tams elektronik ABC-1 User manual

ABC-1
Brake module
for the ABC braking method
Manual
Item number 49-03106
tams elektronik
n n n

ABC-1
Contents
1. etting started.............................................................................................................3
1.1. Contents of the package.......................................................................................3
1.2. Accessories..........................................................................................................3
1.3. Intended use.......................................................................................................3
1.4. Safety instructions................................................................................................3
2. Operation overview.......................................................................................................5
3. Connections.................................................................................................................6
4. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction...........................................................7
4.1. Technical Hotline..................................................................................................7
4.2. Repairs................................................................................................................7
5. Technical data..............................................................................................................9
6. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE................................................................................10
6.1. uarantee bond.................................................................................................10
6.2. EU Declaration of Conformity..............................................................................11
6.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directive.....................................................................11
Version: 1.0 | Status: 09/2023
© 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
mbH. We reserve the right to make technical changes.
Printin the manual
The formatting is optimised for double-sided printing. The standard page size is DIN A5. If
you prefer a larger display, printing on DIN A4 is recommended.
Contents | 2

tams elektronik ABC-1
1. etting started
The instructions will help you step by step with the safe and proper installation and use of
your brake module. Before you start to put the brake module into operation, read this manual
completely, especially the safety instructions and the section on possible errors and their
elimination. You will then know what you have to pay attention to and thus avoid errors that
sometimes can only be rectified with a lot of effort.
Keep the instructions in a safe place so that you can restore functionality later in the event of
any malfunctions. If you pass the brake module on to another person, also give the
instructions with it.
1.1. Contents of the package
Turnout decoder WD-34:
1 brake module ABC-1 (item no. 49-03106-01)
1 plastic spacer
1.2. Accessories
Connection cables
The use of stranded wire is recommended for making the connections. Stranded wires consist
of several thin individual wires and are therefore more flexible than rigid wires with the same
copper cross-section. Recommended cross-sections:
for all connections: > 0.25 mm²
1.3. Intended use
The brake module is intended for use in model construction, especially in model railway
layouts, according to the specifications in the manual. 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. The brake module is not
intended to be used by children under the age of 14.
1.4. Safety instructions
Improper use and non-observance of the instructions can lead to incalculable hazards. Prevent
these dangers by carrying out the following measures:
Only use the brake module in closed, clean and dry rooms. Avoid moisture and splash water
in the environment. After condensation has formed, wait two hours for acclimatisation
before use.
Disconnect the brake module from the power supply before carrying out wiring work.
Supply the brake module only with extra-low voltage as specified in the technical data. Use
only tested and approved transformers.
Only plug the mains plugs of transformers into properly installed and fused earthed sockets.
When making electrical connections, ensure that the cable cross-section is sufficient.
Heating of the brake module during operation is normal and harmless.
etting started | 3

ABC-1 tams elektronik
Do not expose the brake module to high ambient temperatures or direct sunlight. Observe
the information on the maximum operating temperature in the technical data.
Regularly check the operational safety of the brake module, e.g. for damage to the
connection cables.
If you notice damage or if malfunctions occur, disconnect the connection to the power
supply immediately. Send the brake module in for inspection.
4 | etting started

tams elektronik ABC-1
2. Operation overview
The ABC (Automatic Break Control) method is based on the fact that
the ABC brake module reduces either the positive or the negative part of the digital voltage
for the braking section and thus generates an asymmetrical track voltage and
the locomotive decoders detect this asymmetrical track voltage when entering an ABC
braking section and thereupon automatically reduce the driving speed with the set braking
deceleration or the set braking distance. By setting a constant braking distance, an exact
(signal) stop can be realised for all locomotives, regardless of the speed level with which
the locomotives enter the braking section.
The normally symmetrical
digital voltage is reduced on
one side in the braking
section by the ABC brake
module, by default on the
right rail as seen in the
direction of travel.
Symmetrical track voltage
at the normal section
Asymmetrical track voltage
at the ABC braking section
In principle, the braking section is only effective for one direction of travel at a time. When
travelling in the opposite direction, the locomotive does not react to the braking section.
While the locomotive is in the braking section,
the functions can be switched,
the CVs of the decoder can be changed by means of main track programming (PoM),
the direction of travel of the locomotive can be changed and thus the locomotive can be
shunted or driven out of the braking section in the opposite direction.
As soon as the braking distance is released or the locomotive leaves the braking section, it
accelerates with the set starting deceleration up to the set speed level. No short-circuits occur
when driving over the separation point between the normal section and the ABC braking
section.
In order to be able to use the ABC braking method, the booster must provide an output
voltage at the track output that is as symmetrical as possible. When using boosters that do not
provide a symmetrical voltage at the output due to their design, the locomotive decoders may
not brake reliably when entering the braking section.
Operation overview | 5

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ABC-1 tams elektronik
3. Connections
The brake module is equipped with modular terminal blocks into which you plug and screw
the cables for connection to the rails and the switch (or a comparable circuit).
1 Normal track in front of
the braking section
(track output of the
booster
2 Switch
3 Switch
4 Braking section
Settin up the brake section
When determining the length of the braking section, take into account that the longest train
must come to a stop within the section. Cut the right rail as seen in the direction of travel at
both ends of the brake section.
Connections to the rails
Connect connections 1 and 4 of the brake module according to the illustration to the right rail
of the normal track in front of the braking section and to the right rail in the braking section
as seen in the direction of travel.
Connectin a switch
The brake module is bridged with a switch
to trigger the continuation of a train after it has stopped, or
to let a train pass without stopping.
As a switch you can use
a separate switch, if you want to (de-)activate the brake module manually
the switching output of a separate circuit (e.g. to control a signal with double coil drive).
If you want to switch the brake module together with a light signal, you must connect a relay
parallel to the green lamp / LED. With the make contact of the relay, you bridge (deactivate)
the brake module when the signal is in the "green" position.
Note:
The entire current for the train in the braking section must be transmitted via the connecting
cables to the rails and to the switch. Therefore, make sure that the cable cross-section is
sufficient and that the connecting cables to the rails and to the switch are as short as
possible in order to avoid a high voltage drop.
If you need long connection cables for the switch, the use of a remote switch (e.g. a switch
decoder) is recommended.
6 | Connections

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tams elektronik ABC-1
Fixin the brake modul
A spacer is included in the scope of delivery, which is mounted between the underside of the
brake module and the base. It prevents the diodes on the underside of the circuit board from
being accidentally damaged when the module is screwed on.
4. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction
Warnin :
If you notice a strong heat development, immediately switch off the power supply for the
layout. Fire hazard!
Possible causes:
One or more connections are faulty. à Check the connections.
The module is defective. à Send the module in for inspection.
No reaction of the locomotive when enterin the brakin section
Possible causes:
The seperation points for the braking section are on the left rail instead of the right rail
(seen in direction of travel) or are not continuous. à Check the seperation points.
The CV-settings of the locomotive decoder are not correct. à Check the CV-settings if the
ABC-braking method is active and if the ABC-detection is inverted.
The output voltage of the booster is not symmetrical. à If possible, change the ABC
sensitivity of the decoder in the CV settings. Boosters that do not produce a symmetrical
output voltage due to their design may not be suitable for the use of the ABC braking
method.
4.1. Technical Hotline
If you have any questions about the use of the module, our technical hotline will help you
(telephone number and e-mail address on the last page).
4.2. Repairs
You can send us a defective module 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.
Please enclose the followin with your shipment
proof of purchase as evidence of any warranty or guarantee claim
a brief description of the defect
the address to which we should return the product(s)
your email address and/or a telephone number where we can reach you in case of queries.
Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction | 7

ABC-1 tams elektronik
Costs
The inspection of returned products is free of charge for you. In the event of a warranty or
guarantee claim, the repair and return are also free of charge for you.
If there is no warranty or guarantee case, we will charge you the costs of the repair and the
costs of the return. We charge a maximum of 50% of the new price for the repair according
to our valid price list.
Carryin out the repair(s)
By sending in the product(s), you give us the order to inspect and repair it. We reserve the
right to refuse the repair if it is technically impossible or uneconomical. In the event of a
warranty or guarantee claim, you will then receive a replacement free of charge.
Cost estimates
Repairs for which we charge less than € 25.00 per item plus shipping costs will be carried out
without further consultation with you. If the repair costs are higher, we will contact you and
carry out the repair only after you have confirmed the repair order.
8 | Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction

tams elektronik ABC-1
5. Technical data
Electrical properties
Maximum current 3 A duration
6 A peak (maximum 10 seconds)
Protection
Protection class IP 00
Meaning: No protection against foreign bodies, contact and water.
Environment
For use in closed rooms
Ambient temperature during
operation
0 ~ + 30 °C
Permissible relative humidity
during operation
10 ~ 85% (non-condensing)
Ambient temperature during
storage
- 10 ~ + 40 °C
Permissible relative humidity
during storage
10 ~ 85% (non-condensing)
Other features
Dimensions (approx.) Circuit board: 35 x 21 mm
incl. spacer: 36 x 22 x 15
Weight (approx.) 7 g (withouat spacer)
Technical data | 9

ABC-1 tams elektronik
6. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE
6.1. uarantee 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. 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-made module or device,
if damaged by other persons,
if damaged by faulty operation or by careless use or abuse.
10 | Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE