tams elektronik mfx 49-02105 User manual

tams elektronik




Booster-Link 
mfx®-Adapter für Booster 
mfx® adapter for booster 
Adaptateur mfx® pour 
mfx®-adapter voor boosters 
Anleitung
Manual
Mode d´emploi
Handleiding

Art.-Nr. 49-02105 / 49-02106 / 49-02107 


tams elektronik
© 01/2016 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Alle Rechte, insbesondere das Recht der
Vervielfältigung und Verbreitung sowie
der Übersetzung vorbehalten.
Vervielfältigungen und Reproduktionen
in jeglicher Form bedürfen der
schriftlichen Genehmigung durch die
Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten.
© 01/2016 Tams Elektronik GmbH
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.
© 01/2016 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Tout droits réservés, en particulier les
droits de reproduction et de diffusion
ainsi que le traduction. Toute duplication
ou reproduction sous quelque forme que
ce soit nécessite l´accord écrit de la
societé Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Sous réserve de modifications
techniques.
© 01/2016 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Alle rechten voorbehouden. Niets uit
deze publicatie mag worden
vermenigvuldigd opgeslagen of
openbaar gemaakt, zonder
voorafgaande schriftelijke toestemming
van Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische wijzigingen voorbehouden.



Deutsch 3
English 17
Français 31
Nederlands 45




 mit Stückliste 2016
 with parts list 2016
 avec nomenclature 2016
 met stuklijst 2016


tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 17
Table of contents
1. Getting started 18
2. Safety instructions 19
3. Safe and correct soldering 21
4. Operation overview 23
5. Technical specifications 23
6. Assembling the Booster-Link 24
7. Connecting the Booster-Link 28
8. Check list for troubleshooting 28
9. CE and Warranty 29
Parts list I
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout (fig. 1) II
Circuit diagram (fig. 2) II
Connections diagram (fig. 3) and pin connections III / IV
(Pages I to IV in the centre of this handbook are removeable.)
The asterisks **
This manual mentions the following company:
Gebr. MÄRKLIN** & Cie. GmbH, Postfach 860, D-73008 Göppingen
mfx® RailCom® is the registered trademark of Gebr. MÄRKLIN** & Cie.
GmbH, Postfach 860, D-73008 Göppingen.

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 18
!
1. Getting started
How to use this manual
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct
assembly of the kit and fitting and connecting of the ready-built
module, and operation. Before you start, we advise you to read the
whole manual, particularly the chapter on safety instructions and the
FAQ chapter. You will then know where to take care and how to
prevent mistakes which take a lot of effort to correct.
Keep this manual safely so that you can solve problems in the future. If
you pass the kit or the ready-built module on to another person, please
pass on the manual with it.
Intended use
The Booster-Link is designed to be operated according to the
instructions in this manual with a digital model railway controlled by an
mfx® central unit. Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any
guarantees.
The kit and the module should not be assembled or fitted by children
under the age of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
Caution:
The circuit contains integrated circuits. These are very sensitive to static
electricity. Do not touch components without first discharging yourself.
Touching a radiator or other grounded metal part will discharge you.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 19
Checking the package contents
Please make sure that your package contains:
 one kit, containing the components listed in the parts list and one
PCB, one ready-built module or one complete unit (ready-built
module in a housing),
 one manual.
Required materials
For assembling the kit you need:
 an electronic soldering iron (max. 30 Watt) with a fine tip,
 a soldering iron stand,
 a tip-cleaning sponge,
 a heat-resistant mat,
 a small side cutter and wire stripper,
 a pair of tweezers and long nose pliers,
 tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter),
In order to connect the module you need wire. Recommended
diameters: > 0,14 mm² for the connections to the rails.
2. Safety instructions
Mechanical hazards
Cut wires can have sharp ends and can cause serious injuries. Watch
out for sharp edges when you pick up the PCB.
Visibly damaged parts can cause unpredictable danger. Do not use
damaged parts: recycle and replace them with new ones.
Electrical hazards
 Touching powered, live components,
 touching conducting components which are live due to malfunction,
 short circuits,
 connecting the circuit to another voltage than specified,

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 20
 impermissibly high humidity,
 condensation build up
can cause serious injury due to electrical shock. Take the following
precautions to prevent this danger:
 Never perform wiring on a powered module.
 Assembling and mounting the kit should only be done in closed,
clean, dry rooms. Beware of humidity.
 Only use low power for this module as described in this manual and
only use certified transformers.
 Connect transformers and soldering irons only in approved mains
sockets installed by an authorised electrician.
 Observe cable diameter requirements.
 After condensation build up, allow a minimum of 2 hours for dispersion.
 Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the
ready-built module.
Fire risk
Touching flammable material with a hot soldering iron can cause fire,
which can result in injury or death through burns or suffocation.
Connect your soldering iron or soldering station only when actually
needed. Always keep the soldering iron away from inflammable
materials. Use a suitable soldering iron stand. Never leave a hot
soldering iron or station unattended.
Thermal danger
A hot soldering iron or liquid solder accidentally touching your skin can
cause skin burns. As a precaution:
 use a heat-resistant mat during soldering,
 always put the hot soldering iron in the soldering iron stand,
 point the soldering iron tip carefully when soldering, and
 remove liquid solder with a thick wet rag or wet sponge from the
soldering tip.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 21
!
Dangerous environments
A working area that is too small or cramped is unsuitable and can cause
accidents, fires and injury. Prevent this by working in a clean, dry room
with enough freedom of movement.
Other dangers
Children can cause any of the accidents mentioned above because they
are inattentive and not responsible enough. Children under the age of 14
should not be allowed to work with this kit or the ready-built module.
Little children can swallow small components with sharp edges, with
fatal results! Do not allow components to reach small children.
In schools, training centres, clubs and workshops, assembly must be
supervised by qualified personnel.
In industrial institutions, health and safety regulations applying to
electronic work must be adhered to.
3. Safe and correct soldering
Caution:
Incorrect soldering can cause dangers through fires and heat. Avoid
these dangers by reading and following the directions given in the
chapter Safety instructions.
 Use a small soldering iron with max. 30 Watt. Keep the soldering tip
clean so the heat of the soldering iron is applied to the solder point
effectively.
 Only use electronic tin solder with flux.
 When soldering electronic circuits never use soldering-water or
soldering grease. They contain acids that can corrode components
and copper tracks.
 Solder quickly: holding the iron on the joints longer than necessary
can destroy components and can damage copper tracks or
soldering eyes.

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 22
 Observe correct polarity orientation of semi-conductors, LEDs
electrolytic capacitors and integrated circuits before soldering and
ensure that the solder time does not exceed 5 seconds, otherwise
components can be damaged.
 Apply the soldering tip to the soldering spot in such a way that the part
and the soldering eye are heated at the same time. Simultaneously add
solder (not too much). As soon as the solder becomes liquid take it
away. Hold the soldering tip at the spot for a few seconds so that the
solder flows into the joint, then remove the soldering iron.
 Do not move the component for about 5 seconds after soldering.
 To make a good soldering joint you must use a clean and
unoxidised soldering tip. Clean the soldering tip with a damp piece
of cloth, a damp sponge or a piece of silicon cloth.
 Cut the wires after soldering directly above the PCB solder side with
a side cutter.
 After placing the parts, please double check for correct polarity.
Check the PCB tracks for solder bridges and short circuits created
by accident. This would cause faulty operation or, in the worst
case, damage. You can remove excess solder by putting a clean
soldering tip on the spot. The solder will become liquid again and
flow from the soldering spot to the soldering tip.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 23
4. Operation overview
Standard boosters used in digital model railway layouts controlled by
mfx®-central units (e.g. mobile station or central station of Maerklin**),
do not allow the transfer of the mfx®-feed back data across the
isolation between the booster sections. For that reason vehicles that are
in booster sections supplied by standard boosters cannot log in at the
central unit.
The Booster-Link is used in combination with commercial standard
boosters and transfers the mfx®-feed back data across the isolation
between the booster sections. In layouts supplied by several boosters,
you need one Booster-Link for each booster.
As usual in 3-rail systems the centre conductor has to be isolated
between the booster sections when installing the Booster-Link. The
outer conductors must not be isolated.
5. Technical specifications
Supply voltage from the digital system
Current consumption approx. 40 mA
Protected to IP 00
Ambient temperature in use 0 - + 60 °C
Ambient temperature in storage -10 - + 80 °C
Comparative humidity allowed max. 85 %
Dimensions of the PCB approx. 48 x 52 mm
Weight of the circuit approx. 15,5 g

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 24
6. Assembling the Booster-Link
You can skip this part if you have purchased a ready-built module or
device.
Preparation
Put the sorted components in front of you on your workbench. The
separate electronic components have the following special features you
should take into account to prevent mistakes in assembling:
Resistors
Resistors reduce current. Their mounting orientation is of no
importance. The value of resistors for smaller power ratings
(under 5 W) is indicated through colour rings. Every colour
stands for another figure. The colour ring in brackets indicates
the tolerance of the resistor which here is of no importance.
Value Colour rings
120 Ω brown - red - brown (gold)
470 Ω yellow - violet - brown (gold)
2,7 kΩ red – violet – red (gold)
3,3 kΩ orange - orange - red (gold)
47 kΩ yellow - violet - orange (gold)
330 kΩ orange - orange - yellow (gold)
Diodes
Diodes allow the current to pass through in one direction only
(forward direction), simultaneously the voltage is reduced by
0,3 to 0,8 V. Exceeding of the limit voltage always will destroy
the diode, and allow current to flow in the reverse direction.
The diode type is printed on the body.
Diodes must be mounted in a given direction. The negative
end is marked with a ring. This is shown in the PCB layout.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 25
Zener diodes
Zener diodes are used for limiting voltages. In contrast to
"normal" diodes they are not destroyed when the limit voltage
is exceeded.
Capacitors
Among other things capacitors are used for filtering interference
voltages or as frequency determining parts. Ceramic capacitors
are not polarized, for that reason their mounting orientation is
of no importance. Normally they are marked with a three-digit
number which indicates the value coded.
Value Number
1 nF 102
100 nF 104
Electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are often used to store energy. In
contrast to ceramic capacitors they are polarized. One of the
two leads is marked with a minus sign which indicates the
mounting orientation. The value is given on the casing.
Electrolytic capacitors are available with different voltage
sustaining capabilities. Using an electrolytic capacitor with a
voltage sustaining capability higher than required is always
possible.
Transistors
Transistors are current amplifiers which convert low signals into
stronger ones. They have three contacts. As they are polarized,
they have to be mounted in a certain direction.
The BD types have a flat housing (TO-housing) with the type
designation printed on the front side. The metallic rear is
unlabelled, on the PCB layout the rear is marked by a thick line.

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 26
Integrated circuits (ICs)
Depending on the type, ICs fulfil various tasks. They are
polarized and therefore have to be mounted in a certain
direction. The most common housing form is the so-called
"DIL"-housing, from which 4, 6, 8, 14, 16, 18 or more "legs"
(pins) are arranged along the long sides. The mounting
orientation is shown by a semicircular or circular marking at the end of
the housing, which is also shown on the PCB layout.
ICs are sensitive to damage during soldering (heat, electrostatic
charging). For that reason in the place of the ICs IC sockets are
soldered in, in which the ICs are inserted later. The mounting
orientation of the sockets is preset as well. The markings on the PCB,
the socket and the IC must lie on top of each other after mounting.
Micro-Controler
Micro-controllers are ICs, which are individually programmed for the
particular application. When leaving the manufacturer, their memories
are empty. The programed controllers are normally only available from
the circuit manufacturer.
Terminal strips
Terminal strips are solder-in screw-type terminals. They provide a
solder-free and safe connection of the cables to the circuit, which can
still be seperated any time. When several terminal strips have to be
mounted side by side, they have to be put together before mounting.
Assembling the kit
Start the assembly with the resistors and the diodes. First solder the
components on the solder side of the PCB and then cut the excess
wires with the side cutter, as short as possible.
Next solder in the IC-socket. It has to be mounted according to the
marking on the PCB.
Continue the assembly with the capacitors, the electrolytic capacitors
and the transistor.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 27
!
! Caution:
Diodes, ICs, electrolytic capacitors and transistors must be placed in the
right direction! If you solder them the wrong way the affected parts can be
damaged when you connect the power supply. In the worst case the whole
circuit can be damaged. In any case, a wrongly connected part will not
function.
Finally, solder in the terminal strip and insert the ICs into the soldered
IC-socket.
Caution:
Do not touch the ICs without first discharging yourself by touching a
radiator or other grounded metal parts. Do not bend the "legs" of the
ICs when inserting them into the sockets. Check that the markings on
the PCB, the socket and the IC show to the same direction.
Performing a visual check
Perform a visual check after the assembly of the module and remove
faults if necessary:
 Remove all loose parts, wire ends or drops of solder from the PCB.
Remove all sharp wire ends.
 Check that solder contacts which are close to each other are not
unintentionally connected to each other. Risk of short circuit!
 Check that all components are polarised correctly.
When you have remedied all faults, go on to the next part.

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 28
!
7. Connecting the Booster-Link
Required number of Booster-Links
For each external booster supplying the mfx® layout you need one
Booster-Link. In case one external booster supplies several booster
sections one Booster-Link is sufficient.
Performing the booster sectionings
Isolate the centre conductor at the sectioning between the booster
sections (if not already done). Please note: The outer conductors must
not be isolated.
Connections
Make the connections according to the connections diagram (fig. 3) and
the pin connections.
8. Check list for troubleshooting
 Parts are getting too hot and/or start to smoke.
Switch off the digital system immediately !
Possible cause: one or more components are soldered incorrectly.
 In case you have mounted the module from a kit, perform a
visual check ( section 6.) and if necessary, remedy the faults.
Otherwise send in the module for repair.
 The mfx® central unit does not display the feedback data of the
decoders in those sections supplied by external boosters.
Possible Cause: One or several connections of the Booster-Link
have been interrupted or mixed up.  Check the three Booster-
Link´s connections.
Possible Cause: The Booster-Link is damaged.  In case you have
mounted the module from a kit, perform a visual check ( section
6.) and if necessary, remedy the faults. Otherwise send in the
module for repair.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link English
Page 29
Possible Cause: The decoder does not send the mfx
® feed back
data to the central unit.  Check the decoder by setting the vehicle
on to a rail section supplied by the booster integrated into the
mfx® central unit.
Hotline
If problems with your module occur, our hotline is pleased to help you.
(address on the cover page).
9. CE and Warranty
Certification (CE)
This product conforms with the EC-directives mentioned
below and is therefore CE certified.
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.
 Make no changes to the original parts and accurately follow the
instructions, connection diagrams and PCB layout included with this
manual.
 Use only original spare parts for repairs.
2011/65/EG on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment (ROHS). Underlying
standard: EN 50581.

tams elektronik
English Booster-Link
Page 30
Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive
This product conforms with the EC-directive 2012/19/EG on
waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Don´t dispose of this product in the house refuse, bring it to
the next recycling bay.
Conditions of warranty
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. The guarantee exists supplementary to the legal warranty
of merchantability due to the consumer by the seller.
The warranty includes the free correction of faults which can be proved
to be due to material failure or factory flaw. With kits we guarantee the
completeness and quality of the components as well as the function of
the parts according to the parameters in not mounted state. We
guarantee the adherence to the technical specifications when the kit
has been assembled and the ready-built circuit connected according to
the manual and when start and mode of operation follow the
instructions.
We retain the right to repair, make improvements, to deliver spares or
to return the purchase price. Other claims are excluded. Claims for
secondary damages or product liability consist only according to legal
requirements.
Condition for this guarantee to be valid, is the adherence to the
manual. In addition, the guarantee claim is excluded in the following
cases:
 if arbitrary changes in the circuit are made,
 if repair attempts have failed with a ready-built module or device,
 if damaged by other persons,
 if damaged by faulty operation or by careless use or abuse.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link
Seite - Page - Page - Pagina I
Stückliste - Partslist - Nomenclature - Stuklijst
Widerstände - Resistors -
Résistances - Weerstanden
R5, R6 120 Ω
R2, R3, R7 470 Ω
R4, R9, R10 2,7 kΩ
R1 3,3 kΩ
R8 100 kΩ
R11 330 kΩ
Dioden - Diodes - Diode´s D1, D4, D5, D6, D7 1N400x (x=2..7)
Zenerdioden - Zener diodes
Diodes Zener - Zenerdiode´s
D2, D3 ZD 15 V
Kondensatoren - Capacitors -
Condensateurs - Condensatoren
C8, C9, C10, C11 1 nF
C5 10 nF
C1, C2, C6, C7 100 nF
Elkos - Electrolytic capacitors -
Condens. électrolytiques - Elco´s
C3, C4 100µF
Transistoren - Transistors -
Transistors - Transistors
Q1 BD 679
ICs - CI IC4 TL072P
IC-Sockel - IC sockets -
Supports de CI - IC voetjes
IC4 8-pol.
Anreihklemmen - Terminal strips -
Borniers - Printkroonstenen
X-1 3-pol.

tams elektronik
Booster-Link
Seite - Page - Page - Pagina II
Fig. 1:
Bestückungsplan
PCB layout
Plan d´implantation
Printplan
Fig. 2:
Schaltplan
Circuit diagram
Schéma de principe
Schakelschema

tams elektronik
Booster-Link
Seite - Page - Page - Pagina III
Fig. 3:
Anschlußplan - Connections - Raccordements - Aansluit plan
Anschlussbelegung:
1 Mittelleiter im Boosterabschnitt des externen Standard-Boosters. Versor
g
t
ein Booster mehrere Abschnitte, ist es ausreichend, wenn der Booster-Link
mit dem Mittelleiter in einem der Abschnitte verbunden wird.
2
A
ußenleiter, an den auch die Booster zur Versor
g
un
g
der Anla
g
e
angeschlossen sind.
3 Mittelleiter im Boosterabschnitt, der über den in der Zentrale inte
g
rierten Booster
versorgt wird. Beachten Sie: Verbinden Sie diesen Anschluss nicht mit dem
Mittelleiter eines Boosterabschnittes, der durch einen weiteren externen Booster
versorgt wird. Eine sichere Datenübertragung ist dann nicht gewährleistet.
Wenn der Booster, der in der Zentrale integriert ist, nicht zur Versor
g
un
g
der
A
nla
g
e ein
g
esetzt wird, verbinden Sie den Anschluss direkt mit dem
Boosterausgang der Zentrale (Mittelleiter).

tams elektronik
Booster-Link
Seite - Page - Page - Pagina IV
Pin connections:
1 Centre conductor in the booster section supplied by the external standard
booster. In case one external booster supplies several booster sections it is
sufficient to connect the Booster-Link to the centre conductor in one of the
sections.
2 Outer conductor used for the connection of all boosters supplyin
g
the
layout.
3 Centre conductor in the booster section supplied by the booster inte
g
rated into
the central unit. Please note: Do not connect this connection to the centre
conductor in a booster section supplied by another external booster. A safe data
transfer cannot be guaranteed in this case.
In case the booster inte
g
rated into the central unit is not in use to supply
the layout, connect the connection directly to the booster output of the
central unit (centre conductor).
Connexions:
1 Conducteur central du canton électrique alimenté par l’ampli standard externe. Si
un ampli alimente plusieurs cantons, il suffit de connecter le Booster-Link au
conducteur central de l’un des cantons.
2 Conducteur extérieur auquel sont connectés tous les amplis du réseau.
3 Conducteur central du canton électrique alimenté par l’ampli inté
g
ré de la
centrale. Attention : ne reliez pas cette borne au conducteur central d’un
canton alimenté par un autre ampli externe, la transmission des données en
serait affectée.
Si l’ampli de la centrale n’est pas utilisé pour alimenter la voie, reliez cette
borne directement à la sortie (conducteur centrale) de l’ampli de la centrale.
Aansluitingen:
1 Midden
g
eleider in boosterdeel van de externe standaard booster. Versterkt de
booster meerdere delen, dan is het voldoende wanneer de booster link wordt
verbonden met de middengeleider van één van de delen.
2 Buitenste
g
eleiders, waaraan ook de boosters voor de verzsterkin
g
van de
modelspoorweg zijn aangesloten.
3 Middengeleider in het boosterdeel, dat via de in de centrale
g
eïnte
g
reerde
booster wordt versterkt. Let op: verbind deze aansluitin
g
niet met de
midden
g
eleider van een boosterdeel, dat door andere boosters wordt versterkt.
Een goede dataoverdracht is in dit geval niet gegarandeerd.
Wanneer de booster, die in de centrale is
g
eïnte
g
reerd, niet voor de
versterkin
g
van de modelspoorwe
g
wordt
g
ebruikt, verbindt u de aansluitin
g
en
direct met de boosteruitgang van de centrale (middengeleider).