tams elektronik 40-2010 Series User manual

Power-Splitter
Booster power distributor
Manual
Ready-made module | Item no. 40-20106
Ready de ice | Item no. 40-20107
tams elektronik
n n n

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
Version: 1.01 | Status: 07/2022
© 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 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.
2 | Contents

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
Contents
1. Getting started.............................................................................................................5
1.1. Contents of the package.......................................................................................5
1.2. Required additional equipment..............................................................................5
1.3. Intended use.......................................................................................................6
1.4. Safety instructions................................................................................................6
1.5. Care....................................................................................................................6
2. Your Power-Splitter.......................................................................................................7
2.1. Background information........................................................................................9
3. Connections...............................................................................................................10
3.1. Connections to the track output of the booster or the central unit.........................11
3.2. Connections to the booster sections.....................................................................12
3.3. Connection of an emergency stop button.............................................................13
4. Settings / configuration...............................................................................................14
4.1. Jumpers.............................................................................................................14
4.2. CV settings.........................................................................................................15
5. Operation...................................................................................................................17
5.1. LED displays.......................................................................................................17
5.2. Use of turnout addresses....................................................................................18
6. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction.........................................................19
6.1. No supply to the booster sections........................................................................19
6.2. Problems with short circuit disconnection.............................................................19
6.3. Technical Hotline................................................................................................20
6.4. Repairs..............................................................................................................20
7. Technical data............................................................................................................21
8. Warranty, EU conformity & WEEE................................................................................23
8.1. Guarantee bond.................................................................................................23
8.2. EU Declaration of Conformity..............................................................................24
8.3. Declarations on the WEEE Directi e.....................................................................24
Contents | 3

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
1. Getting started
This manual will help you step by step to install and use your Power-Splitter safely and
properly. Before you start using the module or the de ice, read through this manual
completely, particularly the chapter on safety instructions and the checklist for trouble
shooting. You will then know where to take care and how to pre ent mistakes which take a lot
of effort to correct.
Keep this manual safely so that you can sol e problems in the future. If you pass the module
or the de ice on to another person, please pass on the manual with it.
1.1. Contents of the package
Version "Ready-made module" (item no. 40-20106-01)
ready-built and tested circuit board (without housing)
4 plug-in connection terminals 2-pole, RM 3.81
2 socket connectors 2-pole, RM 2.54
3 short circuit jumpers 2-pole, RM 2.54
Version "Ready device" (item no. 40-20107-01)
1 Power-Splitter in housing
4 plug-in connection terminals 2-pole, RM 3.81
2 socket connectors 2-pole, RM 2.54
3 short circuit jumpers 2-pole, RM 2.54
4 plastic brackets for fixing the enclosure
1.2. Required additional equipment
Connection cables
The use of stranded wire is recommended for 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.
Connection to Recommended cross-section
Track output of the digital central unit or booster > 1,5 mm²
Booster sections > 0,75 mm²
short circuit feedback of the (DCC-compliant) booster
Emergency stop button > 0,04 mm²
Emergency stop button
The connection of an emergency stop button is optional. You can use all push-buttons in the
"normally open" ersion (e.g. art. no. 84-52127 or 84-52117).
4 | Getting started

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
1.3. Intended use
The Power-Splitter is intended for use in digital 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 Power-Splitter is not intended to be used by children under the
age of 14.
1.4. Safety instructions
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 Power-Splitter in closed, clean and dry rooms. A oid moisture and splash
water in the surrounding area. After condensation has formed, wait two hours for
acclimatisation before use.
Disconnect the Power-Splitter from the booster / digital central unit before carrying out
wiring work.
Heating of the Power-Splitter during operation is normal and harmless.
Do not expose the Power-Splitter 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 module / unit, e.g. for damage to the
connection cables or damage to the housing.
If you notice any damage or if malfunctions occur, disconnect the booster / digital central
unit immediately. Send in the Power-Splitter for inspection.
1.5. Care
Do not use any cleaning agents to clean your Power-Splitter. Only wipe the module or the
de ice dry. Disconnect the module / de ice from the booster or digital central unit before
cleaning.
Getting started | 5

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
2. Your Power-Splitter
With smaller nominal sizes, the current in the booster circuit is limited to 2 to 3 A in order to
protect rails and ehicles from damage in the e ent of a short circuit. The Power-Splitter
makes it possible to use a higher output current of the booster e en with smaller nominal
sizes. It is connected between the track output of the booster (or the digital central unit with
integrated booster) and the track and splits the power of the booster into two or three
sections with a maximum current of either 2 or 3 A.
Use wit all boosters
The Power-Splitter monitors the current in the connected two or three sections. It does not
interfere with the control of the booster and can therefore be used with all boosters.
The sum of the current consumption in the (two or three) connected sections must not exceed
the maximum output current of the booster. Otherwise, the short circuit shutdown of the
booster will react, e en if the maximum current in one section has not been exceeded.
Absolute sync ronicity
When crossing the separation points between booster circuits supplied by different boosters,
the following problems may occur:
Equalising currents between the booster circuits due to different output oltages of the
boosters. Possible consequences: Short circuits on boosters, rails, wheels and sliders.
Different digital signals in the two booster circuits due to different run times in the
boosters. Possible consequences: Vehicle decoders misinterpret these digital signals as run
or switch commands or as a command to switch to analogue mode.
The risks are all the greater the more different the construction of the boosters in ol ed. E en
when using identical boosters, the problems described can occur due to component
tolerances.
When using the Power-Splitter, the output oltage and transit time of the digital signals are
absolutely synchronous in all connected booster sections. This ensures that the separation
points between the sections can be passed o er without any problems.
6 | Your Power-Splitter

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
Optional connections
Short circuit feedback line: The feedback is DCC-compliant to the DCC booster connection
of the digital central unit (or ia an external booster to the central unit). With central units
or boosters that do not ha e a DCC-compliant booster connection, the shortcircuit feedback
line cannot be connected.
External emergency stop button: With the button the power is switched off simultaneously
for all sections. With the appropriate setting, the button can also be used to switch the
current back on (e.g. after a short circuit).
Setting options
By plugging jumpers (short circuit jumpers) onto the 2x4-pole pin connectors, the following
can be set
the number of acti e sections (2 or 3)
the maximum current in the sections (2 A or 3 A). The setting is made separately for each
booster section.
Further settings are made using the main track programming (POM):
Turnout addresses for separate switching on/off of the two or three booster sections with
DCC turnout setting commands
Turnout address for switching on/off the watchdog with DCC turnout setting commands
Short circuit sensiti ity: setting in 50 ms steps (50...350 ms)
Restart time after a short circuit: Setting in 1 s steps (4...9 s)
Use of the emergency stop button for restarting after a short circuit
Beha iour in case of short circuit: Switching off all strings or only the affected string
Max. duration of the inrush current ("inrush time"): setting in 50 ms steps (300...500 ms)
Note: With central units that do not support POM programming, the settings cannot be
changed. Factory settings (default alues) → section 4.2.
LED display of t e operating status
LEDs indicate the operating status of the indi idual (acti e) strings:
String switched on / off
Short circuit in the connected booster section
Emergency stop button pressed
Your Power-Splitter | 7

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
2.1. Background information
Watc dog
The watchdog is used in PC-controlled systems to check whether the digital signals are
transmitted in a booster circuit. For this purpose, the central unit (controlled by the PC
software) sends a DCC turnout setting command to a turnout address assigned to the Power-
Splitter at inter als of max. 5 seconds. As soon as the Power-Splitter no longer recei es these
commands, it automatically switches off the booster sections.
For test purposes, the watchdog function can be acti ated and deacti ated by manually
sending a turnout setting command to the assigned turnout address.
Inrus time
The sum of the charging currents of buffer capacitors on ehicle decoders (especially sound
decoders) and additional external backup capacitors can become so high when the system is
switched on that the short circuit shutdown of the booster reacts immediately. This makes it
difficult to start up the system when the short circuit cut-off is acti e.
After switching on, the Power-Splitter can accept an increased current of 5 A per booster
section for a short time (adjustable up to max. 500 ms) and tolerates the brief collapse of the
oltage. This time is sufficient to charge buffer capacitors and support electrolytic capacitors.
Only if the current does not drop again after the set time and the oltage does not rise again,
the short circuit disconnection of the Power-Splitter reacts (because then a "real" short circuit
can be assumed).
For further information on inrush current, see RailCommunity standard RCN 530 (at:
www.railcommunity.de).
8 | Your Power-Splitter

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
3. Connections
For the arious connections are soldered on the board:
2-pole tub plugs for connection to the track output of the central unit or the booster and to
the booster sections. Plug the connection cables into the corresponding plug-in connection
terminals (included in the deli ery) and screw them tight (like a luster terminal). Then plug
the terminals into the tub connectors.
2-pole pin connectors for connecting the short circuit feedback line and the emergency stop
button. Solder the connection cables to the corresponding socket connectors (included in
the scope of deli ery) and plug them into the pin connectors.
Connections | 9

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Power-Splitter tams elektronik
3.1. Connections to the track output of the booster or the central unit
Booster
Connect the booster connector of the Power-Splitter to the track output of the booster or
central unit. You can connect the Power-Splitter to boosters of all types (DCC compliant,
Märklin compatible or other).
Note:
For the connection, use a cable with a cross-section sufficient for the load (recommended
cross-section: > 1.5 mm²). If the cross-section is too small, the o ercurrent/short-circuit
shutdown does not work reliably and the cable can become ery warm. Fire azard!
S ort circuit feedback
The connection of the short circuit feedback of the Power-Splitter is optional. Connect the
terminals of the Power-Splitter with the terminals D (ground) and E (short circuit feedback) of
the DCC-compliant interface of the booster or the central unit. When doing so, obser e the
assignment of the connections.
In combination with boosters or central units that do not ha e a DCC-compliant booster
interface, the connection of the short circuit feedback of the Power-Splitter is not possible.
Front side Power-Splitter
Version "Ready de ice"
10 | Connections

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tams elektronik Power-Splitter
3.2. Connections to the booster sections
Connect the rails of the booster sections to the connections for the strings. Make the
connections to the rails and the disconnections between the booster sections in the same way
as when connecting a booster directly.
Note:
For the connection, use a cable with a cross-section sufficient for the load (recommended
cross-section: > 0,75 mm²). If the cross-section is too small, the o ercurrent/short-circuit
shutdown does not work reliably and the cable can become ery warm. Fire azard!
Note:
Make sure that all booster sections ha e identical polarity! Otherwise, malfunctions may
occur when passing o er the separation points (e.g. short circuits, errors during data
transmission).
Note:
If a jumper is plugged onto pins 4.1 and 4.2 of the 2x4-pole pin strip, only strings 1 and 2
(booster sections 1 and 2) are supplied.
Rear side Power-Splitter
Version "Ready de ice"
Connections | 11

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
3.3. Connection of an emergency stop button
The connection of the emergency stop button ("STOP") is optional. You can use all push-
buttons in the "normally open" ersion.
Rear side Power-Splitter
Version "Ready de ice"
12 | Connections

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tams elektronik Power-Splitter
4. Settings / configuration
4.1. Jumpers
By plugging jumpers onto the jumper field (2x4-pin pin connectors), you make the following
settings:
Current per booster section: 2 or 3 A
Number of acti e booster sections: 2 or 3
Pins Setting Jumper not plugged
in (pins open)
Jumper plugged in
1 Max. current booster section 1 2 amps 3 amps
2 Max. current booster section 2 2 amps 3 amps
3 Max. current booster section 3 2 amps 3 amps
4 Number of acti e booster sections 3 2 (strings 1 and 2)
Note:
The sum of the current in all booster sections must not exceed the maximum output current
of the booster. Otherwise, the o ercurrent shutdown of the booster reacts and switches off
all booster sections, e en if the maximum current set for the booster sections has not been
exceeded. In this case, all booster sections are always switched off, regardless of the short
circuit beha iour set for the Power-Splitter.
Front side Power-Splitter
Version "Ready de ice"
Settings / configuration | 13

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
4.2. CV settings
You can adjust the Power-Splitter to indi idual requirements ia main track programming
(POM). With central units that do not support this type of programming, the factory (default)
settings cannot be changed.
Switc ing to programming mode
To initiate programming of the Power-Splitter, enter the alue "62" for CV 7 of any DCC
ehicle decoder address. Proceed as described in the instructions for your central unit. This
entry has no effect on a decoder with the address in question, as no entry is possible for CV 7
of ehicle decoders (= ersion).
After you ha e started the programming mode (entered the alue "62" for CV 7), the LEDs
flash. You can now change the settings of the Power-Splitter by selecting CV 7 again and
entering a alue from the following table for it.
If no alue is entered for CV 7 within 30 seconds after starting the programming mode, the
programming of the Power-Splitter is automatically aborted. After a alue has been entered,
the programming mode is automatically terminated. If you want to change further alues, you
must restart the programming mode by entering the alue "62" for CV 7.
14 | Settings / configuration

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tams elektronik Power-Splitter
Function Input value
for CV 7
Setting / Comment
Start
programming
mode
62 To change settings, you must enter a alue for CV 7
again within 30 seconds. Otherwise, the programming
mode is automatically terminated.
Reset 8 To reset all settings to the default alues (= alues at
deli ery).
Turnout
addresses
1 Turnout address for string 1. Default alue: 100
2 Turnout address for string 2. Default alue: 101
3 Turnout address for string 3. Default alue: 102
4 Turnout address for watchdog. Default alue: none
After you ha e entered the alue 1, 2, 3 or 4 for CV 7, you can assign a
turnout address to one of the strings / the watchdog. To do this, select
a turnout address at your central unit and execute a switching
command for this address.
Short circuit
sensiti ity
11 50 ms
12 100 ms = default alue
13, 14, … 17 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 ms
Note:
Set the short circuit sensiti ity of the Power-Splitter at least 200 ms
lower than that of the booster. Otherwise, the booster may switch off
sooner than the Power-Splitter in the e ent of a short circuit.
Restart time after
short circuit
24 4 s = Default alue
25 5 s
26, 27, … 29 6, 7, 8, 9 s
Emergency stop
button
30 Use of the emergency stop button also for switching
on: no
31 Use of the emergency stop button also for switching
on: yes = Default alue
Beha iour in case
of short circuit
40 All strings are switched off.
41 Only the affected string is switched off.
= Default alue
Max. duration of
inrush current
("inrush time")
50 300 ms = Default alue
51, 52, … 54 350, 400, 450, 500 ms
Settings / configuration | 15

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
5. Operation
5.1. LED displays
A LED is assigned to each of the 3 strings to indicate the arious operating states. Note: If
only two booster sections are acti ated (strings 1 and 2, jumpers inserted on pins 4), the LED
for string 3 remains permanently off.
LED displays for individual strings
Display Meaning
permanently
on
The associated string is switched on.
slow flashing The associated string has been switched off.
fast flashing
There is a short circuit in the associated string.
Note: In this case, the LEDs for the unaffected strings are
permanently on - regardless of whether they ha e also been
switched off or not (-→ CV setting for beha iour in the e ent of
a short circuit).
permanently
off
The associated string (string 3) is inacti e,
jumper on pins 4 is plugged.
LED displays for all strings
all LEDs Display Meaning
slow flashing Change to programming mode
fast flashing
The emergency stop button has been pressed
and all strings ha e been switched off.
16 | Operation

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
5.2. Use of turnout addresses
The three booster sections and the watchdog can be switched ia turnout addresses.
Turnout "straig t a ead" Turnout to "branc "
Booster sections 1, 2 or 3 on off
Watchdog on / refresh off
If the power supply for the Power-Splitter is interrupted, the
watchdog is automatically deacti ated. To acti ate the
watchdog, the setting command "turnout straight ahead"
must be sent to the assigned turnout address.
In standard operation, the acti ation of the watchdog is
taken o er by the PC control. For test purposes, the
watchdog can be switched on and off manually ia turnout
setting commands.
Operation | 17

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Power-Splitter tams elektronik
6. Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction
Warning: If you notice a strong heat de elopment, immediately disconnect the Power-
Splitter and the booster / digital central unit from the supply oltage. Fire azard! Send in
the Power-Splitter for testing.
6.1. No supply to the booster sections
All LEDs permanently switc ed off
Possible cause: The connection to the booster is faulty.  Check the connections.
Only LED for string 3 permanently switc ed off
Booster section 3 is not supplied with power, although string 3 is correctly connected to the
rails and the output of the Power-Splitter.
Possible cause: A jumper is plugged into pins 4. This limits the number of acti e strings to
two (strings 1 and 2).  Remo e the jumper.
LEDs lig t up
Depending on the number of acti e strings, the LEDs for strings 1 and 2 or all three LEDs light
up. The strings are still not supplied with power.
Possible cause: The connection to the rails is faulty.  Check the connections.
6.2. Problems with short circuit disconnection
S ort circuit cut-off wit out exceeding t e current in t e booster sections
The booster switches off all booster sections although the maximum current in the booster
sections has not been exceeded (2 or 3 A depending on the setting).
The booster switches off all booster sections although it is set so that only the affected
booster section is to be switched off in the e ent of a short circuit.
Possible cause: The maximum output current of the booster has been exceeded. It is
smaller than the sum of the current in the booster sections.  Reduce the current
consumption in the booster sections or the number of acti e booster sections (from 3 to 2).
18 | Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction

tams elektronik Power-Splitter
No s ort circuit cut-off
The central unit / the booster does not switch off in case of a short circuit, although the short
circuit feedback of the Power-Splitter is connected.
Possible cause: The connections D and E are connected to the interface the wrong way
round.  Check the connections and change them if necessary.
Possible cause: The short circuit feedback was not connected to a DCC-compliant booster
interface, but to one according to another standard (e.g. Märklin-compatible). Howe er, the
short circuit feedback of the Power-Splitter is only possible with a DCC-compliant booster
interface. With central units or boosters that do not ha e a DCC-compliant booster
connection, the short circuit feedback line cannot be connected.
Possible cause: The short circuit sensiti ity of the booster is set lower than that of the
Power-Splitter.  Set the short circuit sensiti ity of the booster at least 200 ms higher than
that of the Power-Splitter.
6.3. Technical Hotline
If you ha e any questions about the use of the Power-Splitter, our technical hotline will help
you (telephone number and e-mail address on the last page).
6.4. Repairs
You can send us a defecti e Power-Splitter 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.
Checklist for troubleshooting and error correction | 19

Power-Splitter tams elektronik
7. Technical data
Interfaces
Booster 2-pole, for connection to track output of booster / central
unit
Short circuit feedback line 2-pole, DCC-compliant ("D" and "E"), optional
Strings 1 to 3 2-pole for connection to tracks of two or three booster
sections
Emergency stop button 2-pole for connection of a push-button ("normally open"
ersion), optional
Electrical c aracteristics
Power supply ia the connected booster
Current consumption max. 60 mA (without consumers)
Output oltage as output oltage of the booster
Output current max. 2 or 3 A per booster section (adjustable)
Configuration
Procedure Main track programming (POM), DCC compliant
Assignment of turnout
addresses
to the strings | Default alues: 100, 101, 102
to the watchdog | Default alue: none
Short circuit sensiti ity 50...350 ms (adjustable in 50 ms steps)
Default alue:100 ms
Reconnection time after a
short circuit
4..9 s (adjustable in 1 s steps)
Default alue: 4 s
Beha iour in the e ent of a
short circuit
Optionally switch off all strings or only the affected string.
Default alue: switching off only the affected string
Use of the
Emergency stop button
Also for switching on: yes / no
Default alue: yes
Inrush time 50..500 ms (adjustable in 50 ms steps)
Default alue: 300 ms
20 | Technical data