TAMS Elektronik KSM-3 User manual

tams elektronik

Manual

KSM-3

Item no. 49-01135 | 49-01136

Loop module

for digital model railroad layouts

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n n n

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English KSM-3

Table of contents

1. Getting started............................................................................3

2. Safety instructions.......................................................................5

3. Safe and correct soldering...........................................................7

4. Operation overview.....................................................................9

5. Technical specifications..............................................................13

6. Assembling the kit.....................................................................14

7. Connecting the KSM-3...............................................................24

8. Check list for troubleshooting.....................................................28

9. Guarantee bond........................................................................30

10. EU declaration of conformity......................................................31

11. Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive...........................31

© 10/2015 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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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 and connecting of the ready-built
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 kit or the ready-built module on to another person, please
pass on the manual with it.

Intended use

The loop module KSM-3 is designed to be operated according to the
instructions in this manual in model building, especially with model
railways. Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any guarantees.

The KSM-3 should not be assembled or mounted by children under the
age of 14.

Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.

Caution:

The KSM-3 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

( page 19) and one PCB or

 one ready-built module or
 one ready-built module in a housing (complete unit),
 a CD (containing the manual and further information).

Required materials

For assembling the kit you need:

 an electronic soldering iron (max. 30 Watt) or a regulated soldering

iron with a fine tip and a soldering iron stand,

 a tip-cleaning sponge,
 a heat-resistant mat,
 a small side cutter and wire stripper,
 as necessary a pair of tweezers and long nose pliers,
 electronic tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter).

In order to connect the module you need wire. Recommended
diameters:

 connection of the rails:

gauges Z and N: > 0,75 mm²
other gauges: > 1,5 mm²

 connection of the points: > 0,25 mm²

When using motor-run points, you need an addtional adapter for
motor-run points AMW-1 (item-no. 72-00076).

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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 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.

 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.

Caution:

Little children can swallow small components with sharp edges, with
fatal results! Do not allow components to reach small children.

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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.

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 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.

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 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 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

Loop problems

At the loop points in two-rail-systems, different polarities meet with
each other. As soon as a vehicle bridges the differently polarized
sections when driving in or out the terminal loop a short circuit occurs.

In digital layouts loop modules generally have to adapt the polarity
within the terminal loop to the one outside. In case the polarity outside
the terminal loop would be altered, different polarities would meet at
the transition to the next booster section. Thus the problem would be
dislocated only.

Fig. 1: Short circuit problem at the loop points

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Mode of operation of the KSM-3

As soon as a locomotive bridges the sectioning point between
differently poled sections inside and outside the loop, the KSM-3
changes the polarity within the terminal loop. The response time is
extremely short, as the KSM-3 already detects the voltage drop at the
switchover to a short-circuit. In consequence, the KSM-3 is able to react
within milliseconds before the voltage breaks down due to the short
circuit.

The sensitivity for the polarity reversal depends on the applicated
voltage and for that reason has to be set via a trimm-pot individually.
In order to allow the precise setting a LED on the KSM-3 lights up as
soon as the sensitivity has been set optimally (for the particular layout).
That way you safely prevent wheels, current collectors and rails from
damages and make sure locomotives pass the sectioning point without
jerking.

Integrated switching of the points

The KSM-3 has an additional output for the connection of coil driven
points. In order to connect motor-run points, you need an addtional

The points are switched automatically as soon as the locomotive
reaches one of the two sectioning points (simultaneously with altering
the polarity). The two sectioning points are assigned to a particular
correct position of points. That way externally switching the points does
not interfere with the safe procedure.

Procedure

Phase 1: According to the current position of points the locomotive runs
clockwise or counter-clockwise through the terminal loop. When the
train is intended to run in a specific direction through the loop, the
points can be set accordingly from the outside.

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adapter for motor-run points AMW-1 (item-no. 72-00076).