tams elektronik B-4 Manual

Booster for digital model railway layouts
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B-4
Booster for
digital model railway layouts
Item numbers:
40-19407 | 40-19417 | 40-19427 | 40-19437
Manual
B-4 without display. Item numbers 40-19407 | 40-19427
B-4 with display. Item numbers 40-19417 | 40-19437
tams elektronik
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Summary of Contents for tams elektronik B-4

  • Page 1 Booster for digital model railway layouts Item numbers: 40-19407 | 40-19417 | 40-19427 | 40-19437 Manual B-4 without display. Item numbers 40-19407 | 40-19427 B-4 with display. Item numbers 40-19417 | 40-19437 tams elektronik n n n...
  • Page 2 © Tams Elektronik GmbH All rights reserved, in particular the right of reproduction, distribution and translation. Copies, reproductions and alterations in any form require the written permission of Tams Elektronik GmbH. We reserve the right to make technical changes. Printing the manual The formatting is optimised for double-sided printing.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    4.2. Connecting the tracks..................19 4.3. Connecting the control unit.................19 4.4. Connecting an additional booster.................20 4.5. Connecting LocoNet devices................20 5. Settings / Configuration....................21 5.1. Programming on main (POM)................22 5.2. Setting the B-4 with jumpers................23 Recommendations for the settings...............26 Contents | 3...
  • Page 4 Booster B-4 tams elektronik 6. Operation........................27 6.1. Display of operating states..................27 6.1.1. LED display....................27 6.1.2. Display.....................27 6.2. Activating the Watchdog..................28 6.3. Switching the track voltage on and off..............29 6.3.1. Switching on and off with turnout setting commands........29 6.3.2. Automatic switching off of the track voltage..........29 6.4.
  • Page 5: Getting Started

    Distribution of the booster current In order to utilise the current of 5 A that the B-4 can provide, even with smaller nominal sizes, a power splitter** can be used. The power splitter distributes the current, e.g. to two booster sections with 2 A each.
  • Page 6: Background Information: Selecting The Power Supply

    Booster B-4 tams elektronik Background information: Selecting the power supply Determining the required output voltage of the power supply (‘Transformer voltage’): Desired Recommended transformer voltage track voltage AC voltage DC voltage 10 – 12 V 12 V 12 – 15 V...
  • Page 7: Intended Use

    Booster B-4 1.3. Intended use The booster B-4 is intended for use in digital model railway layouts as specified in the instructions. 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.
  • Page 8: Your B-4

    2.1. Track voltage The Booster B-4 can provide 2 to 5 A of current at the track output, depending on the setting. The maximum output current set for the booster is identical to the cut-off current, when reached, the layout is switched off for safety reasons (e.g.
  • Page 9: Anzeigen Und Bedienung

    In addition, the current CV settings of the booster can be read and shown on the display. Switching on and off with a DCC turnout command The track voltage at the output of the B-4 can be switched on and off via DCC turnout setting commands sent to an assigned turnout address.
  • Page 10: Interfaces Of The B-4

    →Background information: Selecting the power supply on page 6 Track connection The B-4 provides a regulated, symmetrical track voltage that can be adjusted in 1 V steps to a value between 10 and 24 V. This makes it ideal for use with layouts of different nominal sizes.
  • Page 11: Background Information: Output Signal

    The Booster B-4 is multi-protocol capable, it can transmit data (via both the DCC compliant and LocoNet interfaces) in the following formats:   Motorola I and II  m³ and mfx: The B-4 transmits control commands in m³ and mfx format, but no mfx feedback. Your B-4 | 11...
  • Page 12: Railcom

    With non-RailCom-capable DCC sound decoders, the sound reproduction can be disturbed. Therefore, the B-4 offers the possibility to switch RailCom on or off (RailCom is switched on in the delivery state). In the case of pure Motorola central units, interference with data transmission through the RailCom cutout is excluded due to the principle.
  • Page 13: Switching Off In Case Of Overtemperature

    Short-circuit warning The B-4 can send a short-circuit warning when a limit value below the set cut-off current is exceeded. This can be used as the basis for a PC-controlled booster management system. If there is a risk of a short circuit due to overloading, the PC control system can then switch off the carriage lighting in the overloaded booster circuit, for example.
  • Page 14: Conception Of The Digital Layout

    Booster B-4 tams elektronik 3. Conception of the digital layout 3.1. Dividing the layout Divide your layout into individual, electrically separate sections (booster circuits), each supplied with its own booster. A maximum of three to five locomotives should run in each booster circuit at the same time.
  • Page 15: Supply With Several Boosters

    Booster B-4 Cut the transitions between the booster circuits. Make sure that the sectioning points are permanently isolated!  For 2-conductor layouts: one rail. Make sure that you cut the same rail (‘left’ or ‘right’) in all booster circuits. In larger, unclear systems, it is recommended to cut both rails.
  • Page 16 Booster B-4 tams elektronik Equalising currents and double track voltage When crossing the separation points, equalising currents occur between the (briefly differently polarised) booster circuits, even when using identical boosters from the same manufacturer. These currents are harmless for rails and vehicles and do not affect the operation.
  • Page 17: Tip: Detecting Equalising Currents

    Booster B-4 Tip: Detecting equalising currents The question of whether or not dangerous equalising currents occur at a booster separation point can be detected relatively easily with the help of a model railway incandescent lamp connected to the rails or the centre conductors across the separation point.
  • Page 18: Connections

    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. Rear side of the B-4 Connections to the control unit Connections to the power supply...
  • Page 19: Connecting The Tracks

    4.3. Connecting the control unit Use the ‘CDE’ booster connection (connections A) to connect the B-4 booster to the control unit: ...
  • Page 20: Connecting An Additional Booster

    4.5. Connecting LocoNet devices You can connect LocoNet devices (e.g. digital control unit, digital manual control units, additional boosters) according to your requirements to t both LocoNet-connectors. Rear side of the B-4 Version "LocoNet" Caution: You must not use connections A (‘CDE’) and a LocoNet socket for connecting digital control units at the same time.
  • Page 21: Settings / Configuration

    Booster B-4 5. Settings / Configuration The booster B-4 can be set to individual requirements by programming on main (POM) or by inserting short-circuit terminations (jumpers). Function Possible Pre-settings Settings settings with Default Version jumpers values "LocoNet" 10 – 24 V...
  • Page 22: Programming On Main (Pom)

    5.1. Programming on main (POM) The booster B-4 is set by programming on main (POM). This is possible only with control units supporting this programming mode. In order to start programming the booster, input the value "62" for CV 7 of any DCC locomotive address.
  • Page 23: Setting The B-4 With Jumpers

    90 seconds 5.2. Setting the B-4 with jumpers With control units not supporting programming on main (POM) the booster B-4 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.
  • Page 24 Set the jumpers on the PCB is shown in the figure. When no jumper is inserted the programmed values are set. Assignment of the programming jumpers (THT version of the B-4) Assignment of the programming jumpers (SMD version of the B-4)
  • Page 25 Booster B-4 Setting the track voltage 16 V 18 V 20 V 22 V or the last programmed value JP1 inserted JP1 open JP1 open JP1 inserted JP2 open JP2 open JP2 inserted JP2 inserted Setting the maximum track current (cut-off current)
  • Page 26: Recommendations For The Settings

    Maximum track current (cut-off current in case of short circuit) The idea of using the current of 5 A, which the Booster B-4 can provide, to supply large sections or even the complete layout is obvious. This solution, which at first glance appears to be cost-effective, promises minimised installation effort and avoids problems that can arise when crossing separation points between booster circuits.
  • Page 27: Operation

    2 flashes...pause...2 flashes... was switched off as a result. 6.1.2. Display The booster B-4 in the versions with item numbers 40-19417 and 40-1943x (x = 1...7) has a two-digit 7-segment display. During operation, the following is displayed:  the current power consumption in the booster circuit [A] ...
  • Page 28: Activating The Watchdog

    Display of current settings The B-4 versions with display also have the option of reading out and displaying the booster's current settings. To read out the settings, enter the value ‘62’ for CV 7 of any DCC locomotive address.
  • Page 29: Switching The Track Voltage On And Off

    LED lighting up red continuously. After a short circuit, the B-4 automatically switches back on after 4 to 10 seconds. If the short circuit is still present, it switches off immediately. In the delivery state, the automatic switch- on is interrupted for one minute after the booster has switched on and off five times.
  • Page 30: Reset

    To reset all CV settings to the factory settings (default values), you must perform a reset using main track programming (POM) (→ Section 5.1., input value for CV 7: 8). Please note: After a reset, the ‘LocoNet’ version of the B-4 also sets the default values and not the LocoNet settings.
  • Page 31: Checklist For Troubleshooting And Error Correction

    → Section 6.1.1. LED display 7.1. Excessive heat Warning: If you notice a strong heat development or if the booster has switched off the track voltage due to overtemperature, disconnect the B-4 from the supply voltage immediately. Fire hazard! ...
  • Page 32: Problems With The Watchdog Function

    (telephone number and e-mail address on the last page). 7.6. Repairs You can send us a defective B-4 for inspection / repair (address on the last page). Please do not send us your return freight collect. In the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, we will reimburse you for the regular shipping costs.
  • Page 33: Technical Data

    Booster B-4 8. Technical data Digital protocols Data formats Motorola-I and -II DCC (according to NMRA and RCN standard) m3 and mfx (limited to the control of mfx decoders) Feedback format RailCom (RailCom cutout can be switched off)
  • Page 34 Booster B-4 tams elektronik Environment For use in closed rooms Note: To allow unhindered air exchange and to predect the unit from overheating, a distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the side, top and rear surfaces and surrounding surfaces.
  • Page 35: Warranty, Eu Conformity & Weee

    Booster B-4 9. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE 9.1. 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.
  • Page 36: Eu Declaration Of Conformity

    Booster B-4 tams elektronik 9.2. EU 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).
  • Page 37 Booster B-4...
  • Page 38 Booster B-4 tams elektronik...
  • Page 39 Booster B-4...
  • Page 40 Further Information and Tips: http://www.tams-online.de Warranty and Service: tams elektronik GmbH Fuhrberger Str. 4 30625 Hannover / GERMANY Phone: +49 (0)511 / 55 60 60 Fax: +49 (0)511 / 55 61 61 Email: support@tams-online.de...

This manual is also suitable for:

40-1940740-1941740-1942740-19437

Table of Contents