound archive or a self-made recording).
By means of sound processing programs the audio-files can be adapted
to special requirements or individual soundscapes can be made.
Releasing the sound files
You can release up to 12 different sounds by activating the function
buttons F1 to F12. The files are assigned to the function buttons by
indicating their numbers in the file´s names.
An additional (13th) sound is released as soon as the switching input #1
on the module is connected to ground. In order to establish the ground
you can
connect the switching input #1 to a function output of the decoder.
As soon as the function is switched on, the file is played.
release an external contact. This version allows the release of the
playback automatically. For this purpose you can use reed contacts
or Hall sensors in combination with permanent magnets in the track
for example.
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Replay modes
You define for each sound file
how often it shall be played,
how to stop the playback and
which effects switching on and off the assigned function key has,
by adding abbrevations in the file name accordingly.
Digital switching commands to...
Replay mode ...release ...break / stop
once function key
on or off
none
endless function key on selecting a sound file
with a higher number
à break
(Sequence: break sound A –
sound B – continuation sound A)
function key off
à stop
(Sequence: stop sound A –
sound B)
with 1 to 9
repetitions
function key on
Note: Before releasing the sound
file anew, the function has to be
switched off first.
none
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Breaking the playback
It is possible to stop the playback of a sound file with the replay mode
"endless" by switching the assigned function to "off". With the other
replay modes it is not possible to stop the playback by using a digital
switching command.
In order to stop the playback of the active sound file with any replay
mode, the switching input #2 has to be connected to ground. In order
to establish the ground you can
connect the switching input #2 to a function output of the decoder.
As soon as the function is switched on, the active sound file will be
stopped. The function has to be switched off before playing a sound
file anew.
release an external contact. This version allows to stop the playback
automatically. For this purpose you can use reed contacts or Hall
sensors in combination with permanent magnets in the track for
example.
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5. Technical specifications
Power supply via a digital locomotive or function
decoder (data format optional)
Digital formats all
Supply voltage max. 24 V
Interface SUSI
Max. number of sound files
- releasing via function keys
- releasing via switching input #1121
Number of loudspeaker outputs 1
Replay mono
Impedance of the loudspeaker > 32 Ohm
Rated load-carrying capacity > 0,1 Watt
Number of switching inputs 2
Current consumption max. 100 mA
Protected to IP 00
Ambient temperature in use 0 ... +60 °C
Ambient temperature in storage -10 ... +80 °C
Comparative humidity allowed max. 85 %
Dimensions of the PCB (approx.) 21,5 x 13,5 x 5,5 mm
Weight of the circuit including
SUSI connecting socket, without
microSD card (approx.)
2,2 g
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6. Connections
Caution: The sound module should not have any contact to
metal parts of the vehicle. Risk of short circuit! The module will be
damaged when put into operation.
Connection Colour of
cable
Connection to Connection
mandatory
X1
Switching
input #1
green Output of a vehicle decoder,
reed contact, output of a
Hall sensor, or similar.
X1 à releasing the
13
th
sound file
X2 à immediate stop of the
active sound file
no
X2
Switching
input #2
violet no
X3 black
SUSIinterface
ground (GND) yes
X4 grey data (DATA) yes
X5 blue clock (CLK) yes
X6 red power supply
(PLUS)
yes
X7, X8 brown loudspeaker yes
X9 --- buffer
capacitor
minus-pole (-) no
X10 --- plus-pole (+) no
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Fig. 1: Connection of the vehicle decoder, the loudspeaker
and a buffer capacitor
Connection to the SUSI interface of the vehicle decoder
The SUSI interface is a standardized interface for the connection of
accessory modules to a vehicle decoder. Controlling the SUSI module
has to be carried out by the vehicle decoder.
Insert the socket soldered to the EasySound module to the SUSI plug
connector. Socket and plug connector are designed that way they only
fit in one direction onto another – without using force. Alternatively you
can solder the connection wires directly when the vehicle decoder has a
SUSI interface but no plug connector. For that purpose follow the
manual of the decoder producer.
Connecting a loudspeaker
As a rule the replay quality increases with the dimensions of the
loudspeaker. For that reason you should select a loudspeaker as large
as possible.
Moreover the method of mounting determines for the replay quality.
One side of the loudspeaker diaphragm should be able to emit directly
to the outside, the other side to the inside of the vehicle, which should
be closed airtight as far as possible. The larger the volume inside the
vehicle is, the better is the sound.
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Suitable places to mount the loudspeaker are e.g. the vehicle´s bottom
or the cab´s back board.
Connecting a buffer capacitor
When the voltage supply provided by the vehicle decoder is too low,
buzzing of the loudspeaker may occur. In this case you should connect
a buffer capacitor. You should use a capacitor with a minimum proof
voltage of 25 V and a minimum value of 100 µF.
In order to achieve an optimum performance the value has to be
chosen as high as possible. As the value and the outer dimensions are
directly associated with each other, as a rule the maximum value
results from the place provided.
Check the buffer capacitor´s polarity. When mounting the
capacitor incorrectly polarized, it will explode when put into operation.
Subsequent damages to the carriage are possible.
Connecting the switching inputs
The switching input #1 (releasing the 13th sound) and #2 (stopping
immediately the playback of the active sound file) switch to ground and
thus can be connected to all (external) circuits providing a ground
connection. Possibilities:
Connection to a function output of the vehicle decoder: The
return circuit is effected by the decoder.
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Connecting a reed contact:
Fig. 2: Connection of reed contacts to the switching inputs
Connection 1 of the reed contact X1 | X2
Connection 2 of the reed contact X9
Connecting a Hall sensor:
Fig. 3: Connection of Hall sensors to the switching inputs
Output of the Hall-Sensor X1 | X2
When connecting the Hall
sensor check the polarity.
When interchanging the
ground connector and the
connector for the voltage
supply, the Hall sensor may be
damaged.
Ground connector of the HallSensors
X9
Voltage supply of the Hall sensor X10
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Fixing the module
Upon completion of all connections you should fix the module, in order
to avoid short circuits by contact to metal parts of the vehicle, for
example. Here you can use double-sided adhensive tape.
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7. Saving and releasing the sound files
You save the sound files (with any length) as audio file in waveform
audio file format (file extension "wav") on a microSD-card. You can
release 12 different sound files singularly via the function keys F1 to
F12. An additional (13th) sound file will be played when the switching
input #1 is connected to ground.
It is not possible to set the sound level once installed. You can only
alter the sound level by editing the sound file accordingly.
File names
With the file names you determine
which function key releases a sound file,
how often the sound is repeated.
You can add any further letters in order to comment the contents of the
sound file.
Examples for file
names
Release with Replay mode
01_whistle.wav F1 once
03E_motor.wav F3 endless
10R5_bell.wav F10 5 times repetition
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File number The file number must consist of two digits: 01,
02, 03, ... 13.
Files with numbers between 01 and 12 will be
released via the corresponding function keys,
file number 13 as soon as the integrated
switching input #1 has been connected to
ground.
No letter The file will be played once always after
activating the function key (both "on" and
"off").
Note: The playback can be stopped only by connecting the
integrated switching input #2 to earth.
Letter "E" The sound file is repeated endlessly after
switching on the function.
The playback is stopped after switching off the
function.
The playback is interrupted after releasing a
sound file with a higher number and will be
continued when playing the sound file with the
higher number has been finished.
Note: You can also stop the replay by connecting the integrated
switching input #2 to ground.
Letter "R" and
number (0...9)
After switching on the function the sound file is
played once and will be repeated then as often
as given in the number following the file letter
"R". The possible number of repetitions is 0 to
9. When no number is given, the file will be
played only once.
Before you can release the sound again (by
switching on the according function) you have
to switch off the function first.
Note: The playback can be stopped only by connecting the
integrated switching input #2 to earth.
Further letters To comment the sound file´s content.
File format
.wav (Other file formats are not allowed.)
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8. Check list for troubleshooting
Parts are getting too hot and/or start to smoke.
Disconnect the system from the mains immediately!
Possible cause: the module is defective. à Send in the module for
repair.
The loudspeaker hums.
Possible cause: The supply voltage the vehicle decoder can supply is
too low. à Connect a buffer capacitor (min. 100 µF / 25 V) to the
module (see section 6.)
After switching on a function key no sound is to be heard.
Possible cause: The loudspeaker is connected incorrectly. Check
the connections.
Possible cause: The EasySound mini is not connected correctly to the
SUSI interface. Check the connections.
Possible cause: The corresponding sound file is blank or does not
exist. Check the file and the file name.
Possible cause: The switching input #2 is connected to a function
output of the decoder and the corresponding function is switched
on. Switch off the function.
After passing a permanent magnet no sound is to be heard.
Possible cause: The distance to the magnet is too large or the
magnet is too weak. Alter the position of the magnet (if possible)
or use a stronger one.
Possible cause: The magnet has been mounted incorrectly polarized.
Alter the mounting direction.
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Hotline: If problems with your module occur, our hotline is pleased to
help you (mail address on the last page).
Repairs: You can send in a defective module for repair (address on the
last page). In case of guarantee the repair is free of charge for you.
With damages not covered by guarantee, the maximum fee for the
repair is 50 % of the sales price according to our valid price list. We
reserve the right to reject the repairing of a module when the repair is
impossible for technical or economic reasons.
Please do not send in modules for repair charged to us. In case of
warranty we will reimburse the forwarding expenses up to the flat rate
we charge according to our valid price list for the delivery of the
product. With repairs not covered by guarantee you have to bear the
expenses for sending back and forth.
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9. Guarantee bond
For this product we issue voluntarily a guarantee of 2 years from the
date of purchase by the first customer, but in maximum 3 years after
the end of series production. The first customer is the consumer first
purchasing the product from us, a dealer or another natural or juristic
person reselling or mounting the product on the basis of selfemployment. The guarantee exists supplementary to the legal warranty
of merchantability due to the consumer by the seller.
The warranty includes the free correction of faults which can be proved
to be due to material failure or factory flaw. With kits we guarantee
the completeness and quality of the components as well as the function
of the parts according to the parameters in not mounted state. We
guarantee the adherence to the technical specifications when the kit
has been assembled and the ready-built circuit connected according to
the manual and when start and mode of operation follow the
instructions.
We retain the right to repair, make improvements, to deliver spares or
to return the purchase price. Other claims are excluded. Claims for
secondary damages or product liability consist only according to legal
requirements.
Condition for this guarantee to be valid, is the adherence to the
manual. In addition, the guarantee claim is excluded in the following
cases:
if arbitrary changes in the circuit are made,
if repair attempts have failed with a ready-built module or device,
if damaged by other persons,
if damaged by faulty operation or by careless use or abuse.
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10. EU declaration of conformity
This product conforms with the EC-directive 2004/108/EG
on electromagnetic compatibility and is therefore CE
certified.
It is developed and tested in accordance with the harmonised European
standards EN 55014-1 and EN 61000-6-3.
To guarantee the electromagnetic tolerance in operation you must take
the following precautions:
Connect the transformer only to an approved mains socket installed
by an authorised electrician.
Make no changes to the original parts and accurately follow the
instructions, connection diagrams and PCB layout included with this
manual.
Use only original spare parts for repairs.
11. Declarations conforming to RoHs and WEEE directives
This product conforms with the EC-directives 2002/96/EG
on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and
2002/95/EG on the restriction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment (RoHS).
The Tams Elektronik GmbH is registered with the WEEEno. DE 37847206, according to. § 6 sect. 2 of the German
electro regulations from the responsible authority for the
disposal of used electro equipment.
Don´t dispose of this product in the house refuse, bring it to the next
recyling bay.
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DE 37847206
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