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der Vervielfältigung und Verbreitung
sowie der Übersetzung vorbehalten.
Vervielfältigungen und Reproduktionen in jeglicher Form bedürfen
der schriftlichen Genehmigung durch
die Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten.
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.
Tout droits réservés, en particulier les
droits de reproduction et de diffusion
ainsi que le traduction. Toute
duplication ou reproduction sous
quelque forme que ce soit nécessite
l´accord écrit de la societé Tams
Elektronik GmbH.
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techniques.
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deze publicatie mag worden
vermenig-vuldigd opgeslagen of
openbaar gemaakt, zonder voorafgaande schriftelijke toestemming van
Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische wijzigingen voorbehouden.
Parts listI.1
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout (Fig. 1)1.2
Circuit Diagram (Fig. 2)II
Connections diagram 1: Testing layout (Fig. 3)III
Connections diagram 2: Connecting the power supply
and the track sections (Fig. 4)IV
Connections diagram 3: Connecting LEDs (Fig. 5)V
Connections diagram 4: Connecting digital feed back modules (Fig. 6) VI
(Pages I to VI in the centre of this handbook are removable.)
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1. Getting started
How to use this manual
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct
assembly of the kit and fitting of the module, and operation. Before you
start, we advise you to read the whole manual, particularly the chapter
on safety instructions and the FAQ chapter. 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 kit or the module on to another person, please pass on
the manual with it.
Intended use
The track busy indicator GBM-8 has been designed to be used in
analogue or digital model railway layouts in concordance with this
manual.
Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any guarantees.
The kit or the module should not be assembled or fitted by children
under the age of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
Caution:
!
The circuit contains integrated circuits. These are very sensitive to
static electricity. Do not touch components without first discharging
yourself. Touching a radiator or other grounded metal part will
discharge you.
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Checking the package contents
Please make sure that your package contains:
§ one kit, containing the components listed in the parts list and one
PCB,
§ or one ready-built module,
§ or one complete unit (ready-built module in a housing,
§ one manual.
Required materials
For assembling the kit you need:
§ an electronic soldering iron (max. 30 Watt) with a fine tip,
§ a soldering iron stand,
§ a tip-cleaning sponge,
§ a heat-resistant mat,
§ a small side cutter and wire stripper,
§ a pair of tweezers and long nose pliers,
§ tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter),
In order to connect the module you need wire. Recommended
diameters: > 0,25 mm² for all connections.
To display the busy status you need:
§ LEDs and suitable series resistors and / or
§ digital feed back modules (e.g. s88-feed back modules)
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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,
§ connecting the circuit to another voltage than specified,
§ impermissibly high humidity,
§ 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.
§ 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.
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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.
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.
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. Keep the soldering tip
clean so the heat of the soldering iron is applied to the solder point
effectively.
§ 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.
§ Solder quickly: holding the iron on the joints longer than necessary
can destroy components and can damage copper tracks or
soldering eyes.
§ Observe correct polarity orientation of semi-conductors, LEDs,
electrolytic capacitors and integrated circuits before soldering and
ensure that the solder time does not exceed 5 seconds, otherwise
components can be damaged.
§ 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.
§ Cut the wires after soldering directly above the PCB solder side with
a side cutter.
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§ 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.
4. Operation overview
The track busy indicator GBM-8 can be used in analogue (d.c. or a.c.)
layouts as well as in digital layouts. The module can supervise a
maximum of eight track sections.
The GBM-8 is internally divided into four sections with two track busy
indicators each, which can be connected to a maximum of four different
booster or transformer sections.
Detecting vehicles
With a sensivity of 5 mA the GBM-8 detects reliably locomotives and
carriages with lighting, but not vehicles not consuming current of their
own.
Hint: As a rule, the small current flowing after painting a carriage´s axle
with resistive lacquer is not high enough to be detected by the GBM-8.
For this application the fourfold track busy indicator GBM-1** can be
used.
Electric consumers located in a switched off track section can be
detected by the GBM-8 when an additional resistor is mounted in
parallel to the switch.
Due to technical principles, with (analogue) d.c. layouts the GBM-8 can
only detect vehicles driving into the supervised track sections in a
particular direction. In case the detection of vehicles from both
directions is required, the track busy indicator GBM-1** can be used.
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Evaluating and displaying the busy messages
As soon as the GBM-8 detects an electric current consumer in a
connected track section, the linked output is internally connected to the
output M. This way, the output of the GBM-8 works like a switch
switching to earth.
Especially in analogue displays, you can display the busy messages with
LEDs (together with suitable series resistors) connected to the outputs.
The outputs of the GBM-8 are suitable for a load of maximum 50 mA
each. For that reason they are not suitable for the connection of electric
light bulbs, relays or subordinate circuits with a current consumption of
more than 50 mA. For these applications the fourfold track busy
indicator GBM-1** can be used.
In digital layouts, digital feedback modules (e.g. s88-feedback modules)
can be connected to the outputs. The eight outputs of the GBM-8 are
arranged so as to be connected directly to the inputs of the s88feedback modules S88-3** oder S88-4**.
The in- and outputs of the GBM-8 are isolated from each other by optocouplers. Consequently interferences are filtered out and hum loops
and fault currents are prevented effectively.
5. Technical specifications
Supply voltagefrom the rails
Current consumptionapprox. 15 mA
Sensivityapprox. 5 mA
Max. current per output50 mA
Protected toIP 00
Ambient temperature in use0 - + 60 °C
Ambient temperature in storage-10 - + 80 °C
Comparative humidity allowedmax. 85 %
Dimensionsapprox. 73 x 96 mm
Weightapprox. 68 g
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6. Assembling the GBM-8
You can skip this part if you have purchased a ready-built module or a
complete unit.
Preparation
Put the sorted components in front of you on your workbench. The
separate electronic components have the following special features you
should take into account to prevent mistakes in assembling:
Resistors
Resistors reduce current. Their mounting orientation is of no
importance. The value of resistors for smaller power ratings is
indicated through colour rings. Every colour stands for
another figure. The colour ring in brackets indicates the
tolerance of the resistor which here is of no importance.
Value Colour rings
1 kΩbrown - black - red (gold)
4,7 kΩ yellow - violet - red (gold)
Diodes
Diodes allow the current to pass through in one direction only
(forward direction), simultaneously the voltage is reduced by
0,3 to 0,8 V. Exceeding of the limit voltage always will destroy
the diode, and allow current to flow in the reverse direction.
The diode type is printed on the body.
Diodes must be mounted in a given direction. The negative end is
marked with a ring. This is shown in the PCB layout.
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Transistors
Transistors are current amplifiers which convert low signals into
stronger ones. They have three contacts. As they are polarized, they
have to be mounted in a certain direction.
BC-Types have a housing in form of a half cylinder (SOT-
housing). The cross section is shown in the PCB layout which
determines the mounting orientation.
Integrated circuits (ICs)
Depending on the type, ICs fulfil various tasks. They are
polarized and therefore have to be mounted in a certain
direction. The most common housing form is the so-called
"DIL"-housing, from which 4, 6, 8, 14, 16, 18 or more "legs"
(pins) are arranged along the long sides.
The mounting orientation is shown by a semicircular or circular marking
at the end of the housing, which is also shown on the PCB layout.
ICs are sensitive to damage during soldering (heat, electrostatic
charging). For that reason in the place of the ICs IC sockets are
soldered in, in which the ICs are inserted later. The mounting
orientation of the sockets is preset as well. The markings on the PCB,
the socket and the IC must lie on top of each other after mounting.
Opto couplers
Opto couplers are ICs, which work similar to laser beam switches. They
combine in one housing a light emitting diode and a photo transistor.
Their task is the transmittion of information without galvanic
connection. Normally they are in a DIL-housing with 4, 6 or 8 pins.
Terminal strips
Terminal strips are solder-in screw-type terminals. They provide a
solder-free and safe connection of the cables to the circuit, which can
still be seperated any time. When several terminal strips have to be
mounted side by side, they have to be put together before mounting.
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Assembling the kit
Caution:
!
Diodes, transistors, Ics and opto couplers should be inserted in the
right direction! If you solder them the wrong way around the affected
parts can be damaged when you connect the power. In the worst
case the whole circuit can be damaged. At the best, a wrongly
connected part will not function.
Start the assembly with the resistors. First solder the components on
the solder side of the PCB and then cut the excess wires with the side
cutter.
Then insert the four wire bridges Br1 to Br4. Use the off-cut wires of
the resistors.
Next solder in the IC-sockets. They have to be mounted according to
the marking on the PCB.
Continue the assembly with the transistor, the diodes and the terminal
strips. Put together the terminal strips before mounting them.
Finally, insert the opto couplers into the soldered IC-sockets.
Caution:
!
Do not touch the ICs without first discharging yourself by touching a
radiator or other grounded metal parts. Do not bend the "legs" of the
ICs when inserting them into the sockets. Check that the markings
on the PCB, the socket and the IC show to the same direction.
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Performing a visual check
Perform a visual check after the assembly of the module and remove
faults if necessary:
§ Remove all loose parts, wire ends or drops of solder from the PCB.
Remove all sharp wire ends.
§ Check that solder contacts which are close to each other are not
unintentionally connected to each other. Risk of short circuit!
§ Check that all components are polarised correctly.
When you have remedied all faults, go on to the next part.
Performing a functional check
It is recommended to perform a functional test after mounting the
GBM-8 and before installing it into the layout. In order to simulate a
load in a supervised section, use a resistor. A small auxiliary circuit
made of a LED, a series resistor 1K and a damping diode, is used to
display the busy status. The required components are included in the
package.
Follow the connections diagram fig. 3 and the list in section 7. First,
make the following connections in order to check if the GBM-8 properly
detects and displays the busy status:
1. model railway transformer à connections V1a, V1b and M
2. auxiliary circuit à connections A1 and V1a
3. resistor 1K à connections G1 and V1a
Caution:
!
Never connect electric light bulbs to the outputs as these consume
more than 50 mA current, as a rule. The outputs which are designed
for a maximum current of 50 mA would be destroyed when putting
them into operation.
After connecting the transformer with the power supply, the LED should
light. Disconnect the connection between G1 and the resistor, the LED
should go out.
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Repeat the test for all other track sections. Be sure to connect the
connections for the power supply, the rails and the output, which are
assigned to each other (e.g. V3a, V3b, G5 and A5).
If the funcitional test is not successful for one or several outputs, check
if the opto-couplers and the diodes have been mounted polarized
correctly. Follow the hints in section 8, as well.
Caution:
!
When a component gets too hot, disconnect the module
immediately from the power supply. Risk of short circuit! Check the
assembly.
7. Connecting the GBM-8
There are terminal strips soldered to the module´s connections, used to
plug in and screw on the connection cables.
Each connection for the rails is internally connected to one output. Each
pair of connections for the rails is assigned to one connection for the
power supply.
Connections GBM-8Booster
G2A2
G4A4
G6A6
G8A8
section
1
2
3
4
Rail
sectionPower supplyRailsOutput
1G1A1
V1a and V1b
2
3G3A3
V2a and V2b
4
5G5A5
V3a and V3b
6
7G7A7
V4a and V4b
8
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Follow the connections diagrams fig. 4, 5 and 6.
Connecting the power supply
Connect the connections for the power supply of the GBM-8 (V1a and
V1b or V2a and V2b etc.) to the rail outputs of the driving transformer
(in analogue layouts) or the rail outputs of the boosters (in digital
layouts). The polarity is not of importance.
As the need arises, you can connect the connections for the power
supply (V1, V2, V3, V4) either in parallel to the rail outputs of one
booster or transformer or to maximum four different transformers or
boosters.
Connecting the rail sections
The busy status can only be reported trouble free, when with each
supervised section one conductor is isolated at both ends. In 3-rail
systems isolate the middle conductor, in digital 2-rail systems (d.c.
layouts) one of the two rails and in analogue 2-rail systems the "-" rail.
Pay attention to the fact that, due to technical principles, in analogue 2rail systems only vehicles driving into the track section in one particular
direction are detected.
Connect the isolated conductor (the middle conductor or the isolated
rail) of the supervised rail section to one of the rail connections of the
GBM-8 (e.g. G1).
Connect the connection "a" for the power supply (e.g. V1a) to the rail
conductor which has not been isolated.
Be sure to use the connections for the power supply and the rails which
are assigned to each other (e.g. V3a and V3b and G5 and G6).
Connecting LEDs
In order to display the busy status (e.g. in analogue displays), connect
the cathodes (-) of the LEDs (with series resistors, e.g. 1 K) to the
outputs of the GBM-8. Do not use the driving transformer for the power
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supply of the LEDs but a separate transformer, for instance one used to
supply other lighting circuits.
When connecting the LEDs to an a.c. transformer, you should mount an
additional damping diode (e.g. 1N400x, x=2...7) and a capacitor with a
value between 10 and 100 µF and an electrical strength of minimum
25 V according to fig. 5.
Caution:
!
Never connect electric light bulbs to the outputs as these consume
more than 50 mA current, as a rule. The outputs which are designed
for a maximum current of 50 mA would be destroyed when putting
them into operation.
Caution:
!
Never use LEDs without series resistors, as in this case the LEDs will
be destroyed quickly. Apart from that the overcurrent resulting may
damage the opto-couplers on the module.
Connection to digital feed back modules
You can connect the inputs of digital feed back modules (e.g. s88modules) directly to the outputs of the GBM-8. Connect the earth
output of the feed back module to the connection M of the GBM-8
according to fig. 6.
Supervising switched off rail sections
Rail sections to be switched off during operation (e.g. in a shadow station)
can be supervised with the track busy indicator, as well. For that purpose
you have to mount a resistor of 1 kΩ into the lead-in wire of the rail
section concerned so that it bridges the switch when the rail section is
switched off (see fig. 4 connection to G2)
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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: one or more components are soldered incorrectly.
à In case you have mounted the module from a kit, perform a
visual check (à section 6.) and if necessary, remedy the faults.
Otherwise send in the module for repair.
§ The LEDs connected to the module do not light.
Possible cause: The voltage supply has been interrupted. à Check
the connection from the module to the transformer.
Possible cause: One or more LEDs are defective. à Check the LEDs
by connecting them directly to the power supply.
Hotline: If problems with your module occur, our hotline is pleased to
help you (address on the cover page).
Repairs: You can send in a defective module for repair (address on the
cover page). In case of warranty the repair is free of charge for you.
With damages not covered by warranty, the maximum fee for the repair
is the difference between the price for the ready-built module and the
kit 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 warranty you have to bear the
expenses for sending back and forth.
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9. CE and Warranty
Certification (CE)
This product is developed and tested in accordance with the European
standards EN 55014-1 and EN 61000-6-3. This product conforms with
the EC-directive 2004/108/EG on electromagnetic radiation and is
therefore CE certified.
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, circuit diagram and PCB layout included with this
manual.
§ Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the
ready-built module.
Conditions of warranty
This product is guaranteed for two years. The warranty includes the
correction of faults which can be proved to be due to material failure or
factory flaw.
As we have no control over the correct and proper assembly we can
only guarantee the quality of the components and the completeness of
kits. We guarantee the function of the components according to the
parameters in not mounted state as well as the adherence to the
technical specifications of the circuit when assembled and connected
according to the manual.
Other claims are excluded. By law, we are not responsible for damages
or secondary damages in connection with this product. We retain the
right to repair, make improvements, supply spare parts or return the
purchase price.
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The following invalidate the warranty:
§ using an unsuitable soldering iron, solder containing liquid acids or
similar,
§ if the kit is assembled and soldered poorly, or if damage is caused
by not following the instructions in this manual,
§ if the ready-built module has been altered and repair attempts have
failed,
§ if arbitrary changes in the circuit are made,
§ if components are removed or swapped, or wiring is added or
removed in any other way as layed down in the original design,
§ if parts other than the originals delivered with this kit are used,
§ if the copper tracks or soldering eyes are damaged,
§ when components are mounted incorrectly, or if the components or
the circuit are poled incorrectly, also subsequent damage resulting
from these faults,
§ if damage occurs due to an overload of the module,
§ if connected to a incorrect voltage or current,
§ if damaged by other persons,
§ if damaged by faulty operation or if damaged by careless use or
abuse,
§ if damaged by touching components before electrostatic
discharging of the hands.
The asterisks **
** products out of the programme of the Tams Elektronik GmbH
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