tams elektronik S88-6 User manual

S88-6
s88 Feedback Module
with additional ground connection
16-fold
Manual
Item nos. 44-01606 44-01607
tams elektronik
n n n

S88-6 tams elektronik
Version: 1.0 | Status: 11/2022
© 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
GmbH. We reserve 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:
Gebr. MÄRKLIN & Cie. GmbH Stuttgarter Straße 55-57 DE-73033 Göppingen
ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co. KG Edisonallee 29 DE-89231 Neu-Ulm
2 Contents

tams elektronik S88-6
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 overview.......................................................................................................6
2.1. Additional ground connection................................................................................6
2.2. Sending the feedback in the s88-bus.....................................................................6
2.3. Connection to digital devices and other feedback devices........................................7
2.4. Info: Versions of the adapters S88-A.....................................................................8
3. Connections S88-6........................................................................................................9
4. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction.........................................................11
4.1. Technical Hotline................................................................................................11
4.2. Repairs..............................................................................................................11
5. Technical data............................................................................................................12
6. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE................................................................................13
6.1. Guarantee bond.................................................................................................13
6.2. EU Declaration of Conformity..............................................................................14
6.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directive.....................................................................14
Contents 3

S88-6 tams elektronik
1. Getting started
The instructions will help you step by step with the safe and proper installation and use of
your s88 feedback module. Before you put the feedback 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 feedback module on to another person, also give the
instructions with it.
1.1. Contents of the package
1 ready-built and tested circuit board S88-6 (item no. 44-01606-01) or
1 s88 feedback module S88-6 in housing (item no. 44-01607-01)
1 patch cable (RJ 45)
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:
Connections to the tracks: > 0.25 mm²
Connection to devices with 6-pole s88 interface
The feedback module has an additional connection for a 6-core cable for the connection of
upstream feedback modules or digital devices (OUT connection), which can be used as an
alternative to the RJ 45 connection. If conventional feedback modules with a 6-pole interface
are to be connected downstream (IN connection), an S88-A adapter (see section 2.4.) is
required.
1.3. Intended use
The s88 feedback module 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 feedback module is not intended to be used by children
under the age of 14.
4 Getting started

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tams elektronik S88-6
1.4. Safety instructions
Note:
The s88 feedback module contains integrated circuits (ICs). These are sensitive to
electrostatic charging. Therefore, do not touch these components until you have
"discharged" yourself. For this purpose, e.g. a grip on a radiator is sufficient.
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 s88 feedback 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 module from the power supply before carrying out wiring work.
Supply the s88 feedback 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 s88 feedback module during operation is normal and harmless.
Do not expose the s88 feedback 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 s88 feedback 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 s88 feedback module in for inspection.
1.5. Care
Do not use any cleaning agents to clean the s88 feedback module. Only wipe the module dry.
Disconnect the module from the power supply before cleaning.
Getting started 5

S88-6 tams elektronik
2. Operation overview
The S88-6 feedback module is compatible with all components that work with the s88 bus
developed by Märklin**. It can read in 16 ground contacts.
The S88-6 feedback module is optimised for use in centre conductor systems.
2.1. Additional ground connection
In feedback sections, the locomotive is supplied via the centre conductor and the continuous
outer conductor. An interruption of the earth connection at the continuous rail (e.g. due to
contamination) has an immediate effect on the running behaviour. In the worst case, the
locomotive stops or does not start again after a stop in the feedback section.
The problem can be solved by connecting the two outer conductors by means of a diode. This
so-called "diode trick" takes advantage of the fact that only one half-wave of the digital
voltage can be used for the feedback in the s88 bus. By installing a diode, the other half-wave
is "diverted" from the isolated to the continuous rail and thus an additional ground connection
is established. With the s88-6, the diodes are integrated into the circuit, so that the time-
consuming retrofitting of diodes is not necessary.
2.2. Sending the feedback in the s88-bus
The information is transmitted from the S88-6 via the s88-bus to the upstream feedback
module or to the connected digital device (interface, memory or central unit). The data
transmission from one feedback module to the other takes place in the s88 bus according to
the bucket-chain-memory principle.
The number of feedback devices you can connect to a bus line depends on the interface,
memory or central unit you use. Please observe the specifications of the device manufacturer.
Addressing the feedback modules
The addressing of the S88-6 feedback module is done automatically according to its position
in the bus line. It is therefore used in linear bus lines with direct connection to the interface,
memory or central unit.
6 Operation overview

tams elektronik S88-6
2.3. Connection to digital devices and other feedback devices
Info: Standard s88-N
The S88-6 has RJ-45 connectors according to the s88-N standard, which regulates
the assignment of commercially available patch cables for use in s88 feedback systems. Unlike
the commonly used 6-core connection cables, patch cables, which are common in computer
networks, are largely shielded against foreign electrical signals. By using patch cables, the
susceptibility to interference in the s88 bus is therefore considerably reduced.
Connection to digital devices or upstream s88 feedback modules
The S88-6 feedback module has two outputs (OUT) connected in parallel and can therefore be
connected either via
the 6-pole interface and a 6-core cable or
the RJ 45 interface according to S88-N and a patch cable
to a digital device (interface, memory or central unit) or an upstream s88 feedback module.
Connection to downstream s88 feedback module
The input (IN) of the S88-6, via which the connection to a downstream s88 feedback module
is established, is designed as an RJ 45 interface corresponding to S88-N. A patch cable is used
for the connection to a downstream s88 feedback module with an s88-N interface at the
output.
If a connection is to be made to an s88 feedback module with a 6-pin s88 interface, an
additional S88-A adapter is required. Four different versions of the adapter are available,
which differ in terms of
connection (socket or plug) and
mounting direction
Further information → Section 2.4.
Operation overview 7

S88-6 tams elektronik
2.4. Info: Versions of the adapters S88-A
S88 adapters with socket
can be plugged directly onto the 6-pin connector of an S88 back module.
Recommended use: Modules with connectors coming out from the side
S88-A-BL
Item no. 44-09100
S88-A-BR
Item no. 44-09110
S88-adapter with plug
are connected via a 6-core cable that is as short as possible (e.g. S88-15, item no. 44-09250-
01). These adapters should always be used for the connection to the digital central unit in
order to avoid mechanical damage to the S88 interface of the central unit.
Recommended use: digital devices, modules with connectors leading out upwards
S88-A-SL
Item no. 44-09200
S88-A-SR
Item no. 44-09210
Mounting directions of the adapters S88-A
Depending on the installation direction, the "R" or "L" versions of the adapter are used.
Versions Direction of the 6-pole connection
S88-A-SL and S88-A-BLCentral unit * Explanation: The specification refers to
the direction in which the 6-pin connector
of the adapter points.
S88-A-SR and S88-A-BRFeedback module
Application examples
s88 module version 1: with connectors coming out from the side
s88 module version 2: with plugs protruding upwards
8 Operation overview

tams elektronik S88-6
3. Connections S88-6
Pin assignment
IN RJ-45 socket for the connection of
a downstream s88 module
OUT RJ-45 socket or 6-pole connector
for the connection of an upstream s88 module or digital device
1 … 16 Inputs for mass contacts
X2 Earth connection (if necessary)
Connection digital devices and s88 feedback modules
The S88-6 has two RJ-45 sockets (IN, OUT) to connect commercial Ethernet patch-cables (RJ-
45 cables), which allow an interference free connection to other feedback modules or digital
devices in accordance with the s88-N standard.
Use a 6-conductor connecting cable for the connection of digital devices or upstream
customary feedback modules which you connect to the 6-pole connector of the S88-6.
Alternatively you can use an adapter S88-A (optional extra) for the connection via a patch-
cable.
To connect downstream feedback devices with 6-pin s88 connection, you need an adapter
S88-A and, if necessary, a 6-pin ribbon cable (→ section 1.3.).
Connections S88-6 9

S88-6 tams elektronik
Earth connection
In systems with continuous mass (e.g. 3 rail systems fed with boosters with continuous mass)
the earth connection between s88 feedback module and other components is made via the
earth line in the s88 bus cable.
In digital layouts with boosters galvanically separated, the earth connection X2 of the S88-6
module has to be connected to a separate earth line or to mass of the rails. This applies
especially to layouts with DCC conform boosters, but as well to layouts controlled by the
central station of Märklin** or the Ecos of ESU**.
Connecting the track sections and the earth connection
There are terminal strips soldered to the inputs and to the earth connection of the S88-6
which are used to insert and screw on the connecting wires.
Functional test
First connect the output "OUT" of the S88-6 to the central unit, the memory or the interface
for a functional test. Fix a connecting cable to the module’s earth connection X2 and connect
it one after the other to all 16 inputs. Check if the correct status message is shown for all
inputs.
Installing in the layout
After performing a successful functional test install the S88-6 at the desired place on your
model railway. Connect the inputs 1 to 16 to the mass contacts and connect the module to
the central unit, the memory or the interface or to another feedback module.
10 Connections S88-6