TAMS Elektronik S88-4 User manual

tams elektronik

Manual

S88-4

Item no. 44-01405 | 44-01406 | 44-01407

s88-Feedback Module

16-fold

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English S88-4

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

5. Technical specifications..............................................................11

6. Assembling the kit.....................................................................12

7. Connecting the S88-4................................................................19

8. Assigning an address to the S88-4..............................................24

9. Check list for troubleshooting.....................................................27

10. Guarantee bond........................................................................29

11. EU declaration of conformity......................................................30

12. Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive...........................30

© 12/2014 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 feedback module S88-4 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 feedback module S88-4 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 S88-4 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 15) and one PCB or

 one ready-built module or
 one ready-built module in a housing (complete unit),
 an Ethernet patch cable with RJ-45 connectors (length: 0.5 m)
 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 to the rails you need wire.
Recommended diameter: > 0.25 mm².

For the connection of the module to a device with a 6-pole s88
connector you need:

 an adapter S88-A (depending on the installation situation item no.

44-09100, 44-09110, 44-09200 or 44-09210).

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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 feedback module S88-4 is compatible with all components working
with the s88-bus developed by the company Märklin**. It can read in
16 mass contacts. This information is transferred via the s88-bus to the
upstream module or to the connected digital unit (interface, memory or
central unit). The data transfer from one feedback module to the other
one works on the principle of the bucket brigade device.

The number of feed back modules to be connected to one bus line
depends on the interface, the memory or the control unit in use. Please
follow the specifications of the device´s manufacturer.

Specific features of the S88-4

According to the standard, the s88 feedback system is mounted by
lining up the feedback modules, comparible to lining up pearls on a
string. On this principle branching bus lines or a radial layout cannot be
put into practice without using special attachments.

The addresses for the standard feedback modules are assigned
automatically, according to the modules´ order. When mounting an
additional standard module between two existing modules, the
succeeding modules will be renumbered automatically. The effort
involved to reprogram the control software in the PC can be
considerable.

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With the feedback module S88-4 you can assign an address directly.
This minimizes the effort when adding a new module between existing
modules. Addressing the feedback modules S88-4 directly is also the
condition for installing branching bus lines and radial layouts.

It is possible to combine standard modules and S88-4 modules in one
bus system. You have got to be aware that standard feedback modules
can be used in linear data lines connected directly to the control unit or
the interface only and not in branching data lines.

Standard s88-N

The S88-4 has RJ-45 connections according to the standard s88-N,
which regulates the assignment of commercial Ethernet patch-cables
for use in s88 feedback systems. Unlike the 6-conductor connecting
cables frequently used, the patch-cables used in computer networks are
screened against outside electric signals. Thus using patch-cables
reduces the liability to interference considerably.

For the connection of digital devices or customary feedback modules
with a 6-pole connector you need a special adapter (optional extra).

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