tro ni k Manual Digital Control Unit for EasyControl Digital System ta m s el ek Item no.
Notes on this download version of the manual This manual provides you with an overview of the features and functions of the digital central unit mc². However, the manual is only one part of the instructions. Another essential part is the direct help in the web interface of the central unit, the so-called mc²-Toolbox. You can connect to a real mc² digital central unit via the Internet and test the web interface.
Contents 1. Getting started........................................................................................................1.1 2. Commissioning........................................................................................................2.1 3. Your mc²................................................................................................................3.1 3.1. Display and operating elements.......................................................................3.3 k 3.2.
6.2. Submenu "Operation"......................................................................................6.4 6.2.1. Feedback..............................................................................................6.4 6.2.2. Programming........................................................................................6.5 6.2.3. Messages..............................................................................................6.7 6.2.4. BiDiB..................................................
1. Getting started The instructions for the digital central unit mc² consist of the following parts: the guide, which is enclosed with the delivery in printed form and which contains all the information you need for safe and proper commissioning of the mc². The contents of the guide are also included in this manual. Nevertheless, keep the guide carefully in case you want to commission the mc² again and do not have access to the manual.
Intended use The digital control unit mc² is intended for controlling digital model railway layouts according to the information in the instructions (consisting of guide, manual and direct aids). Only the power supply unit included in the scope of delivery is permitted for the power supply. Any other use is not in accordance with the intended use and will result in the loss of the warranty claim. Intended use also includes reading, understanding and following all parts of the instructions.
2. Commissioning After commissioning, you must first configure your mc², i.e. adapt it to your ideas and adjust it to the conditions of your model railway layout. It is therefore not recommended to start up the mc² with a smartphone, as the display of the mc²-Toolbox (the web interface of your control unit) is unclear due to the small screen size. Direct connection to the PC k You can connect your mc² directly to your PC.
Connection to the power supply ! Note: Only use the power supply unit supplied as a power supply for your mc² and the components of your system that are supplied by the integrated booster. tro ni k First, plug the 4-pin connector of the power supply connection cable into the "Power" socket on the back of the mc² so that the flat part of the plug points upwards. ! Note: There is a catch on the unit plug that prevents the power supply connection cable from being pulled out accidentally.
User settings in the mc²-Toolbox Set the following on the start page of the web interface of your mc²: longuage Display of the submenu items: Change the display by clicking on the symbols. Submenu items are always displayed Submenu items are only displayed after clicking on the higher-level main menu item. k Downloading the manual tro ni Before connecting the mc² to your model railway layout, download the manual from the start page of the mc²-Toolbox ("Home") and read it carefully.
Setting the display of the submenu ta m s el ek tro ni k Selecting the language (De)activating "Boredom Mode" (De)activating Tip of the Day 2.
3. Your mc² The main tasks of your mc² include, to send the digital driving and switching commands to the vehicle and accessory decoders to receive and forward the feedback signals from decoders and feedback units to serve as a "medium" for programming the decoders. Furthermore a booster is integrated in your mc², which brings the digital signals to the track and supplies the vehicles with power.
Input and control devices For the control of your layout you have various possibilities open to you, which you can also combine with each other as you wish: virtual control devices that you open on your smartphone, tablet or PC (→ section 3.3) digital input devices from various manufacturers (→ section 3.4) special PC control software (→ section 3.6) ta m s el ek tro ni k 3.
STOP & GO These two buttons of the mc² are used to switch the track voltage on and off to trigger a reset as a trigger for displaying the IP address to delete the internal configuration ek tro ni k 3.1. Display and operating elements Display The 2-digit 7-segment display shows you essential information, e.g.
3.2. Protocols Digital formats The mc² sends digital driving and switching commands to the vehicle and accessory decoders in the following formats: DCC: 14, 28 or 128 speed steps Motorola: I and II (14 or 28 speed steps) m3: This format enables the control of vehicle decoders for the mfx protocol. Note: Automatic registration of mfx decoders with the command station is not possible.
3.3. Virtual control devices el ek tro ni k From the Toolbox, you have access to various virtual control devices to control your layout. The virtual control devices are optimised for use with smartphones or tablets, but can just as easily be used from the PC screen. With the FunctionControl.vi locomotives can be controlled sensitively and functions up to F32 can be switched. ta m s The HandControl.vi is similar to the real HandControl.
3.4. External digital input devices The mc² has interfaces for various digital input devices from different manufacturers.
3.5. Boosters Integrated booster A booster is integrated in the mc², which can provide a maximum of 6.5 A current. This current is usually sufficient for the operation of layouts of all nominal sizes. Depending on the nominal size, the maximum output current must be limited. Short-circuit sensitivity: 1 - 6.5 A. It can be adapted to the nominal size of the installation in steps of 0.5 A. Track voltage: 8 - 22 V. It can be adjusted in steps of 1 V.
3.6. PC control Protocols: BiDiB or p50x For the encryption of the data exchanged between the central unit and the PC control software, the mc² uses the BiDiB protocol or - if this is not supported by the software - the p50x protocol. With software that supports BiDiB, all the possibilities offered by bidirectional communication via the BiDiBus can be used. These include e.g.: the direct sending of digital commands to the stationary BiDiB nodes via the BiDiBus cables (e.g.
4. Connections ! Danger of confusion! Note that identical plug connections are used for different bus systems: RJ12: LocoNet and XpressNet RJ45: EasyNet, BiDiB, S88-N and LAN k Therefore, be very careful when plugging in the connection cables! Make sure that you do not accidentally plug the cables into the wrong sockets! In the worst case, (even irreparable) damage can occur to your mc² and/or the connected devices. This applies especially to EasyNet devices, s88 modules and BiDiB components.
4.1. Main and programming track Connect the two track connections of the integrated booster with the two rails (for 2-conductor systems) or with one rail and the centre conductor (with 3-conductor systems). k The feeding of the booster current into the track should be done at a distance of approx. 2 to 3 m from a ring line, because the resistances at the transitions of the track sections are quite high.
4.2. Connection of external digital devices 4.2.1. Devices for the CAN bus Info k The CAN bus is actually a data bus developed for the (car) industry and is used by various model railway manufacturers for communication between digital devices. Note: The manufacturers use different data protocols, therefore the devices of different manufacturers cannot communicate with each other. The protocol of the CAN interface of the mc² is that of the Märklin CAN bus.
4.2.2. Devices for the LocoNet Info The LNet connector allows the connection of digital devices whose data transmission is done via the LocoNet developed by Digitrax.
4.2.3. Devices for the EasyNet Info The EasyNet is the data bus for the EasyControl digital system. Devices and adapters that have been specially developed for this system communicate via this bus. Connection: RJ45 For the connection of LokControl k HandControl and HandControl 2 MasterControl (with configuration as "slave") tro ni mControl Note: The connection of the adapters XNControl, SniffControl or wControl does not make sense, as corresponding interfaces are integrated in the mc².
4.2.4. Devices for the XpressNet Info The Xnet interface enables the connection of input devices that establish the connection to the digital control centre via the XpressNet developed by Lenz Elektronik. Connection: RJ12 For the connection of Lenz hand controllers (e.g. LH100 and LH101)* Locomouse from Roco (from version 2) tro ni Multimouse from Roco k * For the connection of Lenz hand controllers, an additional adapter may be required.
4.2.5. Digital central units for DCC and Motorola Info The interface "rec" receives track signals in DCC and Motorola format. It is therefore the universal interface for connecting all DCC and MM digital central units with a track output (a so-called "sniffer"). It is used to integrate disused digital central units as control and switching devices into the EasyControl system. k Connection: 2-pole, grid dimension 2.54 mm. Tip: For the connection use e.g. the DCC programming cable item no. 40-01009-01.
4.3. Connecting BiDiB devices Info BiDiB is a universal data bus that enables bidirectional communication between all stationary components of a digital control system. Connection: RJ45 Connection options k At the BiDiB interface of the mc², digital commands and track signals are output and the feedback signals from the BiDi bus are received. tro ni For the connection of max. 31 BiDiB nodes of one level, e.g.
4.4. Connection of s88 feedback modules Info The mc² regularly initiates read-in cycles in which the levels of all registers in the clock are "passed through" from one register to the next to the central unit according to the bucket brigade memory principle. Like most modern central units, the mc² compares the read-in data with those of the previous read-in cycle and evaluates only the changed data or passes only the changes on to the control software.
4.5. Connection of external boosters If one booster is not sufficient to supply the layout or if the commands for vehicle and accessory decoders are to be output separately ("driving and switching separately"), you can connect additional external boosters. MM: Märklin-compatible boosters Connection: 5-pole, grid dimension 2.54 mm k CDE: DCC-compatible boosters Connection: 3-pole, grid dimension 5.
! Note: If you use other boosters than those previously mentioned to supply your system, you should not use the integrated booster of the mc² to supply a booster section. Otherwise, short-circuits and disturbances in data transmission may occur when crossing the separation points between the sections. Configuration k Before you start system operation, you must configure the boosters, i.e. set them to match the nominal size of your system. → Menu item "System / Boosters" tro ni → Section 5.
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5. Configuring the system (Submenu "System") In the submenu "System" you make all the settings that are necessary to adjust your mc² for operation with your layout. The explanations for the input fields open when you click on the symbol . 5.1. System Info In this menu item you can get an overview of the essential data of your digital central unit: Hardware and software status of your mc² Current / maximum current: The maximum current is set in the menu item "System / Boosters".
Info: Temperature Heating of the central unit during operation is normal and harmless. Under permanent full load, i.e. if the integrated booster supplies more than 6 A of current for a longer period of time, the temperature can reach up to 75 °C. ! Notice: To prevent the mc² from overheating, you must ensure that a distance of at least 20 cm to surrounding surfaces is maintained on the side surfaces and the top and rear of the mc².
5.2. Vehicles Management of the vehicles Standard format k At delivery, the DCC format with 28 speed steps is set as standard, i.e. this protocol is applied to the track by default. Vehicle decoders with the standard format can therefore be controlled directly, vehicle decoders with different formats only if they have been created in the locomotive list beforehand. The setting of the standard format is taken over as the default setting in the locomotive list.
Tractions The control of locomotives in tractions is only possible if the same number of speed steps is assigned to the decoders. Tractions with vehicle decoders with different data formats are possible.
5.4. Protocol Optimisation of the data transmission With the default setting "normal", a safe and sufficiently fast transmission of digital data between the mc², the decoders and the feedbacks is guaranteed for many installations. In the help that opens after clicking on the symbol , you will find detailed explanations of what is hidden behind the various terms. Basically, you should always set the default values if you are not sure what deviating settings will do.
5.5. Boosters Settings for the integrated and external boosters With the setting of the nominal size, standard values for track voltage, maximum current, short-circuit sensitivity and inrush time are preset, with which a safe operation on your layout is guaranteed. In the help that opens after clicking on the symbol , you will find explanations of what is hidden behind the various terms. Basically, you should set the default values if you are not sure what deviating settings will cause.
6. Operation with the mc² 6.1. Operating and display elements The mc² has a STOP and GO button with which you can trigger essential functions directly on the unit. To switch the track voltage on and off, you can alternatively click on the photo of the mc² on the start page ("HOME") of the mc²-Toolbox. k The display on the front provides you with essential information about the operating status of your mc².
6.1.2. Display and RGB-LEDs 0.0 to 6.5 green St. red green SH red-violet flashing ot yellow rE blue flashing + white swelling The track voltage is switched on. Stop. The track voltage is switched off. "Test Drive". In test mode you can control and test vehicle and accessory decoders on the programming track with the virtual control units HandControl.prog. and FunctionControl.prog. "Short Circuit" / short circuit during operation. Troubleshooting → section 8.
Shown Colour of the RGB LEDs in the display Fr Meaning The configuration is deleted and the mc² is reset to the factory settings. red violet circulating An update is being carried out. The digits indicate the progress in %. During writing, the progress display is interrupted. [] blue flashing + white swelling The update is being processed and completed. E + digit no colour change An internal error has occurred. Please make a note of the digit(s) and contact the hotline.
6.2. Submenu "Operation" In this submenu you can do all the things that occur during operation of you layout: Controlling vehicle and accessory decoders Reading out and programme decoders Checking feedback modules Reading out and displaying system messages Setting the model time . k The explanations of the input fields are opened when you click on the symbol tro ni 6.2.1.
6.2.2. Programming Programming and reading vehicle and accessory decoders Testing vehicle and accessory decoders In this menu item you have access to all common programming types for vehicle and accessory decoders: Programming on the main track or programming track Data formats: DCC, m3 and Motorola k With the virtual HandControl.prog on the side you can directly check the settings of decoders on / at the programming track.
HandControl.prog The HandControl.prog and the FunctionControl.prog have almost the same functionality as the standard versions of the virtual controllers and are especially used for testing decoder settings. However, in test mode (display "td" in the display of the mc²) you can only control vehicle and accessory decoders on / at the programming track. HandControl.vi → section 6.3.1 FunctionControl.vi → section 6.3.
6.2.3. Messages Read out and display system messages The messages help to check the function of the connected components and to find the causes of malfunctions. RailCom messages You can display all messages or limit the type of messages to be displayed by: Decoder address k Decoder type Type of message Messages from the BiDi bus tro ni The display of BiDiB messages is currently not yet implemented (as of April 2021). System messages 6.2.4.
6.2.5. Control Calling the virtual HandControl.vi The HandControl.vi is similar to the "real" HandControl.2. You can select and control vehicle decoders directly with it. From the HandControl.vi you can also reach the other virtual control units FunctionControl.vi for controlling a vehicle decoder DriveControl.vi to control up to four vehicle decoders simultaneously SwitchControl.vi for switching accessory decoders 6.2.6.
6.3. Virtual control devices The virtual control devices enable e.g. the use of tablet(s) or smartphone(s) as external control units or tests during configuration or programming on the PC screen. Depending on the operating situation, you can choose between four different user interfaces and switch back and forth: HandControl.vi with a user interface based on the HandControl.2 FunctionControl.vi for controlling one vehicle decoder SwitchControl.vi for switching accessory decoders 6.3.1. HandControl.
Decoder address Digital format Current speed level Current direction > forwards < backwards tro ni k Vehicle name Switched on functions 0, 5, 10, 19, 20 Actual current Direction change-over switch Select locomotive Change to FunctionControl.vi Change to SwitchControl.vi Back to menu ta m s Delete entry el Function keys (F)1, 2, 3…9, 0 ek Speed controller Confirm infput 6.10 | Operation with the mc² Change to DriveControl.
6.3.2. FunctionControl.vi With the FunctionControl.vi you can control the vehicle decoder that you have previously called up with the help of the HandControl.vi. While you can only switch the functions F0 to F9 on and off with the HandControl.vi, the FunctionControl.vi allows you to switch the functions F0 to F32. If you have assigned icons to the functions, these are displayed instead of the function numbers.
6.3.3. DriveControl.vi Select up to four vehicle decoders that you want to control. To do this, enter the addresses directly in the input fields or click the arrow keys to increase or decrease the set address by 1 each. You can change the speed level for the selected vehicle decoders using the sliders, change the direction of travel and switch the F0 function on and off. You can go from DriveControl.vi directly back to HandControl.vi. Change to HandControl.
6.3.4. SwitchControl.vi The SwitchControl.vi allows you to switch accessory decoders up to turnout address 2048. To switch to the next 16-number block, click on or . To skip several blocks of 16 numbers, use the double arrows. You can switch between displaying the speed controller on the left or right side of the user interface by clicking on the field .. k From FunctionControl.vi you can go directly to FunctionControl.vi to control the last vehicle called up or go back to HandControl.vi.
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7. Updates k The mc² central unit is a mature product corresponding to the current state of the art and has been intensively tested. However, the large number of connection options for various digital devices and the resulting huge number of possible combinations, as well as the variety of system concepts and possibilities for system implementation, make it impossible to test all conceivable constellations in advance.
7.
8. Checklist for troubleshooting When delivered, your mc² has the password "Tams". If you have changed the password and then forgotten it, you can display it on the web developer console of your browser. Click on set (password) after opening, the password will then be displayed in the console. On the Internet you can find instructions on how to get to the web developer console of your browser. 8.1.
The power supply unit switches off and then on again after a while. Possible cause: overload à Reduce the number of connected additional devices and/or the power consumption in the booster circuit of the integrated booster. As soon as the overload is eliminated, the power supply unit is automatically switched on again. Possible cause: Overvoltage à As soon as the input voltage of the power supply unit is within the permissible range again, it is automatically switched on again.
8.5. Problems when programming and controlling vehicles A locomotive does not react to driving and switching commands, although you have entered the correct locomotive address. Possible cause: A wrong data format is assigned to the locomotive address. à Change the data format. Vehicles with DCC decoder When programming a DCC decoder the mc² displays an error message. k Possible cause: You have selected a programming type that is not supported by the decoder.
Vehicles with mfx decoder Vehicles with mfx decoder cannot be controlled in Motorola or DCC format, although these formats are entered for them in the locomotive list. Possible cause: An m3 address was called up (e.g. by accidentally entering a vehicle decoder address >10,239). à Perform a reset on the mc². Should an m3 address be active on one of the virtual controllers or an EasyControl device, deactivate it before performing the reset.
8.8. Problems with the software update The firmware update for the mc² fails. Possible cause: An attempt was made to load an incorrect file. à Check whether you had selected the correct file and start the update again. If the firmware update is still not possible after several attempts or can no longer be started, you must load the recovery software and run the programme. → Section 7 This is not an error. The update programme continuously checks whether the data transfer is correct.
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9. Technical data 9.1.
Audio interface Line-out output for connecting active speakers or amplifiers (2.5 mm stereo jack plug) Interfaces for external boosters Märklin-compatible DCC compliant BiDiB LocoNet Track outputs Main track Electrical properties Power supply tro ni k Programming track 24 volts direct current Note: Only the power supply unit included in the scope of delivery is permitted as power supply for the mc² including integrated booster! Maximum total current 6.
Predection Predection clas IP 20 Meaning: Predected against solid foreign bodies with a diameter ≥ 12.5 mm and access with a finger. No predection against water.
9.2. Power supply unit Manufacturer MEAN WELL ENTERPRISE Co. Ltd. Type designation GSM160B24-R7B Output 24 VDC Rated current 6.67 A Output current 0 – 6.67 A Rated powerNennleistung max.
Environment For use in closed rooms -30 ~ + 70 °C Permissible relative humidity during operation 20 ~ 90% (non-condensing) Ambient temperature during storage - 40 ~ + 85 °C Permissible relative humidityduring storage 10 ~ 95% (non-condensing) tro ni Ambient temperature during operation Connections Power supply connector 4-pole with snap lock, R7B series Mains connection Mains cable socket 2-pole, IEC 320-C8 el Miscellaneous ek Unit connection k Note: To allow unhindered air exchange and t
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10. Warranty, EC Conformity & WEEE 10.1. Warranty Statement k We voluntarily grant a 2-year warranty for this product from the date of purchase by the original customer, but for a maximum of 3 years after the end of series production of the product. The first customer is the consumer who first purchased the product from us, a dealer or another natural or legal person who resells or installs the product in the course of his or her independent professional activity.
10.2. EC Declaration of Conformity This product fulfils the requirements of the following EU directives and therefore bears the CE marking. 2001/95/EU Product Safety Directive 2015/863/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) 2014/30/EU on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive).
Appendix A : Organisations, Manufacturers, Products The mc² has interfaces for connecting digital devices from various manufacturers, based on data transfer protocols from different manufacturers and organisations. In the list you will find the contact details as well as a selection of products that you can use together with your mc². Address Internet Protocols Products (selection) Working group BiDiB Wolfgang Kufer, Lodronstr. 9 84453 Mühldorf Germany http://www.bidib.
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Appendix B : Changes and additions The list gives you an overview of changes or additions to the mc²-Toolbox software and new or changed pages of the manual. mc²-Toolbox Version 1.00 © 04/2021 1.00 1.01 © 05/2021 1.10 Changes / Additions Replacement pages Manual: --- tro ni Editorial changes k Manual Version mc² toolbox: Elimination of problems with setting the default format for vehicles with some browsers. ta m s el ek Addition of the languages English, French and Dutch Appendix B.
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n n n Weitere Informationen und Tipps: More information and tips: n tro ni Plus d'informations et de conseils : k n Meer informatie en tips: n http://www.tams-online.de n ek n el n Garantie und Service: s Warranty and service: n n Garantie et service : n Tams Elektronik GmbH n ta m Garantie en service: 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.
