tams elektronik S88-2 User manual

S88-2
s88 Booster
Manual
Item nos. 44-01205 | 44-01206 | 44-01207
tams elektronik
n n n

S88-2 tams elektronik
Version: 2.0 | Status: 11/2022
© Tams Elektronik GmbH
All rights reser ed, in particular the right of reproduction, distribution and translation. Copies,
reproductions and alterations in any form require the written permission of Tams Elektronik
GmbH. We reser e the right to make technical changes.
Printing 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.
The asterisks
The following manufacturers and their products are mentioned in this manual:
Littfinski Daten Technik (LDT) | Ulmenstraße 43 | DE-15370 Fredersdorf
Gebr. Märklin** & Cie. GmbH | Stuttgarter Straße 55-57 | DE-73033 Göppingen
Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH | Bahnhofstraße 2a | DE-35116 Hatzfeld-Reddighausen
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tams elektronik S88-2
Contents
1. Getting started.............................................................................................................4
1.1. Contents of the package.......................................................................................4
1.2. Accessories..........................................................................................................4
1.3. Intended use.......................................................................................................4
1.4. Safety instructions................................................................................................5
1.5. Care....................................................................................................................5
2. Operation o er iew.......................................................................................................6
3. Assembling the kit........................................................................................................7
3.1. Safety instructions................................................................................................7
3.2. Soldering properly................................................................................................8
3.3. Preparation..........................................................................................................8
3.4. PCB layout and parts list.....................................................................................10
3.5. Assembly...........................................................................................................11
3.6. Performing a isual check...................................................................................12
4. Connecting the s88 booster.........................................................................................13
5. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction.........................................................15
5.1. Technical Hotline................................................................................................15
5.2. Repairs..............................................................................................................15
6. Technical data............................................................................................................16
7. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE................................................................................18
7.1. Guarantee bond.................................................................................................18
7.2. EU Declaration of Conformity..............................................................................19
7.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directi e.....................................................................19
Contents | 3

S88-2 tams elektronik
1. Getting started
The instructions will help you step by step with the safe and proper assembly of the kit and
installation and use of your s88 booster. Before you start to assemble the kit or put the s88
booster 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 ha e to pay
attention to and thus a oid 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 e ent of
any malfunctions. If you pass the s88 booster on to another person, also gi e the instructions
with it.
1.1. Contents of the package
1 one kit S88-2 (item no. 44-01205-01), containing the components listed in the parts list
(see section 3.4.) and one PCB or
1 ready-built and tested circuit board S88-2 (item no. 44-01206-01) or
1 s88 booster S88-2 in housing (item no. 44-01207-01)
1 ribbon cable (6-pole) with co er caps (length: 15 cm)
1.2. Accessories
To assemble the kit you will need
a soldering iron with temperature control and a thin tip and a deposit stand or a controlled
soldering station
a scraper, rag or sponge
a heat-resistant pad
a small pair of side cutters and wire strippers
tweezers and flat-nose pliers if necessary
electronic solder (preferably 0.5 to 0.8 mm diameter)
Connection cables
The use of stranded wire is recommended for making the connections. Stranded wires consist
of se eral thin indi idual wires and are therefore more flexible than rigid wires with the same
copper cross-section. Recommended cross-sections:
Connections to the transformer: > 0.25 mm²
1.3. Intended use
The s88 booster is intended for use in model railway layouts as specified in the instructions.
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 s88 booster is not intended to be used by children under the age of 14.
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1.4. Safety instructions
Please note:
The s88 booster contains integrated circuits (ICs). These are sensiti e to electrostatic
charging. Therefore, do not touch these components until you ha e "discharged" yourself.
For this purpose, e.g. a grip on a radiator is sufficient.
Improper use and non-obser ance of the instructions can lead to incalculable hazards. Pre ent
these dangers by carrying out the following measures:
Only use the s88 booster in closed, clean and dry rooms. A oid moisture and splash water
in the en ironment. After condensation has formed, wait two hours for acclimatisation
before use.
Disconnect the s88 booster from the power supply before carrying out wiring work.
Supply the s88 booster only with extra-low oltage as specified in the technical data. Use
only tested and appro ed 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 s88 booster during operation is normal and harmless.
Do not expose the s88 booster to high ambient temperatures or direct sunlight. Obser e
the information on the maximum operating temperature in the technical data.
Regularly check the operational safety of the s88 booster, 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 s88 booster in for inspection.
1.5. Care
Do not use any cleaning agents to clean the s88 booster. Only wipe the module dry.
Disconnect the s88 booster from the power supply before cleaning.
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2. Operation o er iew
The s88 booster reduces the interference that can occur during data transmission from the
s88 feedback modules to the recei er (control unit, PC ia interface or memory) when 6-core
cables are used as bus lines. Interference is caused by external electrical signals such as:
switching impulses for points or
digital signals in data lines running in parallel to the bus lines.
This interference affects the data transfer and causes faulty input to the recei er.
Because it is standard to operate the s88-bus with a oltage of 5 V interference oltages of
2,5 V can cause interference in data transfer. The longer the s88-data lines are, the higher is
the risk of interference.
The s88 booster is connected between recei er (control unit, PC ia interface or memory) and
s88-module(s) and heightens the s88-bus´s supply oltage to 12 V. In consequence
interference oltages of less than 6 V ha e non influence on the data transfer in the s88-bus.
Most commercial s88-feedback modules (e.g. from Littfinsky, Märklin, Viessmann, Tams)
operate with this higher supply oltage.
Please note:
Before installing the s88 booster you must check if the s88-feedback modules used in your
model railroad layout can operate with a supply oltage of 12 V. You can determine this by
checking the IC-types used on the feedback modules.
Modules with ICs with a type designation starting with number "74": These modules are not
suitable to use with the s88 booster. Highering the supply oltage to 12 V on the s88
booster would damage these modules.
Modules with ICs with a type designation containing the numbers "4014" and "4044": These
modules are OK to use with the s88 booster.
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3. Assembling the kit
You can skip this section if you ha e purchased a ready-built module or de ice.
3.1. Safety instructions
Mechanical hazards
Cut wires can ha e 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.
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. Ne er lea e 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
remo e liquid solder with a thick wet rag or wet sponge from the soldering tip.
Dangerous environments
A working area that is too small or cramped is unsuitable and can cause accidents, fires and
injury. Pre ent this by working in a clean, dry room with enough freedom of mo ement.
Other dangers
Children can cause any of the accidents mentioned abo e because they are inattenti e and not
responsible enough. Children under the age of 14 should not be allowed to work with this kit
or the ready-built module.
Caution:
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 super ised by qualified
personnel. In industrial institutions, health and safety regulations applying to electronic work
must be adhered to.
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3.2. Soldering properly
Use a soldering iron with temperature control, which you set to approx. 300 °C.
Only use electronic solder with a flux.
Ne er use soldering water or soldering grease when soldering electronic circuits. These
contain an acid that destroys components and conductor paths.
Insert the connecting wires of the components as far as possible through the holes of the
board without using force. The body of the component should be close abo e the board.
Make sure that the polarity of the components is correct before soldering them.
Solder quickly: soldering for too long can coffe pads or tracks to become detached or e en
destroy components.
Hold the soldering tip on the soldering point in such a way that it touches the component
wire and the pad at the same time. Add (not too much) solder simultaneously. As soon as
the solder begins to flow, remo e it from the soldering point. Then wait a moment for the
solder to flow well before remo ing the soldering iron from the soldering joint.
Do not mo e the component you ha e just soldered for about 5 seconds.
A clean, non-oxidised (scale-free) soldering tip is essential for a perfect soldering joint and
good soldering. Therefore, before each soldering, wipe off excess solder and dirt with a
damp sponge, a thick damp cloth or a silicone wiper.
After soldering, cut off the connecting wires directly abo e the soldering point with a side
cutter.
After assembly, always check each circuit again to ensure that all components are correctly
inserted and polarised. Also check that no connections or tracks ha e been accidentally
bridged with tin. This can lead not only to malfunction, but also to the destruction of
expensi e components. You can re-liquefy excess solder with the clean hot soldering tip.
The solder then flows from the board to the soldering tip.
3.3. Preparation
Put the sorted components in front of you on your workbench.
The separate electronic components ha e the following special features you should take into
account in assembling:
Resistors
Resistors reduce current.
The alue of resistors for smaller power ratings is indicated through colour rings.
E ery colour stands for another figure. Carbon film resistors ha e 4 colour rings.
The 4th ring (gi en in brackets here) indicates the tolerance of the resistor (gold
= 5 %).
Value: Colour rings:
1 kbrown - black - red (gold)
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Ceramic capacitors
Among other things ceramic capacitors are used for filtering interference oltages
or as frequency determining parts. Ceramic capacitors are not polarized.
Normally they are marked with a three-digit number which indicates the alue
coded. The number 104 corresponds to the alue 100 nF.
Electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are often used to store energy. In contrast to ceramic
capacitors they are polarized. The alue is gi en on the package.
Electrolytic capacitors are a ailable with different oltage sustaining capabilities.
Using an electrolytic capacitor with a oltage sustaining capability higher than
required is always possible.
Diodes and Zener diodes
Diodes allow the current to pass through in one direction only (forward direction),
simultaneously the oltage is reduced by 0,3 to 0,8 V. Exceeding of the limit
oltage always will destroy the diode, and allow current to flow in the re erse
direction.
Zener diodes are used for limiting oltages. In contrast to "normal" diodes they
are not destroyed when the limit oltage is exceeded.
The diode type is printed on the package.
Rectifiers
Rectifiers con ert alternating into direct oltage. They ha e four pins: two for the
input oltage (a.c. oltage) and two for the output oltage (d.c. oltage). The
pins for the output oltage are polarized.
Integrated circuits (ICs)
Depending on the type, ICs fulfil arious tasks. 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.
ICs are sensiti e 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.
Voltage regulators
Voltage regulators are ICs, which con ert a ariable, non regulated input oltage
in a constant output oltage. They are produced in transistor packages with three
connecting pins for input, output and earth.
The package forms of oltage regulators depend on their type. In use are oltage
regulators in SOT packages (half cylinder shaped) and in flat TO packages.
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Modular terminals
Modular terminals are solder-in screw-type terminals. They pro ide a solder-free and safe
connection of the cables to the circuit, which can still be separated any time.
3.4. PCB layout and parts list
PCB layout
Parts list
Carbon film resistors R1 1 kW
Ceramic capacitors C1, C2, C5 100 nF
Electrolytic capacitors C3, C4 100 µF/25 V
Diodes D1 1N400x, x = 2..7
Zener diodes D2 5V1
Rectifiers D1-4 B80C800 or similar
Integrated circuits (ICs) IC1 4104
IC sockets IC1 16-pole
Voltage regulators IC4 7812
Terminal strips X1 2-pole
Pin headers S88, ZEN 6-pole
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3.5. Assembly
Proceed according to the order gi en in the list below. First solder the components on the
solder side of the PCB and then cut the excess wires with the side cutter. Follow the
instructions on soldering in section 3.2.
Caution:
Se eral components ha e to be mounted according to their polarity. When soldering these
components the wrong way round, they can be damaged when you connect the power. In
the worst case the whole circuit can be damaged. At the best, a wrongly connected part will
not function.
1. Resistor Mounting orientation of no importance.
2. Diode and Zener
diode
Obser e the polarity!
The negati e end of the diodes is marked with a ring. This is
shown in the PCB layout.
3. IC socket Mount the socket that way, the markings on the socket show
in the same direction as the markings on the PCB board.
4. Rectifier Obser e the polarity! The pin connections are printed on the
housing. The longer connecting pin is the positi e pole.
5. Ceramic capacitors Mounting orientation of no importance.
6. Voltage regulator Obser e the polarity!
With oltage regulators in TO-packages the unlabelled back
side is marked in the PCB layout by a thick line.
Before soldering, bend the oltage regulator´s pins to 90
degrees, so that you can solder it in corresponding to the
PCB layout with the labelled front side facing upwards.
7. Electrolytic capacitors Obser e the polarity! One of the two leads (the shorter one)
is marked with a minus sign.
8. Terminal strip and pin
headers
9. IC in DIL-housing Insert the IC into the soldered socket.
Do not touch the IC without first discharging yourself by
touching a radiator or other grounded metal parts.
Do not bend the "legs" when inserting it into the socket.
Check that the markings on the PCB, the socket and the IC
show to the same direction.
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3.6. Performing a isual check
Perform a isual check after the assembly of the module and remo e faults if necessary:
Remo e all loose parts, wire ends or drops of solder from the PCB. Remo e 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 ha e remedied all faults, go on to the next part.
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4. Connecting the s88 booster
Checking the s88-feedback modules
You should check if the s88-feedback modules are working properly before connecting them to
s88 booster. See the manual for the s88-feedback modules. That way you can pre ent faults
occuring after installing the s88 booster due to the s88-feedback modules. A oid interference
caused by external electrical signals during the funtional test.
Please note:
Before installing the s88 booster you should check if the s88-feedback modules used in your
model railroad layout are compatible with a oltage supply of 12 V and so with the s88
booster. Please note the section 2 ("Operation o er iew")!
Connections
s88 First s88 feedback in the s88 bus
Zentrale Recei er (central unit, interface, memory)
X1 Transformer
Connecting the s88 booster | 13

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Connection to the s88 bus
Disconnect the first s88-feedback module from the recei er (central unit, interface, memory).
Next connect the s88 booster to the recei er and the first s88-feedback module.
Caution:
You must not interchange the connections to the recei er and the s88 feedback module! If
the connections are swapped, damage to the connected de ices can occur during
commissioning!
Connection to the power supply
Connect the s88 booster to the supply oltage.
Caution:
The s88 booster must be supplied by a transformer of it´s own. In case the s88 booster is
connected to a transformer that also supplies other parts of the layout, short-circuits and
damages at the s88 booster cannot be excluded.
Then test the connected s88 feedback de ices.
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5. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction
Warning: If you notice a strong heat de elopment, immediately disconnect the
connection to the supply oltage. Fire hazard!
Possible causes:
One or more connections are faulty. à Check the connections.
"Kit" ersion: one or more components are soldered incorrectly. à Carry out a isual
inspection (à section 3.5.) and eliminate the faults, if necessary.
The s88 booster is defecti e. à Send the s88 booster in for inspection.
No data transmission to the receiver
The recei er (central unit, interface, memory) does not recei e any data from the connected
s88 feedback modules.
Possible causes:
The power supply of the s88 booster has been interrupted. à Check the connection.
The connections of the recei er and the s88-feedback modules ha e been mixed up.
à Check the connections. In this case it is possible the connected de ices ha ing been
damaged. Check these without connecting them to the s88 booster.
"Kit" ersion: The IC on the s88 booster´s PCB has been mounted the wrong way about.
à Check the polarity.
5.1. Technical Hotline
If you ha e any questions about the use of your s88 booster, our technical hotline will help
you (telephone number and e-mail address on the last page).
5.2. Repairs
You can send us a defecti e s88 booster for repair (address on the last page). In the e ent of
a warranty or guarantee claim, the repair is free of charge for you. As proof of any warranty or
guarantee claim, please enclose the proof of purchase with your return.
If there is no warranty or guarantee claim, we are entitled to charge you the costs of the
repair and the costs of the return shipment. We charge a maximum of 50% of the new price
for the repair according to our alid price list. We reser e the right to refuse the repair if it is
technically impossible or uneconomical.
If you want to clarify whether a repair is possible or economical before sending it in, please
contact our Technical Hotline (telephone number and email address on the last page).
Please do not send us repair shipments freight collect. In the e ent of a warranty or guarantee
claim, we will reimburse you for the regular shipping costs.
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6. Technical data
Feedback log s88
Connections to the s88-bus OUT: 6-pole plug connector
IN: 6-pole plug connector
Electrical characteristics
Power supply of the
s88 booster
12 - 18 V AC oltage (own transformer required)
Warning: If the s88 booster is connected to a
transformer that also supplies other parts of the digital
system, short circuits may occur and damage the s88
booster.
Power supply of the
connected s88 modules
12 V DC oltage
Current consumption maximum 500 mA (depending on the number of connected
s88 feedback modules)
Protection
Protection class Ready-made module (without housing): IP 00
Meaning: No protection against foreign bodies, contact and water.
Ready de ice (in housing): IP 20
Meaning: Protected against solid foreign bodies with diameter ≥ 12.5 mm and
access with a finger. No protection against water.
Environment
For use in closed rooms
Ambient temperature during
operation
0 ~ + 30 °C
Permissible relati e humidity
during operation
10 ~ 85% (non-condensing)
Ambient temperature during
storage
- 10 ~ + 40 °C
Permissible relati e humidity
during storage
10 ~ 85% (non-condensing)
16 | Technical data

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Other features
Dimensions (approx.) Circuit board: 73 x 80 mm
Ready de ice including housing: 100 x 90 x 35 mm
Weight (approx.) Assembled board (ready-made module): 26 g
Ready de ice including housing: 72 g
Technical data | 17

S88-2 tams elektronik
7. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE
7.1. Guarantee bond
For this product we issue oluntarily 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 pro ed 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 impro ements, to deli er 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 alid, 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 ha e failed with a ready-made module or de ice,
if damaged by other persons,
if damaged by faulty operation or by careless use or abuse.
18 | Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE

tams elektronik S88-2
7.2. EU Declaration of Conformity
This product fulfils the requirements of the following EU directi es and therefore
bears the CE marking.
2001/95/EU Product Safety Directi e
2015/863/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment (RoHS)
2014/30/EU on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directi e). Underlying standards:
DIN-EN 55014-1 and 55014-2: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household
appliances, electric tools and similar electrical appliances. Part 1: Emitted interference, Part 2:
Immunity to interference
To maintain electromagnetic compatibility during operation, obser e the following measures:
Only connect the supply transformer to a professionally installed and fused earthed socket.
Do not make any changes to the original components and follow the instructions, connection
and assembly diagrams in this manual exactly.
Only use original spare parts for repair work.
7.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directi e
This product is subject to the requirements of the EU Directi e 2012/19/EC on Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), i.e. the manufacturer, distributor or seller of the product
must contribute to the proper disposal and treatment of waste equipment in accordance with
EU and national law. This obligation includes
registration with the registering authorities ("registers") in the country where WEEE is
distributed or sold
the regular reporting of the amount of EEE sold
the organisation or financing of collection, treatment, recycling and reco ery of the
products
for distributors, the establishment of a take-back ser ice where customers can return WEEE
free of charge
for producers, compliance with the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances
in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directi e.
The "crossed-out wheeled bin" symbol means that you are legally obliged to
recycle the marked equipment at the end of its life. The appliances must not be
disposed of with (unsorted) household waste or packaging waste. Dispose of the
appliances at special collection and return points, e.g. at recycling centres or at
dealers who offer a corresponding take-back ser ice.
Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE | 19

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Further Information and Tips:
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http://www.tams-online.de n
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Warranty and Ser ice:
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Tams Elektronik GmbH n
Fuhrberger Straße 4
DE-30625 Hanno er
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fon: +49 (0)511 / 55 60 60
fax: +49 (0)511 / 55 61 61
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e-mail: [email protected] n
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