Rampino Elektronik Loco-1 User manual

Loco-1 / Loco-2
V1.1 - English page 1 of 36
Instruction manual
Loco-1 / Loco-2
Art.-No. 10600 / 10601

Loco-1 / Loco-2
V1.1 - English page 2 of 36
Table of Content
1Safety advices...................................................................... 3
2Introduction .......................................................................... 5
3Technical specifications........................................................ 5
4Mounting .............................................................................. 6
4.1 Solder pads connection overview................................ 6
4.2 Connection of the rail collector.................................... 7
4.3 Connecting the motor ................................................. 7
4.4 Connection of consumers/loads.................................. 8
5Decoder functions ...............................................................10
6Decoder configuration/programming....................................16
6.1 Programming with a DCC Station ..............................16
6.2 Programming with a Märklin® Station........................16
6.3 Programming with a Märklin® Mobile/Central Station 19
6.4 Firmware Update.......................................................19
7Configuration Variables (CV) / Register...............................20
8Terms of warranty ...............................................................34
9Declaration of conformity.....................................................35
„Märklin®” / „TELEX®“ is a registered trademark of the company
Märklin & Cie GmbH.
„RailCom®“is a registered trademark of the company Lenz
Elektronik GmbH.
„Roco®“ is a registered trademark of the company Modelleisenbahn
GmbH.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
To increase the readability of the text it is omitted in the instructions
to point out in each use of those terms.

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1 Safety advices
Before you start using this product or its installation read these
instructions carefully.
This product is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 14 years!
Keep these instructions for future reference!
This module is intended to be integrated into a model railway system
for driving a locomotive model within the limits indicated in Chapter 3
- "Technical specifications".
Any other use is considered improper. The manufacturer is not liable
for any damage resulting from improper use. The risk lies entirely
with the user.
All connection work must be performed only when the operating
voltage is shut off!
The power supply must be protected so that it cannot result in a cable
fire in the event of a short circuit. Use only commercially available
and VDE / EN model railroad transformers!
Use the device only in closed, clean and dry environment. Avoid
ambient humidity, moisture and water spray.

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When making electrical connections pay attention to sufficient wire
cross section.
After the formation of condensate on the parts wait for at least two
hours for drying off before you switch power on.
Danger of burns! Some components on the decoder can achieve a
high operating temperature!
Warning: risk of burns! Please note during installation that the
soldering experiences high temperatures. Use safety glasses when
soldering if possible! There may be solder squirts that can get on
your skin or in your eyes.
Warning: risk of fire! Please note that in case of use of a soldering
iron fire hazard exists! Do not leave the switched-on soldering iron
unattended! There is a fire hazard if the soldering iron is in contact
with flammable materials!
Only use lead-free solder for the installation of the decoder!

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2 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Loco-1/Loco-2 decoder. This guide is
meant to take the decoder into operation and help you to make the
various settings.
This manual applies starting from firmware version 9 for Loco-1 and
firmware version 5 for Loco-2. Any firmware updates may include
other new features that are not included in this manual. An updated
manual is supplied as a PDF file with the new firmware, if needed.
3 Technical specifications
Data format
Märklin®/Motorola or
DCC (Loco-1 with RailCom®
support)
Motor type
DC- or AC(Märklin®)-Motor
max. current rating of the motor
driver
1A
Number of function outputs
4
max. current rating of AUX
drivers (single / sum of all)
0,5 A / 0,5 A
max. current rating of decoder
1,5 A
Operating voltage
12 … 24 V
Ambient temperature range:
- operation
- storage
0…40°C
-20…70°C
Dimensions
ca. 16 x 19 x 3 mm

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4 Mounting
Open the locomotive housing according to the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Determine the location where you want to install the decoder.
First disconnect the connections of the motor and the consumers
from the rail collectors or, for locomotives with electronic or electro-
mechanical switch, the connections of the switch to the motor and to
the rail collectors. The changeover switch is no longer needed and
should be removed.
Note: When installing the decoder, the already existing wiring in the
loco can be used in most cases. The existing wires have to be unsol-
dered or separated at the appropriate places and have to be soldered
to the corresponding solder pads of the decoder.
4.1 Solder pads connection overview
Pad
Function
Rail
Connections to the current collectors / grinder
MOT
Motor connection (DC and AC motor)
+
common connection for AUX outputs and motor shield
with AC (Märklin®) motor
AUX1 –
AUX4
Function outputs for lighting, smoke generator, Telex
couplers, etc.
C+ / C-
optional backup capacitor

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The picture below shows the connections:
4.2 Connection of the rail collector
In a two- rail-loco connect the lines of the two current collectors with
either of the two solder points with the label ‘Rail’.
In a three-rail-loco, connect the locomotive ground with one of the
two solder pads called ‘Rail’. Connect the grinder with the remaining
solder pad.
Note: The polarity of the digital signal is automatically detected by the
decoder.
4.3 Connecting the motor
Check before installation of the decoder, if the maximum current of
the locomotive motor under load is below the maximum permissible
value of 1.000 mA. If the value is above 1.000 mA, this decoder is not
suitable for installation in the locomotive. The decoder has an over-
current shutdown, which is activated, if the maximum permissible mo-
tor current is exceeded.

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Attention:
The interference suppression devices which are fitted to the motor or
the cable to the motor must not be removed! Considerable electrical
interference may occur, if this interference suppressors are removed.
Connecting a DC motor:
Connect either of the two terminals of the motor with one of the two
solder points labeled ‘MOT '.
Connecting an universal current (AC/Märklin®) motor:
Connect the wires of the two field coils with one of the two solder
points labeled ‘MOT '. Connect the motor shield connection (FM
choke) to the solder pad with the designation '+'.
4.4 Connection of consumers/loads
Check before mounting the decoder whether the current consumption
of the loads to be connected (e.g. lighting, smoke generator) is not
exceeded. Here, the maximum value of all consumer connection is
500mA. The decoder also has an overcurrent shutdown.
Consumers are connected to one of the solder pads AUX 1 - AUX 4.
By default setting, the headlights have to be connected to AUX1 (for-
ward direction) or AUX2 (reverse direction). The assignment of the
function outputs can be changed using the corresponding CV.
If possible and applicable, the consumer should be decoupled from
the chassis of the locomotive, for example in order to avoid flickering
of a possibly connected light. The consumer has to be connected via
the '+' terminal of the decoder in this case.

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Connection of LEDs as a consumer
The function outputs (AUX1 to AUX 4) are switched towards the
decoder ground. Therefore the cathode (-) of the LEDs have to be
connected to the output of the function outputs (AUX).
The anodes of the LEDs, have to be connected to the decoder
connection with the designation ‘+'.
Attention:
If you are using LEDs, you must always operate them via a series re-
sistor. The series resistors are different depending on the rail power
and the characteristics of the LEDs. Determine the correct value for
the corresponding LED. You can connect several LEDs in parallel to
each output. In this case, each LED must have its own resistor. If you
connect several LEDs to one output in series, only one series resistor
is needed.
Connecting a backup capacitor
In track sections with bad contact the power supply of the decoder
can be interrupted briefly. At solder pads ‘C –‘ and ‘C +’a backup
capacitor (e.g. electrolytic capacitor 100 µF / 35V) can be soldered, in
order to improve power supply. Pay attention to the polarity of the
capacitor! The positive pole is connected to ‘C +’, the negative pole to
‘C –‘.
Note: When using the decoder in analogue AC operation, the use of
a backup capacitor is recommended in any case.
Mounting/fastening the locomotive decoder
After completing of all connections to the decoder it should be
fastened. This can be done e.g. with double-sided tape. Please note
that the decoder heats up and the applied adhesive tape can possibly
be solved by heating. Take care that the decoder has no contact with
the conductive enclosure or chassis parts of the locomotive when
mounting.

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5 Decoder functions
Digital operation
The decoder is a multi-protocol decoder. It automatically detects
whether it is driven in DCC format or the Märklin® / Motorola format.
The automatic detection can be disabled.
The address range depends on the format in which the decoder is
controlled:
Märklin®/Motorola-Format: 255 or 80 addresses (depending on the
control center). In the Märklin ® / Motorola format the decoder can be
used with 14 or 27 speed steps (depending on the control center).
DCC- Format: 127 base addresses or 10.239 extended addresses.
The decoder can be controlled in DCC format with 14, 28 or 128
speed steps.
Internally the decoder scales the speed steps up to 128 speed steps.
The decoder programming is accomplished via configuration varia-
bles for the DCC format (DCC compliant) and for the Motorola format
via registers.
Analogue operation
The decoder can also be used in analogue operated model railway
layouts. Operation is possible with either an AC or a DC speed con-
troller. The decoder recognizes the digital or analogue mode auto-
matically when the corresponding voltage is set. Automatic analogue
mode detection can be disabled.
The on- and off control of the function outputs is not possible in ana-
logue operation. They can be programmed so that they are turned on
or off in analogue mode either. The effects that are set for the out-
puts, are also active in analogue mode. Outputs which can be
switched with F0 on or off in analogue mode are switched on accor-
ding to the driving direction.

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Motor control
The detection of the connected motor type is automatic. The auto-
matic detection can be switched off and the motor type can be set
manually.
Note: If the loco does not run in analogue mode or only approach at
high driving voltages, switch off the automatic motor recognition and
set the appropriate motor type correctly.
The decoder controls a DC motor with a PWM frequency of 32 kHz or
16 kHz (adjustable). The decoder is thus also suitable for coreless
(Faulhaber) motors.
A universal (Märklin®) motor is controlled with a PWM frequency of
120 Hz (not adjustable).
Load regulation
When controlling a DC motor load control is possible. The load regu-
lation affects the motor voltage so that the speed of the locomotive
operating at a given speed level remains constant, regardless of
additional loads (e.g. running a gradient, coupled wagons).
The load control can be turned on or off, and can be set so that it is
effective only up to a certain speed level. The load control parame-
ters can also be adjusted via CV variables or registers to adjust the
decoder to individual characteristics of the motor.
For load control, a PID controller is implemented. Not only the P-, I-
and D-values can be set, but also the length of the off time for the
back electromotive force measurement (EMF) and the length of the
PWM pulse width, so that an optimum adaptation to the various types
of motor is possible.
Note: Please make sure that when operating with load control the
drive mechanism, gears and the motor of the locomotive are cleaned
well and are perfectly functional. Remove any attached capacitors
leading from the motor terminals to the loco chassis or ground.

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Acceleration and braking delay
The acceleration and braking delay can be individually programmed.
Emergency stop
With a change of direction while driving an emergency stop is exe-
cuted automatically.
Speed characteristic
By setting the start, mid and top speed the decoder can be adjusted
to the driving characteristics of the engine and the characteristic
speeds of the locomotive type. The decoder generates a linear velo-
city curve from the start, mid and top speed.
If the speed mode is set to 28 speed steps, any motor voltage can be
assigned to an alternative to the linear velocity characteristic of each
of the 28 speed steps. This allows the creation of a form adapted to
the individual driving characteristics of the engine speed character-
ristic. The set values are stored in the alternate speed table.
Shunting speed
With appropriate programming the loco can be switched via a
function key to the shunting speed. In the shunting speed all speed
levels are reduced by approximately 50% compared to the set speed.
Note: In speed step 1, the driving speed is not reduced further.
Braking section
The decoder supports the Märklin® braking section. The mode can
be adjusted via the corresponding CV.
Only Loco-1: In addition the decoder supports the simple ABC-(DCC)
braking section. Both types can be combined.

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Function outputs
The decoder has four function outputs to which consumers can be
connected based onto needs (e.g. lighting, smoke generator, sound
module, electrical coupling). The function outputs are switched in
DCC format using the function keys F0 to F12. In Motorola format,
the function outputs are switched with the function keys F0 to F4. The
function keys F5 to F8 can be switched via the function keys F1 to
F4, which are associated with a second Märklin® / Motorola address.
The functions F9 to F12 are not available in the Motorola format.
The assignment of the function keys to the function outputs of the
Decoder is selectable. It is also possible to assign multiple function
keys to a function output.
With the CV51 - Decoder configuration, the extended function map-
ping can be activated. This means that the mapping can be pro-
grammed depending on the direction. For example, an additional
direction dependent lighting can be connected.
Effects of the function outputs
For all function outputs the following effects can individually be set:
Dimming function
The voltage present at the output can be reduced by programming
(PWM).
Example: The bulbs of older locos, provided for analogue operation,
can be dimmed and thus do not have to be replaced after installation
of the decoder.
Dimming characteristic
A characteristic can be adjusted, which provides speed dependent
dimming by a specified value of the corresponding output. This
allows, for example, one of the driving position corresponding to
realize smoke or a switched or dimmed in-cab lighting while driving.
There are 15 levels available (speed step 0 - 14), the speed steps are
converted accordingly to 28 or 128 speed steps.

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Flash function
A small flash sequence can be programmed by programming up to 2
on and 2 off times in the corresponding CVs. Thus, for example a
flash or a blinking light can be set (individually or alternately). The
flashing mode can be set to any of the 4 function outputs and using
the F key on and off. For the flash function, it is necessary to allocate
it accordingly to bit 6 of the mapping function.
TELEX® - coupling / Roco® - digital coupling
The decoder has a kick-function for electric couplings. The coupling
is first activated for 250ms at full voltage, then the drive voltage is
lowered by a PWM. A maximum activation time or continuous
operation can be set.
Note: Please enable this feature before starting the locomotive opera-
tion because otherwise the electric coupling can be damaged by ac-
tuation with permanent full decoder voltage.
Gyro-/Marslight
These two effects are adjustable for prototypical operations of U.S.
locomotives. These effects can be adapted to LED lighting.
Overtemperature / Overload
The decoder is protected against overtemperature and overload. The
function outputs and the motor output switch off in case of overload
or overtemperature. If this is the case, check all connections for
shorts and whether the connected loads are suitable for the decoder.
In DCC systems the maximum temperature reached and the error
reason can be read via the corresponding CV.

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Feedback with RailCom® (only Loco-1)
RailCom® is a protocol for bidirectional communication in digital
model railway layouts that are controlled in DCC format. It allows for
example feedback of the decoder address, CV settings and other
information from the decoder to the digital control central or special
receivers (RailCom® detectors). The decoder must be configured to
send the so called RailCom® data packets. In addition, the booster or
the DCC central must produce a cutout signal (blanking), within which
the data is transmitted. In pure Motorola mode, without DCC control,
the use of RailCom® is not possible.
The Loco-1 continuously sends the basic, advanced or consist
address to the detectors (RailCom® broadcast message, adjustable)
and transmits one or more CV value as response to a corresponding
RailCom® readout command.
Function Decoder
The decoder can also be operated as a pure function decoder. Ad-
justment is via CV51 - Decoder configuration. In this mode the MOT
outputs are assigned in a manner similar to the AUX outputs used.
The MOT outputs are permanently assigned to a direction of travel:
MOT1 forward, backward MOT2. These outputs can be assigned a
function and are dimmable. It is possible to join anti-parallel connec-
ted LEDs between these outputs.

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6 Decoder configuration/programming
6.1 Programming with a DCC Station
From the control center, you can program the configuration variables
(CV). Please refer to the relevant section in the user manual of your
control center, in which the byte-wise programming of CV variables is
described (Direct CV Addressing). The decoder allows programming
via POM (Programming on the main track) and the programming on a
programming track.
6.2 Programming with a Märklin®Station
Set the loco on a track, which is connected to the output of the
control center. Make sure that no other loco is on the track, because
otherwise the further present decoder may also be programmed.
Please note: If you have a control center that sends both the DCC
and Motorola format, the programming of the decoder in DCC format
is recommended. You can control the decoder after programming in
the Motorola format.
Perform a reset at the control center by pressing the "stop" and "go"
buttons at the same time for a longer time, or by turning the control
center off and on again. First select the current address or the
address ‘80' (if the current address is unknown). Make sure all
functions are switched off (function, f1 to f4 to "off"). Next, press the
"stop" button on the control panel. Then operate the direction switch
and hold it in this position while you turn on the control center via the
"go" button again.

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Once the lighting of the vehicle starts to flash (after about 2 seconds),
the decoder is in the programming mode, and you can release the
direction switch. After you start the programming mode, you can
program the registers of the decoder as follows:
- Select a register to program by selecting the register number as
Märklin®/Motorola locomotive address. Note that in some
control centers you must enter a leading "0".
- Activate the direction switch shortly. The lights will flash several
times with higher frequency (input of the content of a register
expected).
- Enter the desired value of the register by entering the register
value as Märklin®/Motorola locomotive address
- Activate the direction switch again shortly. The lights will flash
with lower frequency (input of a register number expected).
Repeat the above steps for all registers that you want to program. In
order to program select a register or enter a value to a register, you
must always confirm the entered number like selecting a Motorola
locomotive address. Note that the register bank must be switched at
registers greater than 79 (see table chapter 7).
Because at many control centers no addresses greater than 79 can
be set, at register with contents greater than 79 the two most signifi-
cant bits must separately be set before the actual programming of the
register itself. This is done through the register 8.

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Example:
If you want to program the value of 197 (bit value 11000101) into the
register 90, proceed as follows:
- Program a 3 into the register 8 to set the two most significant
bits (binary = 11 decimal 3)
- Program a '1' into the register 9 to switch the register bank
- Program a 5 (decimal 5 = binary 000101) into the register 11 (=
90 - 79)
Do not forget before programming the next register, to set the two
most significant bits in register 8 accordingly. The reset of the register
bank is done automatically after writing a register (with index > 79).
The programming mode is terminated by switching off the digital
voltage. To do so press the "Stop" button on the control central.
Note: With Märklin® Central the value '0 'needs to be entered as ‘80'.
Tip: If you use a multi-protocol center, we recommend that you at
least perform the programming in DCC mode. The settings are inde-
pendent of the programming method used.

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6.3 Programming with a Märklin®Mobile/Central
Station
With the Central Station and the Mobile Station from Märklin®, you
can program the registers.
To do this, select the article no. 29750 (V100) from the locomotive
database and program the decoder as described for this article no. in
the instructions of the Central Station or the Mobile Station.
In general, the option of the register programming can be found in
menu ‘change locomotive’ under the point ‘Reg'.
Also note the information in chapter 6.2
Note: To reset the CV values to the factory settings the CV 255 (or
corresponding register) has to be used.
6.4 Firmware Update
The decoder firmware can be updated. The update can take place
with installed decoder. To update you will need a PC with a serial
(COM) port, and a booster that is connected to the COM port of the
PC. To put the decoder in the update mode, the value ‘222’must be
programmed into CV 255. The decoder is in update mode if, when
voltage is applied, the headlight of the locomotive lights up. Once
programming data is received, the headlights are flashing alternately.
If an error occurs, the light stays on permanently.
Attention: The update mode ends automatically after approximately
60 seconds, as long as firmware transfer has not yet started.
All CV and register settings are retained after a firmware update. This
applies even if new CV or register were added by the update. It may
happen that some CVs may need to be adjusted, due to changes in
firmware.

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7 Configuration Variables (CV) / Register
CV / Register
Name
CV
Register
Loco
-1 / -2
Range
(default)
Note
Base address
1
1
1 … 255
(3)
address of loco
DCC: 1 … 127 Märklin®: 1 … 80 or 1 … 255
Minimum
speed
2
2
0 … 255
(20)
Voltage applied to the motor at speed step 1
Acceleration
rate
3
3
0 … 255
(10)
Break rate
4
4
0 … 255
(10)
Maximum
speed
5
5
0 … 255
(220)
Voltage applied to the motor at the highest speed
step
Mid speed
6
6
0 … 255
(110)
Voltage applied to the motor at the middle speed
step
Version /
upper bits
register value
7
7
0 … 255
(6)
Firmware-Version (readable only in DCC format)
in MM-Mode Bit 6 and 7 for the register
programming:
Bit 0: Registerbit 6 Bit 1: Registerbit 7