TAMS Elektronik RedBox User manual

tams elektronik

E D C

Central unit for

digital system EasyControl

Version "Basic" item no. 40-02007

Version "Basic-R" item no. 40-02017

Version "V24" item no. 40-02037

Version"Booster" item no. 40-02057

Version"Booster-R" item no. 40-02067

Manual

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RedBox English

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Contents

1. Getting started................................................................................................................5

2. What is EasyControl?.......................................................................................................7

2.1. Components............................................................................................................7

2.2. EasyNet...................................................................................................................7

2.3. Digital formats.........................................................................................................9

3. Components for the digital system EasyControl................................................................11

3.1. Central unit............................................................................................................11

3.2. Booster.................................................................................................................12

3.2.1. Breaking distance booster ("Breaking booster")..............................................12

3.2.2. Seperating driving and switching...................................................................13

3.3. Non-central control devices.....................................................................................14

3.4. PC, tablet and smartphone.....................................................................................15

3.4.1. Overview PC- and WLAN interfaces of the central unit versions.......................16

3.4.2. Control software...........................................................................................16

3.5. Adapters for other bus systems...............................................................................17

3.6. S88 modules..........................................................................................................17

3.7. DCC programming track.........................................................................................18

4. Connecting external components and the power supply to the RedBox..............................19

4.1. EasyNet interface...................................................................................................20

4.2. XpressNet interface................................................................................................23

4.3. PC interfaces.........................................................................................................24

4.4. WLAN interface......................................................................................................25

4.4.1. Connecting Android devices to the WLAN interface of the RedBox...................25

4.5. External boosters...................................................................................................26

4.6. Integrated booster (versions "Booster" and "Booster-R" only)...................................28

4.6.1. Connecting voltage supply and rails...............................................................29

4.6.2. Configurating the integrated booster..............................................................30

4.6.3. Driving and switching separately with one RedBox..........................................31

4.7. S88 feedback modules...........................................................................................32

4.8. Programming track.................................................................................................33

4.9. Power supply for control devices.............................................................................33

5. Adjusting parameters of the digital control......................................................................35

6. Operation......................................................................................................................39

6.1. Switching on / off...................................................................................................39

6.2. Plug and play.........................................................................................................39

6.3. LED displays on the front side.................................................................................40

6.4. LED displays on the rear side (versions "Booster" and "Booster-R" only)....................40

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7. Update..........................................................................................................................41

8. Check list for troubleshooting.........................................................................................42

8.1. Errors occurring while starting up............................................................................42

8.2. Errors occurring while setting parameters................................................................42

8.3. Errors occurring while operating..............................................................................42

8.4. Errors occurring during software update..................................................................43

9. Technical Specifications..................................................................................................44

9.1. RedBox..................................................................................................................44

9.2. Integrated Booster (Versions "Booster" and "Booster-R")..........................................45

10. Background information.................................................................................................46

10.1.Motorola-Format....................................................................................................46

10.2.DCC-Format...........................................................................................................47

10.3.m3........................................................................................................................49

10.4.s88.......................................................................................................................49

10.5.RailCom.................................................................................................................50

10.6.Boosters................................................................................................................51

11. The asterisks **.............................................................................................................52

12. Guarantee bond.............................................................................................................53

13. EU declaration of conformity...........................................................................................54

14. Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive................................................................54

© 06/2018 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

Checking contents

Please make sure that your package contains:

 RedBox
 power pack (12 V AC / 1,6 A)
 cable to connect a DCC programming track
 versions "Booster" and "Booster-R" only:

3 short-circuit jumpers
2 plug-in parts for terminal strips

 compact disc containing manual, USB-driver (Tams-ID) and demo software

Required auxiliary devices

For operating the digital control you need auxiliary devices (not included in the scope of
delivery):

 for versions "Basic", "Basic-R" and "V24": at least one external booster and an appropriate

power supply

 for versions "Booster" and "Booster-R": one transformer or power supply unit. Hint: The

required output depends on the rail voltage set for the integrated booster. ( à section 4.6.1.
"Connecting voltage supply and rails")

 one input and display device:

 one EasyControl device with software version from 2.0

(e.g. LokControl, HandControl, HandControl 2) or

 a PC with control software or software CV-Navi or
 an Android smartphone or tablet with app "EasyControl Android" and a Raspberry Pi

with WLAN router (e.g. wControl)

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Saftey instructions

The RedBox should only be used in concordance with these instructions to control digital model
railroad layouts. It is not suitable for use by children under 14. Incorrect use and non­observance of the manul can be dangerous. In particular there is a risk of electric shock through
contact with metal parts under power, especially when an incorrect voltage is used, or when
operated in a too humid or wet environment. Therefore the following precations should be
observed:

 Wiring should only be carried out when the control is disconnected.
 Only operate indoors in a dry environment.
 Only use proprietry transformers with the correct voltage.
 Only connect the transformer in an authorised manner to the house power supply.
 Use adequetly thick cable for all wiring. Too thin a cable can overheat.
 If the layout is exposed to condensation, allow at least two hours for drying out.
 Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the ready-built module.

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2. What is EasyControl?

EasyControl is a digital control for your model railroad layout, which is assembled from different
components. This modular design principle allows you to adjust it to various demands and
differently sized model railway layouts.

2.1. Components

It consists of at least

 one digital central unit RedBox (available since 09-2016) or MasterControl (available from

2005 to 2016)

 one external booster (not required with RedBox versions "Booster" and "Booster-R")
 one external control device (not required with MasterControl)

In addition to your central unit RedBox or MasterControl you can use more than 60 additional
control devices or adapters in one digital control. The following devices are suitable:

 EasyControl devices (e.g. LokControl, HandControl, HandControl 2)
 digital control devices for bus systems of other manufacturers (e.g. XpressNet)
 PC
 mobile Android terminal devices (e.g. smartphone, tablet)
 DECT-teleohones
 digital central units of other manufacturers for Motorola- and/or DCC-format

à section 3. Components for digital control system EasyControl

2.2. EasyNet

External control devices or adapters and the central units RedBox or MasterControl communicate
via the data bus EasyNet. They can be plugged in or out at any time to the EasyNet, even during
operation (plug and play). As a bus line for the EasyNet patch cables with RJ 45 connectors ar
used.

One additional control device or adapter can be connected directly to the EasyNet interface of
the RedBox or the MasterControl. You need a junction (e.g. wye junction or BusControl), if you
want to connect more than one additional device (as far as the device concerned does not have
two RJ 45 connectors, like SniffControl or PhoneControl).

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3

6

1

1

4

2

Examples of external control devices and feedback modules to be connected to a
RedBox:

1. EasyControl control devices (e.g. LokControl, HandControl 2)

2. Digital central units of other manufacturers for Motorola- and/or DCC-format (e.g. Maerklin
Mobile Station): connection via SniffControl

3. Older digital control devices for Maerklin Control Unit: connection via mControl

4. Digital control devices for XpressNet (e.g. Lenz LH01, Roco Multimaus)

5. PC

6. mobile Android terminal devices via Raspberry Pi with WLAN router (e.g. wControl). Hint:
The versions "Basic-R" and "Booster-R" have an integrated Raspberry Pi with WLAN router,
there is no need for an additional wControl.

7. s88-feedback modules

7

5

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2.3. Digital formats

EasyControl is a multi protocol control system and capable to control vehicle and accessory
decoders of any manufactures compatible with these formats:

 Motorola I ("old" Motorola format)
 Motorola II ("new" Motorola format)
 DCC (complying to NMRA and RCN standards)

Moreover you can use the m3-format to control vehicle decoders designed for mfx-format.
Feedback data sent in mfx-format cannot be analysed by the digital system EasyControl.

EasyControl allows to operate vehicles with Motorola, DCC or mfx decoders in parallel.
You make the setting for whether operating solenoid accessory decoders in the Motorola or DCC

format either

 commonly for all connected decoders or
 seperately for a group of four decoders.

à Section 10. Background information

RailCom

EasyControl supports the feedback standard RailCom. EasyControl devices, mobile terminal
devices and the PC allow you to enter commands to read out the CV values of decoders
compatible to RailCom. In order to collect and analyse feedback data, you need special RailCom
detectors.

à Section 10. Background information

Decoder addresses , speed levels, switchable functions

Depending on the data format you have the following possibilities for controlling vehicle and
accessory decoders:

Motorola DCC m3

Vehicle decoder addresses 255 10.239 16.384

Amount of speed levels 14 or 27 14, 28 or 128 128

Functions

Accessory decoder addresses 1.020 2.040 –-

function (light)

f1 bis f4

f0 to f28

or to 32.768

f0

f1 to f15

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27 speed levels with the Motorola format

As a standard, the Motorola format supports 14 speed levels. EasyControl additionally offers two
methods to extend those speed levels to 27.

Speed level mode 27a: Some decoders (e.g. Maerklin 6090x and Maerklin mfx decoders) support
27 speed levels using the so called interspeed levels. To reach an interspeed level you switch to
a higher speed level and immediately switch back. A power failure will cause the loss of this
speed information data. Your MasterControl simulates those 27 speed levels and shows them in
the display. The MasterControl creates the interspeed levels by regularly switching to a higher
speed level for a short time. This ensures that the speed levels are correctly set even after a
power failure. Normally, the change between speed levels is not visible.

Speed level mode 27b: Using free bit combinations in the function’s double bit helps realizing
proper 27 speed levels. The decoder must support this (e.g. locomotive decoders of Tams
Elektronik and ESU). When controlling locomotive decoders that only support 14 speed levels or
the speed level mode 27a with speed level mode 27b, only every second set speed level actually
changes speed.

Programming modes in the DCC format

RedBox and MasterControl have connections for a programming track which allows to read out
and programm DCC vehicle decoders.

The programming modes to be used and the paremeters to be set depends on the particular
decoder (see decoders´s manual). EasyControl supports programming and reading data in the
following DCC programming types:

 CV-programming – byte wise and bitwise
 Register and Page programming
 Main track programming (POM)

à Section 10. Background information

Programming of mfx vehicle decoders

When setting vehicles with mfx decoders onto the programming track, you can

 read out the UID
 and program the address

Programming of Motorola vehicle decoders

It is not possible to program Motorola vehicle decoders on the programming track, as this
method is not intended for use with the Motorola format. For that reason you have to program
Motorola decoders according to the manufacturer specifications on the main track.

à Section 10. Background information

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3. Components for the digital system EasyControl

3.1. Central unit

As a central unit you can use either a RedBox or a MasterControl (with function "central unit").
The central units RedBox and Master Control

 send control instructions to every kind of decoder on your layout,
 check for components plugged into the EasyNet,
 poll for data and control instructions from components of the EasyControl,
 send data to components of the EasyControl,
 receive feedback data of s88 modules and transfer them to the PC,
 are the interfaces between computer(s) and model railroad layout.

Database for system parameters

RedBox and MasterControl have an integrated database to store all parameters relevent for the
digital system:

 booster configuration (short circuit polarity, short circuit sensitivity)
 output of commands for accessory decoders at the booster outputs
 standard data format for vehicle decoders
 switching times for solenoid decoders (minimum/maximum)
 RailCom support
 number of connected s88 modules
 length of signal pause for Motola vehicle decoders

Locomotive database

RedBox and MasterControl have an integrated database to store parameters you apply to a
locomotive’s address, which are:

 data format
 amount of speed levels
 (locomotive’s) name. Example: A locomotive of type BR 89 is assigned address "89" and the

name "EMMA". When applying names to locomotive addresses, you can find a locomotive by
looking for it´s name in the database.

Entering and modifying data

In order to display, enter and modify the system parameters or the data of vehicle decoders,
you need:

 MasterControl or
 LokControl, HandControl or HandControl 2 (software version 2.0 or higher) or
 PC with software CV-Navi or control software supporting EasyControl or
 Raspberry Pi (or wControl) and Android smartphone or tablet with app "EasyControl Android"

With the central unit RedBox you cannot display, enter or modify system parameters.

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3.2. Booster

Each central unit needs at least one booster. With larger layouts you normally need several
boosters, connected to separate sections of the layout. The required number of boosters
depends on the power requirements of the layout and the amount of current the booster can
provide.

Booster outputs

 RedBox: one output for the connection of external boosters (either Maerklin compatible or

DCC conform)

 MasterControl: two outputs for the connection of external boosters (either Maerklin

compatible or DCC conform). As both interfaces have to be programmed in common, you
have to use boosters of the same type for both outputs. It is recommended to use boosters
identical in construction.

Integrierted booster

The versions "Booster" and "Booster-R" of the RedBox have an integrated 2.5 A booster (in
addition to the booster output). This is sufficient for operating a small layout (up to nominal size
H0).

MasterControl and the versions "Basic", "Basic-R" and "V24" of the RedBox do not have
integrated boosters. With these central units you have to connect at least one external booster.

3.2.1. Breaking distance booster ("Breaking booster")

Besides the standard booster output, the MasterControl has a second booster output ("breaking
booster"), which can be used to control all breaking distances on your layout. Every Maerklin**­compatible booster or booster for the DCC system can be used as breaking booster. As both
interfaces have to be programmed in common, you have to use boosters of the same type for
both outputs. It is recommended to use boosters identical in construction.

The integrated booster of the RedBox (versions "Booster" and "Boster-R") can be configurated
for use as breaking booster.

As soon as one of the locomotives enters a breaking distance, the booster receives a stop signal,
no matter which speed was set. All other data such as the status of the decoder functions and
the driving direction are still sent by the central unit.

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3.2.2. Seperating driving and switching

As a standard, the commands to control the vehicle decoders are sent continuously via the
central unit´s booster output, whereas the commands to control the accessory decoders are
sent only when required. For that purpose the transmission of vehicle decoder commands is
interrupted shortly, to transfer the accessory decoder commands during the resulting cutout.

In PC controlled (larger) layouts, this kind of data transfer can cause problems, e.g. when
vehicle decoders receive stop commands too late and this results in locomotives passing stop
signals. Usually two central units are used to solve this problem. They control vehicle and
accessory decoders separately (and are controlled by the PC software accordingly).

With MasterControl and RedBox you can switch off the transmission of accessory decoder
commands at the booster output. Then, only vehicle decoder commands will be transferred and
the delay caused by the transmittsion of accessory decoder commands is excluded.

That way, MasterControl and RedBox (versions "Booster" and "Booster-R") allow to control
vehicle and accessory seperately with one central unit.

 MasterControl: Controlling the vehicle decoders via the standard booster output (accessory

decoder commands switched off) and controlling the accessory decoders via the breaking
distance booster output.

 RedBox versions "Booster" and "Booster-R": Controlling the vehicle decoders via the booster

output for external boosters (accessory decoder commands switched off) and controlling the
accessory decoders via the integrated booster.

There is no need for adapting the control software. You have to register only one central unit for
this application.

Figure: Seperating driving and switching with one RedBox (versions "Booster" or "Booster-R).
The integrated booster controls the accessory decoders, digital commands for the vehicles
decoders are sent via the external boosters only.

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3.3. Non-central control devices

Non-central control devices (such as external devices for the system EasyControl, XpressNet
devices or central units of other manufacturers) offer the possibility to control your model
railroad from different spots and / as well as together with others. They can be plugged in or out
at any time to the EasyNet, even during operation. An EasyNet can handle more than 60 non­central control units, adapters or similar.

When connecting non-central control devices to the EasyNet, restrictions concerning the
controllable digital formats are cancelled. As an example vehicle decoders designed for Motorola
or mfx format can be controlled with pure DCC devices. In case the decoder´s amount of speed
levels set int the locomotive data base does not correspond to the amount which can be set at
the non-central device, the central unit converts the speed levels internally. The number of
switchable functions and selectable addresses corresponds to the device´s hardware
specification.

You can only use one RedBox or MasterControl (function "control unit") in one digital control. If
required, you can use one or several (additional) MasterControls as non-central control devices,
when operated by a modified software.

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3.4. PC, tablet and smartphone

The versions "Basic", "Booster" and "V24" of RedBox as well as MasterControl have each two
interfaces for the (simultaneous) connection of two computers. The versions "Basic-R" and
"Booster-R" of the RedBox have one PC-interface each.

You can integrate up to 32 mobile Android terminal devices (tables, smartphones) into the digital
system EasyControl for use as wireless control devices. You can establish the WLAN connection
with:

 customary single-board computer Raspberry Pi 3 with integrated WLAN or Raspberry Pi 2 and

additional WLAN-router

 wControl (item no. 40-09957). wControl consists of a single-board computer Raspberry Pi 3

model B and a micro SD-card preconfigured for use as WLAN interface in the system
EasyControl.

 RedBox versions "Basic-R" or "Booster-R" with integrated single-board computer Raspberry

Pi 3.

Figure: Integrating PC and mobile terminal devices (here: via an external WLAN interface
wControl)

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Figure: Integrating PC and mobile terminal devices (here: via the integrated WLAN interface of
the RedBox version "Booster-R")

3.4.1. Overview PC- and WLAN interfaces of the central unit versions

PC interfaces WLAN interfaces

MasterControl one serial interface

(baud rate adjustable)
one USB interface with SiLabs identifier

RedBox "Basic"
RedBox "Booster"

RedBox "Basic-R"
RedBox "Booster-R"

RedBox "V24" one serial interface

USB-1 type Mini-B with Tams identifier
USB-2 type B with SiLabs identifier

USB-2 type B
with SiLabs identifier

(baud rate adjustable)
one USB interface with Tams identifier

external WLAN interface
required

external WLAN interface
required

integrated Raspberry Pi 3
preconfigured for EasyControl

external WLAN interface
required

3.4.2. Control software

Every software, which supports the Märklin** 6050 or P50X protocol is able to control your
RedBox or MasterControl.

In order to use a tablet or smartphone as a wireless control device, you have to install an app on
your mobile terminal device.

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3.5. Adapters for other bus systems

Digital devices of other manufacturers using other bus systems than EasyNet for data transfer
can be integrated into the system EasyControl and used for controlling and switching vehicle and
accessory decoders. Your RedBox has an integrated XpressNet interface for the connection of up
to 16 XpressNet devices.

There are different adapters available for the connection of devices of other manufacturers:

Device to be connected Adapter

DECT telephones PhoneControl

XpressNet devices of all manufactureres XNControl

Hint: Your RedBox has an integrated XpressNet interface for
the connection of up to 16 XpressNet devices.

Motorola and DCC digital control devices
of all manufactureres

Older digital control devices for the Maerklin**
Control Unit (item no. 6020 and 6021)

SniffControl

mControl

Hinwes: mControl replaces Maerklin** Control Unit item no.
6020 or 6021.

3.6. S88 modules

You can connect up to 52 s88 feedback devices or s88-compatible modules with 832 contacts to
one RedBox or MasterControl. Modules of all manufacturers can be integrated.

The RedBox has a s88 interface according to standard s88-N (for the connection of a patch
cable), the MasterControl a 6-pole interface.

Figure: Connecting s88 modules (max. 52 with 832 contacts)

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