tams elektronik HELIOS User manual

Manual
Shuttle-train controls
HELIOS
Version D.C.
for analogue
d.c. model
railway layouts
Item no.
1-02046 | 1-02047
Version A.C.
for analogue
a.c. model
railway layouts
Item no.
1-020 6 | 1-020 7
tams elektronik
n n n

English HELIOS
Table of contents
1. Getting started............................................................................3
2. Safety instructions.......................................................................
3. Operation overview.....................................................................7
4. Technical specifications..............................................................11
. Connecting HELIOS...................................................................12
.1. Dividing the shuttle line into sections..................................12
.2. Connecting the power supply.............................................14
.3. Connecting points..............................................................1
.4. Connecting stop diodes......................................................17
. . Connections for 2-rail systems compliant to NEM 631..........18
.6. Connections for 2-rail systems non-compliant to NEM 631. . .24
.7. Connections for 3-rail systems............................................30
6. Adjusting and programming HELIOS...........................................36
6.1. Determining the version.....................................................36
6.2. Setting the locomotives´ driving characteristics...................43
6.3. Setting the maximum speed...............................................44
6.4. Setting the duration of accelarating and braking..................46
6. . Setting the halt time..........................................................49
6.6. Reset................................................................................ 2
6.7. Choosing the starting mode............................................... 2
7. Operation................................................................................. 3
8. Check list for troubleshooting.....................................................
9. Guarantee bond........................................................................ 7
10. EU declaration of conformity...................................................... 8
11. Declarations conforming to the WEEE directive........................... 8
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HELIOS English
© 12/2018 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.
1. Getting started
How to use this manual
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct fitting
and connecting of the control module, and operation. Before you start,
we advise you to read the whole manual, particularly the chapter on
safety instructions and the checklist for trouble shooting. 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 module on to another person, please pass on the manual
with it.
Intended use
The shuttle-train controls HELIOS are designed to be operated
according to the instructions in this manual in model building, especially
with model railways. Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any
guarantees.
The modules should not be mounted by children under the age of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
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English HELIOS
Checking the package contents
Please make sure that your package contains:
one ready-built module or
one ready-built module in a housing (complete unit),
6 jumpers,
a CD (containing the manual and further information).
Required materials
In order to connect the module you need wire. Recommended diameters
for the connections connections to rails and points: > 0,2 mm².
When connecting points at the terminus stations which are no stop
points you need to switch the points
a bistable relay 12 V (e.g. item no. 84-61111) or
a relay print RL-2 (e.g. 72-000 as a kit or 72-000 6 as a ready-
built module).
When using motor-run points, you need separately for both terminus
stations and in common for both intermediate stops an additional
adapter for motor-run points
AMW-1 (item-no. 72-00076) or
AMW plus (item-no. 72-00176).
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HELIOS English
2. Safety instructions
Caution:
The control module 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.
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 and connecting the circuit to another voltage than
specified,
impermissibly high humidity and 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.
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English HELIOS
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.
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 module.
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.
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HELIOS English
3. Operation overview
Expansion options
The module controls the shuttle-train traffic between two terminus
stations of an analogue d.c. or a.c. model railway layout. It is possible
to build both terminus stations single- or double-track.
In addition, you can build two intermediate stops or an intermediate
station with two tracks. It is not possible to build only one intermediate
stops or a single-track intermediate station.
Depending on the version, it is possible to operate up to 4 different
locomotives on the shuttle line.
ersion 1 ersion 2 ersion 3*
max. 1 locomotive max. 2 locomotives max. 3 locomotives
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English HELIOS
ersion 4 ersion 5 ersion 6
max. 2 locomotives max. 3 locomotives max. 4 locomotives
* Note on version 3: With the current software status (12/2018, silvery
marking on the processor) it is not possible to control version 3. Please
contact us, if you intend to build this version. Address see last page.
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HELIOS English
Settings for the automatic shuttle operation
The shuttle service between the terminus stations (and intermediate
stops) always runs in four phases: acceleration, open track, braking and
halt.
The length of the phases acceleration, braking and halt has to be set
individually for each locomotive and each station. Additionally, the
individual maximum speed for each locomotive has to be set.
When beginning the shuttle service, every locomotive starts from its
assigned track. This allows to assign the individual settings to each
locomotive.
All settings are made via trim pots. The settings are saved in an IC on
the circuit.
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English HELIOS
Shuttle operation
The shuttle service is run fully automatically:
After a stop (at a terminus or intermediate stop), HELIOS sets the
points.
HELIOS controls the locomotives´ accelaration depending on the
individual settings.
On open track, HELIOS limits the locomotives´ speed according to
the individually set maximum speed.
As soon as an integrated occupancy sensor detects a locomotive
driving into a section with a station or an intermediate stop, HELIOS
starts braking the locomotive.
HELIOS makes the locomotives stop for the set time at stations or
intermediate stops.
The procedure varies depending on the version, the number of
locomotives on the shuttle line and the starting positions of the
locomotives. Basically the following applies:
When operating 2 locomotives which start from the two tracks of
one terminus, the two locomotives shuttle one after the other
between start and destination station. A possibly existing second
track at the destination station will not be used.
When operating shuttle lines with intermediate stops and at least 2
locomotives starting from the two terminus stations, the first
locomotive reaching the intermediate stop waits for driving on until the
oncoming (second) locomotive has reached the second track of the
intermediate stop. If neccesary, the set hold time will be exceeded.
Further information on operation → section 6.1.
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HELIOS English
Overcurrent protection
A fuse integrated in the module interrupts the current circuit with
overload or when a short circuit occurs on the rails and thus protects
the module from damage.
4. Technical specifications
oltage supply
As a common supply for the shuttle-train control HELIOS, rails and
points you need a transformer for model railroads with fixed output
voltage. The output voltage has to be sufficient for switching the points.
Recommended output voltage:
Nominal size Z N/TT H0 0, 1, 2
d.c. voltage 12 V 14–16 V 18–20 V 20–22 V
a.c. voltage 10 V 12 V 16 V 18 V
Technical specifitations
Current consumption of the
circuit approx. 0 mA
Max. current for the rails 2,000 mA
Protected to IP 00
Ambient temperature in use 0 ... +60 °C
Ambient temperature
in storage -10 ... +80 °C
Comparative humidity allowed max. 8 %
Dimensions of the PCB
Dimensions including housing
approx. 64 x 84 mm
approx. 100 x 90 x 3 mm
Weight of the assembled board
Weight including housing
DC: approx. 37 g | AC: approx. 7 g
DC: approx. 8 g | AC: approx. 10 g
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English HELIOS
. Connecting HELIOS
Please note:
It is of great importance to cut-off electrically the shuttle line
completely from the rest of the layout. With an electroconductive
connection to other parts of the layout, the control module possibly
can be damaged irreparably by compensating currents.
Please note:
Dismount anti-interference capacitors possibly mounted to the rails of
the shuttle line. They can disturb the operation massively.
.1. Dividing the shuttle line into sections
The halts at the stations and intermediate stops are initiated when the
train has come into the respective section and the integrated occupancy
indicator has indicated the train coming in. Cut-off the rails at the point
where the coming-in train has to start braking.
The division of the shuttle-train sections should be done as follows:
at least: terminus station 1 and terminus station 2
optional: additional (2nd) track at terminus station 1 and/or 2
optional: intermediate stop 1 and 2.
Between the terminus stations and the intermediate stops you can
insert in each case a section "open track", where the locomotive runs
with the set maximum speed.
Performing the dividing points
Take care to cut-off the sections exaclty as shown in the connection
diagram for your layout type and the chosen version (→ sections . .
to .7.).
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HELIOS English
Please note: As a rule, you have to perform the dividing points
very carefully. When bridging a dividing point (e.g. by shifting rails or
by metal shavings), HELIOS cannot control the shuttle service
properly. This can e.g. cause locomotive collisions!
In general, the following applies for all cut-offs:
2-rail systems according to NEM 631 (= standard), where the right
rail in direction of travel is positive: With these layouts you have to
cut-off the left rail in direction of travel to define a new section.
2-rail systems not according to NEM 631 (= special case, e.g. LGB),
where the left rail in direction of travel is positive: With these layouts
you have to cut-off the right rail in direction of travel to define a new
section.
3-rail systems: With these layouts you have to cut-off the middle
conductor to define a new section.
Dividing points 4 - 11 at the intermediate stops
The distance between the dividing points for the intermediate stops has
to be sufficiently long for a train with all it´s currents consumers.
Otherwise, malfunction of the shuttle service possibly occurs when
oncoming trains pass each other at the intermediate halts.
Please note: At both intermediate halts you must always cut-
off both rails at both ends, and with 3-rail systems additionally the
middle conductor. Otherwise operation will be disturbed massively!
Dividing points 1 and 2, 13 and 14 at the terminus stations
You have to perform these dividing points only, when not using stop
points. The sections between these intermediate stops and the end of
the rails has to be as long as the train intended to stop there.
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English HELIOS
.2. Connecting the power supply
As a common supply for the shuttle-train control HELIOS, rails and
points you have to use a d.c. or a.c. transformer for model railroads
with fixed output voltage. The required output voltage depends on the
nominal size and the power requirements of the connected points
(→section 4.).
The polarity is of no importance, when connectin only HELIOS.
1
Voltage supply
2
Please note:
When connecting several devices to the same transformer, all
connections have to be polarized the same way, as a rule. Otherwise a
short circuit could occur damaging connected devices.
Do not use the transformer to supply other devices connected to the
rails in any way. Otherwise, compensating currents can cause
irreparable damages at the module.
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HELIOS English
.3. Connecting points
Connecting points with twin-coil drive
When not using stop points at the terminus stations, you have to
connect additional bistable 12 V relays (or relay prints RL-2). The
bistable relay switches on the voltage supply for one track of the
terminus station when switching off the voltage supply for the other
track. When mounting neither stop points nor bistable relays, both
tracks will be supplied with power constantly.
Connection of a bistable relay at
terminus stations 1 and 2
Connection of a relay circuit board
at terminus stations 1 and 2
Hint: The diagrams equally apply to 2-rail systems not according to
NEM 631 (e.g. LGB layouts). With 3-rail systems you have to divide the
middle conductor instead of the rail and connect the relay or the relay
prints to the middle conductor.
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English HELIOS
Connecting motor-run points
When using motor-run points, you need additional adapters AMW-1 or
AMW- plus for the connection between points and shuttle-train control.
Points at both terminus stations: You need for both points at the
terminus stations a separate adapter AMW-1 or AMW plus and a
bistable relay or a relay print RL-2.
Connection of an
adapter AMW
plus and a
bistable relay at
the terminus
stations 1 and 2.
Hint: The diagram equally applies to 2-rail systems not according to
NEM 631 (e.g. LGB layouts). With 3-rail systems you have to devide the
middle conductor instead of the rail and connect the relay or the relay
circuit board to the middle conductor.
Points at the intermediate stops: You need only one common
adapter AMW-1 or AMW plus for both points at the intermediate stops,
as these are switched together. An additional bistable relay or a relay
print is not required for the connection of these points.
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HELIOS English
.4. Connecting stop diodes
In order to prevent trains from running beyond the end of the rails in
the terminus stations 1 and 2, you can install extra stop diodes.
Connect them according to the diagrams. Cut the rail that way that all
current collectors driving the motor have passed the cut-off before the
train reaches the end of the rails.
Connection of a stop
diode in 2-rail systems
according to NEM 631
Connection of a stop
diode in 2-rail systems
not according to
NEM 631
Connection of a stop
diode in 3-rail systems
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English HELIOS
. . Connections for 2-rail systems compliant to NEM 631
ersion 1 2-rail system compliant to NEM 631
1 Voltage supply
2 Voltage supply
3 ---
4 ---
---
6 ---
7 ---
8 ---
9 ---
10 ---
20 ---
11 Terminus station 1
12 ---
13 ---
14 Terminus station 2
1 Open track 1
16 Open track 2
17 ---
18 ---
19 ---
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HELIOS English
ersion 2 2-rail system compliant to NEM 631
1 Voltage supply
2 Voltage supply
3 Points 1, switching contact 1
4 Points 1, return conductor
Points 1, switching contact 2
6 ---
7 ---
8 ---
9 ---
10 ---
20 ---
11 Terminus station 1
12 ---
13 ---
14 Terminus station 2
1 Open track 1
16 Open track 2
17 ---
18 ---
19 ---
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English HELIOS
ersion 3* 2-rail system compliant to NEM 631
1 Voltage supply
2 Voltage supply
3 Points 1, switching contact 1
4 Points 1, return conductor
Points 1, switching contact 2
6 ---
7 ---
8 ---
9 Points 3, switching contact 1
10 Points 3, return conductor
20 Points 3, switching contact 2
11 Terminus station 1
12 ---
13 ---
14 Terminus station 2
1 Open track 1
16 Open track 2
17 ---
18 ---
19 ---
* Note on version 3: With the current software status (12/2018, silvery marking on the
processor) it is not possible to control version 3. Please contact us, if you intend to build this
version. Address see last page.
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