k Manual ni BiDiBooster ta m s el ek tro Item no.
English BiDiBooster Contents Why Boosters?............................................................................4 2. Getting started............................................................................5 3. Safety instructions.......................................................................7 4. Your BiDiBooster.........................................................................8 5. Splitting your model railway layout.............................................
English el ek tro ni k BiDiBooster s © 09/2016 Tams Elektronik GmbH ta m 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.
English BiDiBooster 1. Why Boosters? The three essential functions of boosters are: 1. Supplying the power needed for the operation of digital controlled locomotives and points and other digital consumers. ni k 2. Bringing the voltage to the rails, in order to make sure that all vehicle and accessory decoders receive the digital switching and control commands. tro 3. Making sure the current is switched off in case of a short-circuit on the layout (e.g.
BiDiBooster English 2. Getting started How to use this manual ni k This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct connecting of the booster, 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. tro Keep this manual safely so that you can solve problems in the future.
English BiDiBooster Required materials In order to connect the booster you need: Wire. Recommended diameter: for the connection to the transformer and the rails: > 1,5 mm² for the connection to the digital control unit: > 0,25 mm² k A transformer. The recommended voltage and the minimum power of the transformer depend on the desired settings.
BiDiBooster English 3. Safety instructions Risk of electric shock ni k ! Risk of fire The BiDiBooster possibly gets very warm during operation. Thus be careful to allow the air to flow unhindered around the ventilation slits. If the air exchange is blocked components can overheat and catch fire.
English BiDiBooster 4. Your BiDiBooster Technical specifications 12 – 20 V AC voltage 12 – 26 V DC voltage Maximum output current 2, 3 or 4 A Output voltage 10 – 24 Volt digital voltage Power max. 120 Watt Digital formats DCC, Motorola, mfx (control commands only) ni tro Feedback logs RailCom, BiDiB DCC-conforming booster port (3-pole), BiDiB-port (RJ 45) el ek Interfaces k Supply voltage Track signal symmetrical Protected to IP 00 ta m s Ambient temperature in use 0 ...
BiDiBooster English Fig. 1: Front side of BiDiBooster LED k 1 ni Ports The BiDiBooster has 2 different booster ports: DCC-conforming booster port (3-pole): for the connection to the control unit´s DCC booster connection or if the control unit does not have a DCC booster connection: the control unit´s track output BiDiB-port (RJ 45): for the connection to the BIDiB-port of a BiDiBdevice with track output or a BiDiB-interface.
English BiDiBooster RailCom The BiDiBooster can provide the so-called RailCom-cutout needed to transfer RailCom-feedback data in RailCom-monitored sections. tro ni k When using the BiDiBooster with control units sending a DCC signal but not compatible to RailCom, providing the RailCom-cutout can cause malfunction.
BiDiBooster English data via the interface (e.g. current, voltage and termperature). The booster´s performance data are used as a basis for the booster management of the PC control. Using the ABC-braking method k The booster amplifies the track signal completely symmetrically. This allows the ABC-braking method to be used in DCC-controlled layouts. The DCC-input of the BiDiBooster is isolated through an opto-coupler.
English BiDiBooster Short-circuit protection k The BiDiBooster provides an intergrated short circuit breaking in shape of an integrated current limitation. This causes the booster to switch off automatically when a short circuit occurs at the track output and thus prevents damages to the booster, the tracks and the vehicles. The time elapsing till the short-circuit protection switches off the booster can be set to a value between 1 and 250 milliseconds.
BiDiBooster English Automatic switching on after a short circuit After a short circuit the BiDiBooster switches on automatically after 4 to 10 seconds (adjustable). If the short circuit is still there, it switches off again immediately. ni to the set autostarting time after a short circuit (4 to 10 seconds) or to an individual autostarting time between 0 and 90 seconds (adjustable in 10 sec.-steps).
English BiDiBooster Switching on and off the BiDiBooster with a DCC points switching command The BiDiBooster can be switched on and off via a a DCC point switching command sent to an assigned points address. Points "straight" à booster on à booster off k Points "branch" tro Inrush-current limiting ni As soon as the BiDiBooster is connected to an interface via the BiDiBport, it is impossible to switch the booster on or off via DCC point switching commands, but only via the PC software.
BiDiBooster English 5. Splitting your model railway layout ni station engine sheds the main lines (if necessary in several sections) the branch lines (if necessary in several sections) tro k Split your model railway layout in several track sections electrically isolating them from each other. Every section has to be supplied by a booster of its’ own. In each section a maximum of three to five locomotives should run at the same time.
English BiDiBooster k 6. Connecting the BiDiBooster tro ni Fig.
BiDiBooster English ! Please note: Do not block the flow of air through the ventilation slits, otherwise the booster can overheat. Risk of fire! You should never cover the ventilation slits. When connecting the booster be sure to keep sufficient distance to other devices, walls, and the like. k 6.1. Using patch cables tro ni The BiDiBooster has – as an alternative to the DCC-conforming booster port – RJ 45 connectors (C1 and C2) for the connection of the control unit and additional boosters.
English BiDiBooster 6.2. Connecting the control unit For the connection to the control unit you can use either the DCC booster port (connection A) or the BiDiB port (connection C). ni k In state of delivery the BiDiBooster is set to the use of the DCCconforming port. When you want to use the BiDiB port, you have to alter the settings (→ section 7).
BiDiBooster English Check that the pin assignment of the control unit´s booster interface corresponds to that of the booster. k If you want the control unit to switch off the booster when a short circuit occurs, you have to connect the short circuit feedback line. If you do not connect the short circuit feedback line, the booster will be switched off automatically when a short circuit occurs and automatically on again after a set time.
English BiDiBooster 6.3. Connection of a BiDiB interface When using a BiDiB interface with track output to control your layout, you have to connect it like a central unit to the BiDiB port (→section 6.2). ni 6.4. Connection of additional boosters k In order to integrate the booster in a layout controlled and monitored by BiDiB, you can use a BiDiB interface not providing a track output in addition to the control unit.
BiDiBooster English Connection A + Connection C: This version allows an easy and quick connection of an additional booster via a RJ 45 cable even in the case, the control unit is connected via the 3-pole DCC booster port to the booster. k Hint: If necessary you have to mount or dismount the terminating jumpers (→ section 6.1). tro ni ! Please note: When using this connection version you have to connect all additional booster via the BiDiB-port.
English BiDiBooster 6.5. Connecting the tracks k Connect the booster´s track port to both rails (with 2-rail systems) or to one rail and the middle conductor (with 3-rail systems). These connections should be repeated every 2-3 meters, because the resistance at the connection points of the tracks is quite high. When choosing too high intervals, problems with the short circuit indication or the power supply of the vehicles may occur.
BiDiBooster English 7. Settings The BiDiBooster can be set to individual requirements via BiDiB with a PC software or by programming on main (POM) or Possible settings 10 – 24 V, to be set in 1 V-steps Autostarting time after a short circuit 4 – 10 sec., to be set in 1 sec.-steps Manufacturers settings Setting with jumpers 18 V no 4 sec.
English BiDiBooster Manufacturers settings Setting with jumpers Time for inrush current limiting 2 - 500 ms 100 ms no Determining the port BiDiB-interface, DCCinterface yes ni el ek tro DCC-interface or reception of the booster signals via the DCC-booster port and transmission via the RJ 45-booster port k Possible settings 7.1.
BiDiBooster English 7.2. Programming on main (POM) The configuration variables of the booster BiDiBooster can be set by programming on main (POM). This is possible only with control units supporting this programming mode. ni k In order to start programming the booster, input the value "62" for CV#7 of any DCC locomotive address. Proceed as described in the manual of your control unit.
English BiDiBooster Value for CV#7 Settings / Remarks Autostarting time after a short circuit Default value: 4 sec. 34 4 sec. 35 5 sec. 7 ... 9 sec. 40 10 sec. Max. track current (interrupting current) Default value: 3 A 42 2A 43 3A RailCom. Default value: active 51 44 4A active inactive el ek 52 ni 6 sec. ...
BiDiBooster English Watchdog Default value: inactive 74 active 75 inactive 76 Change over into the programming mode. 101 102 103 = set autostarting time after a short circuit tro 100 10 sec. 20 sec. 30 sec. el ek Autostarting time after 5 short circuits Default value: 60 sec. ni k When within 30 sec. a DCC points switching command is set, the BiDiBooster takes over the corresponding points address to release the watchdog funtion. Condition: Watchdog funtion = "active". 40 - 80 sec.
English BiDiBooster 7.3. Setting the BiDiBooster with jumpers With control units not supporting programming on main (POM) the BiDiBooster can be set by inserting short-circuit terminations (jumpers). Please note: It is not possible to set the whole range of values by inserting jumpers. tro ni k Before inserting the jumpers you have to open the booster´s housing.
BiDiBooster English Jumper Einstellung Max. track current (interrupting current) = programmed value. Default value: 3 A inserted Max. track current (interrupting current) =4A JP 2, 3 and 4 open Determining the port as progammed.
English BiDiBooster 8. Operation Shunting the boundry between two booster sections Operation with BiDiB ni k You should take care not to allow locomotives or trains to halt directly on the boundary between two sections. This would lead to a connection between the outputs and possible damaging of the two connected boosters. The short circuit indication does not work under these circumstances. tro In order to push the identify button you have to open the booster´s housing.
BiDiBooster English LED The LED on the front lights or flashes indicating the operation modes or problems that occur. Meaning yellow – constantly lighting The Booster is in operation. yellow – slowly flashing (approx. 1 sec. cycle) No signal from the control unit, BiDiB not connected. yellow – quickly flashing Programming has been started. yellow – 2x flashing | break | 2x flashing The booster has been switched off by a points switching command. red – slowly flashing (approx. 1 sec.
English BiDiBooster 9. Check list for troubleshooting The booster is getting very hot and / or starts to smoke. ! Disconnect the system from the mains immediately! The LED at the booster does not light and the locomotives cannot be driven. tro ni Problems with switching on and data transfer k Possible reason: The connections to the track and the power supply have been mixed up. à Alter the connections. Possibly the booster has been damaged.
BiDiBooster English After a points switching command the booster has been switched off, the LED flashes yellow. Possible reason: The points address in question has been assigned to the function "switching off by a DCC switching command". à Set the function inactive or avoid using the points address in question. The LED flashes in the colour red The LED flashes quickly in the colour red. k After a points switching command the booster has been switched off, the LED flashes red.
English BiDiBooster The LED flashes in the colour orange The LED flashes slowly in the colour orange. Possible reason: The control unit has been switched off or the connection to the control unit has been interrupted. à Check the control unit and the connections. The watchdog function is not active after switching on the booster although it has been set active.
BiDiBooster English 10. Guarantee bond ni k 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 selfemployment.
English BiDiBooster 11. EU declaration of conformity This product conforms with the EC-directives mentioned below and is therefore CE certified. k 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: Connect the transformer only to an approved mains socket installed by an authorised electrician.
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n n n tro http://www.tams-online.de n ni Information and tips: k n n el ek n n n s Warranty and service: ta m Tams Elektronik GmbH Fuhrberger Straße 4 DE-30625 Hannover fon: +49 (0)511 / 55 60 60 fax: +49 (0)511 / 55 61 61 n n n e-mail: modellbahn@tams-online.
