Ring Engineering LM-4S-G User manual

RailPro Analog Kit with MPM and
Speaker (RAKS-1)
User Manual
Ring Engineering Inc
[phone]
www RingEngineering com Revision 1 03
Copyright © 2022 Ring Engineering Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................2
Warnings .................................................................................3
Installation...............................................................................4
Operation Instructions............................................................8
Analog Operation Features ...................................................9
Radio Controlling our Locomotive.....................................10
Programming the Locomotive Module ..............................11
Warrant ................................................................................14
Introduction
This kit includes all the necessary electronics to add sound, motor, and light control to
your scale locomotive and will allow control with analog (DC) power supply. It also
has magnet pickup so you can place magnets in your track for the purpose of playing
a sound or turning on a light effect when the train goes over the magnets. Further you
can Radio Control a locomotive with this kit installed if you obtain a RailPro handheld
controller.
Please read all warnings and instructions before installation and use. For the latest
information including the latest revision of this manual please visit our Internet site at
www.RingEngineering.com. It is important that you check for the latest revision of
this Instruction Manual on the Internet. o to RailPro, Products, then RAKS-1.
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Warnings
IMPORTANT: This user manual only covers the use of LM-4S- with an analog
controller. Please see LM-4S- user manual for applications like Radio
Controlled, Battery powered, DCC controlled etc.
Below is a link to a list of power supplies that Ring Engineering has tested with
RailPro locomotive modules.
https://www.ringengineering.com/PowerSuppliesTestedWithRailProLocomtiveModules.htm
Specifications
Maximum Power Input Voltage: 28 Volts (Absolute Maximum voltage 30.0V)
Maximum Motor Stall Current: 8 Amps
Maximum Output Current on any Single Light Output: 500mA.
Maximum Output Current on all Light Outputs Combined: 500mA.
Audio Output Power: 13 Watts into a 4 ohm load. 7.4 Watts into an 8 ohm load.
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WARNING: The power supply used to power your LM-4S- must have short
circuit protection and the short circuit protection should not exceed 12 amps.
WARNING: Maximum operating voltage is 28 Volts. Absolute Maximum
Voltage 30.0V.
WARNING: If this module is wired incorrectly, or the maximum allowed voltage
is exceeded, it is possible that enough heat can be generated to ignite
flammable material, which could possibly cause a fire. The use of improper
resistors for LEDs or low voltage lights is one possible source of this danger.
WARNING: You can be burnt by the locomotive module heatsink if you touch it.
You should not touch the module until the power has been removed for at least
30 minutes to allow it to cool to a temperature that would be safe to handle.
WARNING: Do not open or remove the enclosure.
WARNING: This product contains small parts and is not recommended for
persons under fourteen (14) years of age.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: Operate and store in dry environment only.
Relative Humidity: Operating 20% to 90% non-condensing, Storage 10% to 95%
non-condensing
WARNING: Temperature: Operating 32F to 90F, Storage 0F - 110F
WARNING: Only use power supplies that have been tested by Ring
Engineering to power your RailPro equipped locomotive. Below is a link to
a list of powers supplies tested by Ring Engineering.
WARNING: Magnets included with this product can cause bodily injury or
property damage if handled incorrectly. Magnets can have strong attraction
which can be a pinch hazard. Keep away from people wearing electronic
medical implants or other medical devices, items that are sensitive to magnet
fields such as credit or debit cards, hard drives, magnetic tape, CRT TVs,
monitors, etc.

Installation
When done correctly, we are confident that RailPro can be installed in most
scale locomotives and it will perform as expected. However, installing a RailPro
module in your locomotive is done at your own risk. Ring Engineering will not be
responsible for any incidental or consequential damages to your equipment or
property.
Step 1 – Remove Unneeded Circuit Boards
You can remove any circuit board(s) from your locomotive leaving only the motor(s),
lights, and speaker(s). The LM-4S- has all the electronics necessary to run your
locomotive motor(s), lights, speaker(s) and no other circuit boards are necessary.
Locomotives may have light boards that have only the lights and dropping resistors on
them. In most cases it is wise to keep such light boards with dropping resistors in
place.
Some manufacturers have a special circuit board for the smoke unit and that
circuit board needs to be kept in the locomotive and properly connected. Connecting
a LM-4S- output directly to a smoke unit that needs a circuit board to protect the
smoke unit from burning out, can damage the smoke unit and may become a fire
hazard.
Step 2 - Mount the MPM Module
The MPM should be located low on the locomotive so it is close to the track
where the magnets are to be located. The MPM module can be mounted
horizontally or vertically. A good location is inside the locomotive fuel tank if it
will fit in the fuel tank. The MPM should be no more than about 3/8 of an inch
above the rail head for it to dependably pick up the magnets in the track.
MPM module is self adhesive. Remove the red protector and stick it in place.
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IMPORTANT: The MPM module must be centered between the left and right
side of the locomotive. The MPM should not be off by more than about a 1/16 of
an inch from left to right of the center of the locomotive.
IMPORTANT: The MPM module should be mounted as far away as possible
from a speaker or other magnets. Speakers have magnets and if the MPM is too
close to a speaker magnet, or any other magnet, the MPM may not trigger.
IMPORTANT: The MPM is not water proof and should not get wet.
TIP: If the MPM is not mounted inside the locomotive, and has any chance of
getting wet, you can apply silicon sealant to the connector side and opposite side
of the MPM connector to add significant water resistance to it.
TIP: The MPM Module can be located in other places beside in the fuel tank or
near the fuel tank. For example, a MPM may be placed under a coupler box.
IMPORTANT: Be sure the bottom of the MPM Module is above the rail head. If
it is not above the rail head, it will hit the track on the first turnout it encounters or
can hit the rail head on curved sections of track because of the overhang when
going through curved sections of track.
Step 3 – Mount the LM-4S-G in our Locomotive
IMPORTANT: Module must be mounted level with the RailPro logo pointing straight
up in order for it to have proper heat dissipation. You need to be sure there is 1/8" of
space on the sides of module and a 1/2 inch of space above the module for proper
cooling. The module can be attached with double face tape to the bottom of the LM-
4S- module.
TIP: If the auto set for the Motor Full Load current auto sets to less than 1500mA you
can mount the module in any orientation.
TIP: Mounting the module higher in the locomotive and away from metal parts may
extend its radio range.
Step 4 - Connect the Wiring
Plug the MPM supplied cable into the MPM module and connect the rest of the
wires as shown.
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NOTE: The MPM connector is keyed and cannot be plugged in upside down.
IMPORTANT: If you already have a RailPro wiring harness in the locomotive,
you need to remove the old wiring harness and use the included wiring harness.
IMPORTANT: At minimum you must connect the following for analog control.
You must connect the motor wires, the two track pickup wires, the two speaker
wires, and the MPM wires (Plug in MPM module and connect +5V and Com
wires).
TIP: It is recommended to connect the front and back lights to the LM-4S-
module because LM-4S- controls them with fade on and off light effects which
is more prototypical than being controlled from analog voltage.
TIP: It is best to connect all the lights if the locomotive may be Radio Controlled.
A RailPro Radio Controller can use all the lights.
Step 5 – Connect Motor(s)
IMPORTANT: Only attach wires to the screw terminals that are between 18 and
26 AW .
IMPORTANT: You should solder the ends of any stranded wires to prevent a
strand from getting into an adjacent screw terminal which would cause a short.
Step 6 – Connect the Lights
IMPORTANT: If your light bulbs are LEDs or low voltage bulbs you will need to
be sure to add the dropping resistors as shown in the wiring diagram for low
voltage lights.
WARNING: If your lights need resistors and you do not include them, you can
damage your lights.
IMPORTANT: It is best to connect any lights to the five volt source. Many
scale locomotives have light boards that are designed for five volts. Ask your
locomotive manufacturer what voltage is required for their lights.
TIP: You do not need the resistors if your lights are five volt lights.
TIP: You can remove any unused wires from the nine pin connector by lifting the
keeper on the connector and sliding the wire out of the connector. It is wise to
keep the wires and if you need them later you can slide the wires back into the
connector.
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WARNING: Using LED's without resistors can damage the LED's!
Use 200 Ohm 1/4W for 10mA or 100 Ohm 1/4W for 20mA.
The above resistor values are only correct for a White LED (3 Volt)
that is powered by the +5 volt supply.
WARNING: If you use the wrong resistor, it is possible to generate
enough heat to ignite flammable material, and possibly cause a fire.

Step 7 – Connect Speaker(s)
An 8 ohm speaker that is rated for less than 7 watts or a 4 ohm speaker that is
rated for less than 13 watts may be damaged by the LM-4S- and could become a
fire hazard.
IMPORTANT: The speaker should be installed in an enclosure for proper
sound. Any air leaks can cause a loss in sound quality.
Step 8 – Connect the Track Pickup Wires
The voltage of the power source must be less than your locomotive motor rating.
Step 9 – Double Check Your Wiring
Be sure all the wires are connected to the proper terminals and there are no short
circuits.
If this module is wired incorrectly it can cause a fire and can be damaged. An
improperly wired module is not covered under the warranty.
IMPORTANT: Check carefully between the screw terminals to be sure all strands of
stranded wires are in the correct terminal and no stray strands are accidentally in the
adjacent screw terminal. That will cause a short circuit and can damage the module.
Step 10 - Place the Magnets in the Track
Place the supplied magnets in the track as shown below. The magnet should be
up against the rail and in between the track ties. The magnets can be held in
place by using adhesives like epoxy or hot glue. Magnet adhesives are not
included.
IMPORTANT: The top of the magnets should be between 1/8 inch to 1/4 above
the top of the ties and must be below the rail head height.
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IMPORTANT: You should test and verify that the magnets properly trigger the
MPM in all your locomotives before using adhesive to attach them to the track.
You may use strong tape to hold them in place while testing. After the position
and height is good, then you can use adhesive to hold them in place more
permanently.
Warning: Please keep in mind that a speaker in the bottom of the loco can pull
with significant strength. If the magnets are not held in location well enough, they
can come loose and stick to the bottom of your locomotive which may cause a
derailment.
TIP: It is best to place magnets in straight sections of track and with several
inches of space to the nearest curve. It is best to avoid placing magnets on
curved sections of track. A locomotive on a curved section of track will overhang
and the MPM may not be close to the center of the track. Placing magnets on a
curved section of track can make it more difficult to place the magnets such that
they dependably trigger the MPM.
The LM-4S- in this kit is programmed to have the MPM enabled and input #1 is
set to play the Bell and Input #2 is set to play a crossing sound. You can use the
Computer Interface (Model #CI-1) to change the MPM #1 and #2 inputs to play
whatever sound or turn on whatever light effect you want.
IMPORTANT: You can use your RailPro locomotive at this point with out
programming the LM-4S- but it is recommended that you get a Computer
Interface Module (Model #CI-1) and set the Motor Full Load Current before using
the LM-4S- . The default setting for Motor Full Load is a maximum value and
setting it properly can provide more protection for your locomotive motors.
Please see the section 'Programming the Locomotive Module' for details on how
to set the Motor Full Load Current.
Operation Instructions
Basic Operation (Startup, Forward, Reverse, and Stopping)
Set the Speed (voltage) on your analog controller to zero.
Place the locomotive with LM-4S- module installed on your track.
Slowly increase the speed (voltage) on your analog controller until you hear the
engine startup sound play. When you hear it, stop increasing the speed (voltage)
and wait until the start sound stops playing.
Increase the Speed (voltage) to begin motion.
Decrease the Speed (voltage) until the locomotive stops moving. When the
locomotive stops moving, stop decreasing the Speed (voltage). With some
voltage applied (about 10 volts) the engine sounds will continue playing and
lights and sounds can remain on while the locomotive is not moving.
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Flip the reverse switch then increase the speed (voltage) to change directions.
Changing the Sound Volume
Set the Speed (voltage) on your analog controller so the engine sounds are
playing but the locomotive is not moving.
Flip the reverse switch five times at a fairly fast rate (about half a second per
direction change). On the fifth direction change, you will hear the bell sound start
playing. It will start at a low volume then slowly get louder. When the volume is
at the level you want, flip the reverse switch one more time to set the sound
volume to the current sound volume.
IMPORTANT: Radio Control supersedes analog operation. To use analog
control, Radio Control must be turned off or at least not actively controlling the
locomotive.
Analog Operation Features
- When you start forward you will hear two long horn blasts and the bell will play
for several seconds.
- When you start in reverse direction you will hear three short horn blasts and the
bell will play for several seconds.
- While the power is applied the locomotive will make auxiliary sounds like air
compressor and let-off sounds.
- If you change directions and begin movement quickly, the horn is not played.
This is to allow switching operations without the horn constantly going off.
- If you flip the reverse switch while the locomotive is running at speed, the
locomotive will slow down, change directions, and speed back up. It will not
hammer the drive train like a normal analog controlled locomotive when the
reverse switch is flipped.
IMPORTANT: Analog operation does not work well with analog controllers that
do not have a reverse switch separate from the speed control. On controllers
that do not have a separate reverse switch, you typically turn the knob clock wise
to go forward and counter clock wise to go reverse. Since the single knob
controllers force you to go to zero speed (zero volts) before changing direction,
the sounds stop and restart when you change directions which is not prototypical.
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Radio Controlling your Locomotive
This is truly an outstanding feature of having a RailPro module in your locomotive
for analog sounds. You can very easily Radio Control your locomotive! Simply
obtain a RailPro Handheld Controller, power up the locomotive, and Press the
'Find Product' button on the Handheld Controller! A locomotive picture will load
from your locomotive to the Handheld Controller. Then you just touch the picture
of the locomotive you want to operate! All you need to do is turn your analog
power supply most of the way up (do not exceed LM-4S- maximum voltage
rating) and use the Handheld Controller to run your trains! So simple and so
enjoyable!!! You can easily operate several locomotives from one Handheld
Controller! You can set each locomotive to run at different speeds and even run
in different directions! Changing control from one locomotive to another
locomotive is accomplished by simply touching the picture of the locomotive you
want to control!
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