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English ta m s el ek tro ni k RedBox Seite 2
English RedBox Contents 1. Getting started................................................................................................................5 2. What is EasyControl?.......................................................................................................7 2.1. Components............................................................................................................7 2.2. EasyNet......................................................................................
RedBox English 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.
English RedBox 1.
RedBox English 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.
English RedBox 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.
RedBox English 3 6 tro ni k 1 7 ek 1 5 el 4 ta m s 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.
English RedBox 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.
RedBox English 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. k 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.
English RedBox 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").
RedBox English 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.
English RedBox 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. k In PC controlled (larger) layouts, this kind of data transfer can cause problems, e.g.
RedBox English 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.
English RedBox 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.
English tro ni k RedBox Figure: Integrating PC and mobile terminal devices (here: via the integrated WLAN interface of the RedBox version "Booster-R") 3.4.1.
English RedBox 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.
RedBox English 3.7. DCC programming track RedBox and MasterControl have a connection for a DCC programming track. Every common rail can be used for that.
English RedBox 4.
RedBox English 4.1. EasyNet interface You can integrate more than 60 non-central control devices or adapters for devices of other manufacturers into the digital system via the EasyNet interface on the front side of your RedBox. Any (RJ 45) Ethernet patch cable (used in Computer networks) will work. Please also read the manual of your control device or adapter. k You can connect one device or adapter directly to the EasyNet interface of your RedBox.
English RedBox Device to be connected Adapter DECT telephone PhoneControl XpressNet devices from all manufacturers, e.g. XNControl Roco** Lokmaus 2 and 3, Multimaus (not Lokmaus 1) handheld controllers by Lenz** handheld controllers by Massoth** Older digital devices for digital Control Unit by Märklin** (item no. 6020 and 6021), e.g. SniffControl Keyboard (item no. 6040) Memory (item no. 6043) Control panel Control 80 (item no. 6035) and 80F (item no.
English tro ni k RedBox ek Figure: Connecting other manunfacturer´s digital controls to the EasyNet interface (from left to right): Märklin Mobile Station or other Motorola- and/or DCC-central units via SniffControl Digital devices for Märklin Control Unit 6020 and 6021 via mControl: The Märklin** Control Unit is replaced by mControl and RedBox.. ta m s el Hint: SniffControl has two EasyNet interfaces. For that reason there is no need for an extra distributor to connect an additional device.
English RedBox 4.2. XpressNet interface The XpressNet interface on the front side of the RedBox allows to connect a maximum of 16 XpressNet devices directly to the RedBox(e.g. Roco** Lokmaus 2 and 3, Roco** Multimaus, handheld controllers by Lenz** and Massoth**) and to use them as external control devices. k Restrictions of the devices concerning the usable digital formats are overcome, e.g. you can control vehicle decoders designed for Motorola or mfx format with pure DCC devices.
RedBox English 4.3. PC interfaces Depending on the version, your RedBox has: "Basic", "Booster" and "V24": two galvanically isolated PC interfaces, for parallel connection of two computers. "Basic-R" and "Booster-R" with integrated WLAN interface: one USB interface make software updates for the RedBox set parameters for the RedBox (e.g.
English RedBox 4.4. WLAN interface Integrating mobile terminals You can simultaneously operate a maximum of 32 Android smartphones or tablets in one system EasyControl.
RedBox English 4.5. External boosters To use the version "Basic", "Basic-R" or "V24" you need to connect at least one booster to the booster interface of the RedBox. Every Märklin**-compatible booster or booster for the DCC system can be used. Please observe the booster manual. Märklin**-compatible booster interface tro ni Pin assignment of the booster interface k Please note: Both types of boosters differ regarding short circuit polarity.
RedBox tro ni ta m s el ek Figure: Supplying several booster sections of one layout. As a supplement for the booster integrated in the versions "Booster" or "Booster-R" two boosters B-3 are used.
RedBox English 4.6. Integrated booster (versions "Booster" and "Booster-R" only) ! Attention: Be careful to allow the air to flow unhindered through the ventilation slits in the housing of the RedBox, otherwise the integrated booster possibly overheats. Risk of fire! Make sure to keep distance to other devices, walls, and similar when connecting your RedBox.
English RedBox 4.6.1. Connecting voltage supply and rails There are plug-in type terminals for connecting voltage supply and rails on the rear sides of the versions "Booster" and "Booster-R". Insert the connecting cables into the plug-in parts (included in delivery), tighten the screws and insert them into the socket parts on the rear side of your RedBox.
RedBox English 4.6.2.
English RedBox 4.6.3. Driving and switching separately with one RedBox You can configurate the integrated booster (for use as driving or breaking booster) that way, sending digital commands to control accessory decoders will be suppressed. In doing so, you prevent the transfer of vehicle commands being interrupted by sending commands for accessory decoders. You need a PC (with program CV-Navi or control software) to set your RedBox to this use.
RedBox English 4.7. S88 feedback modules You can connect a maximum of 52 s88 feedback modules or s88 compatible modules (with a maximum of 832 contacts). It is possible to connect feedback modules with connections according to the standard s88-N directly by using patch cables with RJ 45 connectors. In order to connect previous modules with 6 pole pin connectors to your RedBox, you need an adapter s88-A-SR or s88-A-BR.
English RedBox 4.8. Programming track You can use the programming track to read out and program vehicles decoders for the DCC format to program the addresses of vehicles decoders for the mfx format and to read out their UID Please have a look into the decoder´s manual to find out which programming modes can be used and which parameters can be set.
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English RedBox 5. Adjusting parameters of the digital control You can combine EasyControl with different types of devices. In the system parameters, you have to define which types of devices (booster, decoders, etc.) you use, to ensure error-free control of the devices. Your RedBox does not allow to display, enter or edit the system parameters. For that purpose you can use: k EasyControl devices (e.g.
RedBox English Setting standard data format for vehicle decoders This setting will be set as standard for the programming of all locomotive and function decoders.
English RedBox Setting the number of s88 modules Default value Possible settings 0 Value range: 0, 1, 2, 3….52 Setting switching time of solenoid accessory decoders The setting applies to all solenoid accessory decoders. Possible settings minimum switching time: Value range: 0, 50, 100, 150 ... 1000 ms 100 ms Hint: When setting a certain minimum switching time, you can switch points by quickly tapping the function key, although the points need a longer switching time.
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English RedBox 6. Operation 6.1. Switching on / off Switching on your RedBox After switching on the power supply for your RedBox, the connected booster(s) first have no power, meaning that your track also has no power. The red LED in the "stop"-button is illuminated. k Push the button "go" to switch on the boster(s). The green LED in the "go"-button is illuminated. Switching off your RedBox tro ni You can switch off all boosters by pressing "stop".
RedBox English 6.3. LED displays on the front side The two buttons "go" and "stop" have an integrated red or rather red LED. The LEDs show the operating mode of your RedBox. red off green off red permanently on The RedBox has been swithed on. green off All boosters are switched off. red off The RedBox has been swithed on. . green permanently on All boosters have been swithed on red fast flashing green off A booster has reported a short circuit.
English RedBox 7. Update Your RedBox and other EasyControl devices are state-of-the-art products, which are constantly improved and adapted to occurring changes. To benefit from this development, you can update the devcies to the newest software version. Please note: All EasyControl devices used in one digital control system must have the same software version! Otherwise malfunction of data transfer between the devices might occur.
RedBox English 8. Check list for troubleshooting 8.1. Errors occurring while starting up After switching on track power, the locomotive responds to switching on / off its functions, but not to turning a control device´s speed control knob. Possible reason: The integrated booster (versions "Booster" and "Booster-R") has been configurated as breaking booster and always sends a "0" as speed level. à Alter the integrated booster´s configuration by putting the jumper on "F-Booster".
English RedBox When accelerating a locomotive with a Motorola decoder, only every second speed level increases the locomotive’s speed. Possible reason: The locomotive decoder was assigned speed level "27 a" or "27 b", but the locomotive decoder only supports 14 speed levels. à Change the amount of speed levels in the locomotive data base. In operation mode, locomotives with Motorola I decoders are causing problems: They do not respond to driving or function commands or have an odd driving behaviour.
RedBox English 9. Technical Specifications 9.1. RedBox Motorola-I and –II Data formats DCC (corresponding to NMRA-and RCN-standard) m3 (for driving mfx decoders) 12 volts AC Power consumption (without consumer) approx.
English RedBox Protection IP 00 Ambient temperature while operating 0 - + 60 °C Ambient temperature in storage - 10 to + 80 °C Comparative humidity allowed max. 85 % Dimensions (approx.) 95 x 135 x 45 mm 160 g Version "Basic-R" 172 g Version "Booster" Version "V24" 9.2. Integrated Booster 217 g 170 g (Versions "Booster" and "Booster-R") 16 - 18 volts AC voltage or Supply voltage 17 – 22 volts DC voltage 15 or 19 volts digital voltage (regulated) Power consumption max.
RedBox English 10. Background information 10.1. Motorola-Format Märklin** originally introduced the Motorola format, using Chips from Motorola, hence the name. First, only 80 addresses could be used, later this was extended to 255. Data transfer in the Motorola format k Data is transferred in so called packets, which are sent with pauses in between. This kind of data transfer results in DC power on the track. Hence, locomotives without decoder start moving as soon as they are put on the track.
English RedBox 10.2. DCC-Format The DCC format was developed by LENZ** and later declared as standard by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association). Meanwhile the RailCommunity (Association of Manufacturers of Model Railcroad Products) maintains and advances this standard. Data transfer in the DCC format Possibilities of the DCC format tro ni k In the DCC format, data is transferred continuously and thus there is no DC power on the track.
RedBox English Configuration variables for the DCC format (exert) CV# CV name Value Explanations (Default value) (3) 2 Vstart 0 ... 255 (-) 3 Acceleration rate 0 ... 255 (-) 4 Deceleration rate 0 ... 255 (-) 5 Vhigh 0 ... 255 (0) 6 Vmid 1 ... 255 (1) Manufacturer version No. 1 ... 255 8 Manufacturer ID e.g. 62 9 Total PWM period 0 ... 255 Defines the current powering the engine at minimum speed. Defines the duration of the pause while switching up to the next higher speed level.
English RedBox CV# CV name Value Explanations (Default value) 49 – Manufacturer 64 Unique 0 ... 255 Reserved for manufacturer unique CV’s. (-) 67 – Speed Table 0 ... 255 94 (only in 28 speed (-) steps mode) A speed table consisting of 28 values for forward speeds forming a smooth power curve, whereas each speed step is assigned a specific engine power value. k A value of "0" is defined as no power, a value of "255" as maximum power. tro ni 10.3.
RedBox English 10.5. RailCom RailCom is an extension of the DCC protocol and defines all details of importance for reporting back data in DCC controlled digital layouts. The basic idea is that RailCom compatible decoders are not only used as recipients of digital commands but also report back data via the rails to the RailCom detectors. In order to make room for reporting back data, special RailCom boosters cut short gaps into the continuous DCC data stream from the central unit to the decoders.
English RedBox 10.6. Boosters Boosters amplify the digital signals send from the central unit and supply a connected track with power. You have to connect at least one external booster to the MasterControl, as there is no booster integrated. The actual number of boosters needed depends on the power consumption of your model railway.
RedBox English 11. The asterisks ** This manual mentions the following companies: ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co. KG Edisonallee 29 DE-89231 Neu-Ulm LENZ** Elektronik GmbH k Vogelsang 14 tro ni DE-35398 Gießen Gebr. MÄRKLIN** & Cie. GmbH Stuttgarter Straße 55-57 DE-73033 Göppingen ROCO** ta m s Kronstadter Str. 4 DE-81677 München el Modelleisenbahn München GmbH ek MASSOTH** Elektronik GmbH Frankensteiner Str.
English RedBox 12. Guarantee bond For this product we issue voluntarily a guarantee of 2 years from the date of purchase by the first customer, but in maximum 3 years after the end of series production. The first customer is the consumer first purchasing the product from us, a dealer or another natural or juristic person reselling or mounting the product on the basis of self-employment. The guarantee exists supplementary to the legal warranty of merchantability due to the consumer by the seller.
RedBox English 13. EU declaration of conformity This product conforms with the EC-directives mentioned below and is therefore CE certified. 2004/108/EG on electromagnetic. Underlying standards: EN 55014-1 and EN 61000-6-3. To guarantee the electromagnetic tolerance in operation you must take the following precautions: k Connect the transformer only to an approved mains socket installed by an authorised electrician.
RedBox ta m s el ek tro ni k English Seite 55
n n n n tro ni n k n n n n ek Information and tips: http://www.tams-online.de n ta m s el n Warranty and service: Tams Elektronik GmbH Fuhrberger Straße 4 DE-30625 Hannover fon: +49 (0)511 / 55 60 60 fax: +49 (0)511 / 55 61 61 e-mail: modellbahn@tams-online.
