tams elektronik GBM-1 User manual

GBM-1
Track Occupancy Indicator
4-fold
Manual
Item nos. 52-01015 52-01016 52-01017
tams elektronik
n n n

GBM-1 tams elektronik
Version: 2.0 | Status: 01/2023
© 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
GmbH. We reserve the right to make technical changes.
Printing t e 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.
** T e asterisks
The asterisks indicate further products from the Tams Elektronik GmbH product range :
Track occupancy indicator GBM-8 Item numbers 52-01085, 52-01086 and 52-01087
Track occupancy indicator GBM-8.2 Item numbers 52-01186 and 52-01187
2 Contents

tams elektronik GBM-1
Contents
1. Getting started.............................................................................................................4
1.1. Contents of the package.......................................................................................4
1.2. Accessories..........................................................................................................4
1.3. Intended use.......................................................................................................5
1.4. Safety instructions................................................................................................5
1.5. Care....................................................................................................................5
2. Operation overview.......................................................................................................6
3. Assembling the kit........................................................................................................8
3.1. Safety instructions................................................................................................8
3.2. Soldering properly................................................................................................9
3.3. Preparation........................................................................................................10
3.4. PCB layout and parts list.....................................................................................12
3.5. Assembly...........................................................................................................13
3.6. Performing a visual check...................................................................................14
3.7. Performing a functional test................................................................................14
4. Connecting the track busy indicator.............................................................................15
4.1. Pin assignment...................................................................................................15
4.2. Connections.......................................................................................................15
4.3. Connection of the track sections..........................................................................17
4.4. Connection to the voltage supply.........................................................................17
4.5. Connecting lamps or LEDs...................................................................................18
5. Connecting subordinate circuits...................................................................................19
5.1. Connection of digital feedback modules...............................................................19
5.2. Application example: Block section control...........................................................19
6. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction.........................................................22
6.1. Technical Hotline................................................................................................23
6.2. Repairs..............................................................................................................23
7. Technical data............................................................................................................24
8. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE................................................................................26
8.1. Guarantee bond.................................................................................................26
8.2. EU Declaration of Conformity..............................................................................27
8.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directive.....................................................................27
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GBM-1 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 track occupancy indicator. Before you start to assemble the kit or
put the track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator on to another person, also give
the instructions with it.
1.1. Contents of the package
1 kit GBM-1 (item no. 52-01015-01), containing the components listed in the parts list
( section 3.4.) and one PCB or
1 ready-built and tested circuit board GBM-1 (item no. 52-01016-01) or
1 track occupancy indicator GBM-1 in housing (item no. 52-01017-01)
1.2. Accessories
To assemble t e 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 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
Connections to the power supply: > 0.75 mm²
Connections to the booster / the driving transformer: > 0.75 mm²
Connections to lamps, LEDs, relays or other downstream consumers: depending on the
current consumption of the consumers
Function test
It is recommended to test the track occupancy indicator´s functions before mounting it into
the layout, especially if you have built the module from a kit. For this you need a light bulb.
4 Getting started

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tams elektronik GBM-1
1.3. Intended use
The track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator is not intended to be used by children
under the age of 14.
1.4. Safety instructions
Note:
The track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator from the power supply before carrying out wiring
work.
Supply the track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator during operation is normal and harmless.
Do not expose the track occupancy indicator 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 track occupancy indicator, 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 track occupancy indicator in for inspection.
1.5. Care
Do not use any cleaning agents to clean the track occupancy indicator. Only wipe the module
dry. Disconnect the track occupancy indicator from the power supply before cleaning.
Getting started 5

GBM-1 tams elektronik
2. Operation overview
The track busy indicator GBM-1 can monitor a maximum of four independent track sections.
The four track sections have to be supplied by one common driving-transformer (in analogue
layouts) or must be situated in one booster section (in digital layouts).
Application
The track busy indicator GBM-1 is suitable for use in model railway layouts of all gauges
(without gauge II / G):
for visualisation of occupied track sections
to switch on and off further consumers depending on the occupancy status of the track
sections
as part of an automated control system, e.g. a block control system
The GBM-1 has been optimised for use in analogue layouts:
It is very sensitive and detects loads with a current of only 1 mA.
In analogue d.c. layouts it detects vehicles driving into the monitored track sections
independently of the direction of travel.
The four outputs of the GBM-1 can be loaded with 500 mA each, which enables the direct
connection of many consumers.
In principle, the GBM-1 can also be used in digital layouts with all digital formats, e.g. in
combination with digital feedback devices (e.g. s88 feedback devices). Due to the high
sensitivity of the GBM-1, interference voltages from the digital system can cause false alarms.
Therefore, instead of a GBM-1, the track occupancy detectors GBM-8 or GBM-8.2** are better
suited for use in digital systems.
Voltage supply
The GBM-1 must not be supplied by transformers or a digital boosters providing current for
driving operation. In order to supply the GBM-1 transformers or boosters can be used which
supply other track busy indicators or lighting modules as well.
Detection of ve icles
The GBM-1 detects vehicles consuming at least 1 mA (e.g. locomotives and carriages with
lighting) located in the connected section. In d.c. layouts the GBM-1 detects vehicles which
axles are painted with resistive lacquer and which apart from that are not consuming current.
When switching off track sections with a switch mounted between the track section and the
input of the GBM-1, the electric consumer located in the switched off track section can be
detected when
an additional resistor is mounted to bridge the switch and
at the same time the supply voltage is applied to the rail sections not monitored.
6 Operation overview

tams elektronik GBM-1
Evaluation of t e busy signals and connection of subordinate consumers
The evaluation of the track busy signals is done internally against ground. Thus, all consumers
whose inputs switch to ground can be connected to the outputs of the GBM-1 and triggered
depending on the occupancy status of the track sections.
Note: In principle, digital feedback modules that switch to ground (e.g. s88 feedback modules)
can also be connected to the outputs of the GBM-1. However, due to the high sensitivity of the
GBM-1, interference voltages from the digital system can cause false alarms.
The four outputs of the GBM-1 can be loaded with up to 500 mA. Many downstream circuits
can therefore also be connected directly and switched on or off depending on the occupancy
status of the track sections. Consumers that require a higher current must be switched via
relays.
Display of occupied messages
When a connected track section is occupied, the assigned LED on the track occupancy
indicator lights up. Additional lamps or LEDs (e.g. in a track diagram control panel) can be
connected to the four outputs assigned to the signal sections.
Note: If consumers are connected downstream that operate with a higher voltage than the
GBM, this can cause the LEDs on the module to light up dimly even though the connected
track sections are not occupied.
Operation overview 7

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GBM-1 tams elektronik
3. Assembling the kit
You can skip this section if you have purchased a ready-built module or device.
3.1. Safety instructions
Mec anical azards
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.
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.
T ermal 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.
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.
Ot er 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.
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 supervised by qualified
personnel. In industrial institutions, health and safety regulations applying to electronic work
must be adhered to.
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tams elektronik GBM-1
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.
Never 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 above 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 even
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, remove it from the soldering point. Then wait a moment for the
solder to flow well before removing the soldering iron from the soldering joint.
Do not move the component you have 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 above 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 have been accidentally
bridged with tin. This can lead not only to malfunction, but also to the destruction of
expensive components. You can re-liquefy excess solder with the clean hot soldering tip.
The solder then flows from the board to the soldering tip.
Assembling the kit 9

GBM-1 tams elektronik
3.3. 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 in assembling:
Resistors
Resistors reduce current.
The value of resistors for smaller power ratings is indicated through colour rings.
Every colour stands for another figure. Carbon film resistors have 4 colour rings.
The 4th ring (given in brackets here) indicates the tolerance of the resistor (gold
= 5 %).
Value: Colour rings:
470 yellow - violet - brown (gold)
1,5 k brown - green - red (gold)
10 kbrown - black - orange (gold)
47 kyellow - violet - orange (gold)
470 kyellow - violet - yellow (gold)
Ceramic capacitors
Among other things ceramic capacitors are used for filtering interference voltages
or as frequency determining parts. Ceramic capacitors are not polarized.
Normally they are marked with a three-digit number which indicates the value
coded. The number 104 corresponds to the value 100 nF.
Electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are often used to store energy. In contrast to ceramic
capacitors they are polarized. The value is given on the package.
Electrolytic capacitors are available with different voltage sustaining capabilities.
Using an electrolytic capacitor with a voltage 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 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.
Zener diodes are used for limiting voltages. In contrast to "normal" diodes they
are not destroyed when the limit voltage is exceeded.
The diode type is printed on the package.
10 Assembling the kit