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Manual
Light Computer
Item no. 53-02015 - 53-02236
For all kits and ready-built modules
of the LC series
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English LC modules
Table of contents
1. Getting started............................................................................3
2. Safety instructions.......................................................................6
3. Safe and correct soldering...........................................................8
4. Operation overview...................................................................10
5. Technical specifications..............................................................17
6. Assembling the kit.....................................................................17
7. Connecting the LC module.........................................................22
8. Connecting the LC-16................................................................28
9. Check list for troubleshooting.....................................................30
10. Guarantee bond........................................................................32
11. EU declaration of conformity......................................................33
12. Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive...........................33
© 12/2015 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 LC modules are 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 LC modules 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 LC modules contain 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,
two socket terminal strips (1 x 3-pole, 1 x 5-pole),
additionally with LC-module 16: one dim switch and one light
sensitive resistor;
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: > 0,05 mm² for all connections.
You can connect small light bulbs or LEDs (via series resistors) to the 5
outputs of the LC module. Light bulbs, LEDs and series resistors are not
included in the package. For further information on the maximum
number of bulbs or LEDs to be connected to one output see section 7.
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In addition, you possibly need for the following versions of the LCmodules:
LC-module 16: For the connection of accessories with a current
consumption of more than 100 mA to output 1: a monostable relay
1xUm 12 V (e.g. item-no. 84-61010-01) and a protective diode
1N400x, x > 1.
LC-module 18: a loudspeaker (recommended impedance > 32 Ohm,
e.g. item no. 70-03121-01).
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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.
Do not move the component for about 5 seconds after soldering.
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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
The Light Computer is controlled by a micro controller. The program
stored in the micro controller controls the five outputs of the module.
Sequence and timing are different with the various versions.
The LC module has a switching input (JP2) which has effects on the
program sequence with some versions. Depending on the version and
the input connected to earth or not
the program finishes after one cycle or is repeated endlessly;
the one or the other version of the program will be displayed.
LC-1 "Advertising light 1": The five outputs are switched on one
after the other, blink together three times and are switched off
afterwards. If the input JP2 is switched to earth, the light sequence
switches off after the completion of the program. If the input remains
open, the program repeats continuously.
LC-2 "Advertising light 2": The five outputs are switched on and off
one after the other (running light sequences) and afterwards are
switched on commonly for approx. 3 seconds. If the input JP2 is
switched to earth, the light sequence switches off after the completion of
the program. If the input remains open, the program repeats
continuously.
LC-3 "Advertising light 3": At the start the five outputs are briefly
switched on and off apparently without any system and afterwards are
switched on commonly for approx. 3 seconds. If the input JP2 is
switched to earth, the light sequence switches off after the completion of
the program. If the input remains open, the program repeats
continuously.
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LC-4 "Building site flasher": At the five outputs a running light
sequence is created. If the input JP2 is switched to earth, the light
sequence switches off after the completion of the program. If the input
remains open, the program repeats continuously.
LC-5 "Flickering flame": At the five outputs an irregular light pattern
is created. If red and yellow bulbs are connected, the appearance of a
flickering flame results. If the input JP2 is switched to earth, the light
sequence switches off. If the input remains open, the program repeats
continuously.
LC-6 "Welding light": At each of the five outputs short and strong
light impulses are created, interrupted by breaks at irregular intervals.
Please note: The breaks can last for several minutes! The patterns are
different at all outputs, which allows you to connect several "work
places". The effect is most realistic when blue LEDs are connected to
the outputs. If the input JP2 is switched to earth, the light sequence is
interrupted. If the input remains open, the program repeats
continuously.
LC-7 "Traffic light control": Traffic light control for a complete
intersection. Outputs 1 and 2 are red and green for direction A, outputs
4 and 5 are red and green for direction B. Output 3 is the amber for
both and overlaps with red when changing to green, as common e.g. in
Germany, Great Britain, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland,
Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. If the input JP2 is switched to earth,
the traffic lights switch to flashing amber a nd simulte a traffic light out of
order, as common e.g. in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland and
Poland. If the input remains open, the traffic lights operate
continuously.
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