tams elektronik LD-G-8 User manual

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LD-G-8
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Lastgeregelter Lokdecoder
für Gleichstrommotoren
DCC-Format n
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Locomotive Decoder
with load control for
DC engines - DCC format n
nAnleitung
Décodeur avec compensation de
charge pour locomotive avec
moteur continu - Format DCC nManual
nMode d´emploi
Lastgeregelde Locdecoder
voor gelijkstroommotoren
DCC-format nHandleiding
n
Art.-Nr. 22-01-065
Art.-Nr. 22-01-066 n
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nDeutsch 3
nEnglish 25
nFrançais 45
nNederlands 66
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© 03/2005 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Alle Rechte, insbesondere das Recht
der Vervielfältigung und Verbreitung
sowie der Übersetzung vorbehalten.
Vervielfältigungen und Reproduktionen
in jeglicher Form bedürfen der
schriftlichen Genehmigung durch die
Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten.
© 03/2005 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.
© 03/2005 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Tout droits réservés, en particulier les
droits de reproduction et de diffusion
ainsi que le traduction. Toute
duplication ou reproduction sous
quelque forme que ce soit nécessite
l´accord écrit de la societé Tams
Elektronik GmbH.
Sous réserve de modifications
techniques.
© 03/2005 Tams Elektronik GmbH
Alle rechten voorbehouden. Niets uit
deze publicatie mag worden
vermenigvuldigd opgeslagen of
openbaar gemaakt, zonder
voorafgaande schriftelijke toestemming
van Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische wijzigingen voorbehouden. n

LD-G-8 English
Page 25
Table of contents
How to use this manual 26
Intended use 26
Safety instructions 27
EMC declaration 29
Information: Speed mode 29
Information: Configuration variables (CVs) 29
Operation overview 30
Technical specifications 34
Checking the package contents 34
Required tools and materials 34
Safe and correct soldering 35
Mounting the locomotive decoder 36
Programming the locomotive decoder 39
Improvement of the driving characteristics 43
FAQ 43
Manufacturer's note 43
Certification 44
Conditional warranty 44
Connections (Fig. 1 and 2) I
Circuit Diagram (Fig. 3) II
(Pages I to II in the centre of this handbook are removeable.)

English LD-G-8
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How to use this manual
If you have no specialist technical training, this manual gives step-by-
step instructions for safe and correct fitting of the module, and
operation. Before you start, we advise you to read the whole manual,
particularly the chapter on safety instructions and the FAQ chapter. 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
Caution:
Integrated circuits 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.
The module can be used according to the specifications of this manual
in a model railway. Mounted in a model railway locomotive with d.c
motor it evaluates the DCC format data sent by the digital central unit
to its address. The decoder controls the vehicle performance (velocity,
direction of travel, acceleration) and switches the four function outputs,
which can be variously assigned to the functions keys.
The module should not be assembled or operated by children under the
age of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any guarantees.

LD-G-8 English
Page 27
Safety instructions
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,
§connecting the circuit to another voltage than specified,
§impermissibly high humidity,
§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.
§Mounting the module 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.
§After condensation build up, allow a minimum of 2 hours for
dispersion.
§Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the module.

English LD-G-8
Page 28
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.
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
§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.
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.
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, mounting
and operation must be supervised by qualified personnel.
In industrial institutions, health and safety regulations applying to
electronic work must be adhered to.

LD-G-8 English
Page 29
EMC declaration
This product is developed in accordance with the European standards
EN 55014 and EN 50082-1, tested corresponding to the EC - directive
89/336/EWG (EMVG of 09/11/1992, electromagnetic tolerance) and
meets legal requirements.
To guarantee the electromagnetic tolerance you must take the
following precautions:
§Connect the transformer only to an approved mains socket installed
by an authorised electrician.
§Make no changes to the original parts and accurately follow the
instructions, print layout and circuit included with this manual.
§Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the module.
Information: Speed mode
Digital control units for DCC format can send 14, 28 or 128 speed levels
depending on the model and the settings. The number of speed levels sent
by the digital control unit (= speed mode) must be set at the decoder as
well. Otherwise the performance of the locomotive may be incorrect.
Information: Configuration variables (CVs)
You can set the so-called configuration variables of the decoder from
the central unit. The programming of the variables allows the
adjustment of the decoder to the particular driving characteristics of the
locomotive and to the individual needs of the user.
The configuration variables are saved in the decoder and are also
preserved if the locomotive is switched off. Changing the configuration
variables is possible at any time from the digital control unit.
The configuration variables for the DCC format are standarised. The
variables that can be set depend on the decoder type.

English LD-G-8
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Operation overview
The decoder LD-G-8 is designed for operation in DCC format and can be
adjusted to one of 127 basic addresses or to one of 10.239 extended
addresses. It is designed to be controlled from digital control units that
are set on the 14-, 28 or the 128-speed mode.
The decoder can be programmed individually by setting the
configuration variables. It is possible to set all configuration variables
with central units which support the CV-programming. With central
units which only support the so-called register-programming the
number of the configuration variables that can be set is restricted.
The configuration variables of the LD-G-8
The following configuration variables (CVs) can be set from the digital
control unit:
§Basic address (CV#1)
§Starting voltage (CV#2)
§Acceleration rate (CV#3)
§Braking rate (CV#4)
§Maximum voltage (CV#5) *1
§Version (CV#7) – read only*1
§Manufacturer identification (CV#8) - read only *1
§Extended address (CV#17 und CV#18) *1
§Configuration data 1 (CV#29)
§Assignment of the outputs X1 to X4 to the function keys F5 to F8
(CV#39 to 42) *1
§Configuration data 2 (CV#49) *1
§Dimming of the outputs X1 to X4 (CV#50 to C53) *1
§Proportional component of the load control “KP” (CV#54) *1
§Assignment of the outputs X1 to X4 to the function keys F0 to F4
(CV#55 to 58) *1

LD-G-8 English
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§Integral component of the load “KI” (CV#59) *1
§Effects for the outputs X1 to X4 (CV#60 to 63) *1
§Differential component of the load control “KD” (CV#64) *1
§Alternative velocity characteristic for mode 28 speed levels (CV#67
to 94) *1
*1 Not possible with central units with register programming!
Driving of the motor
The motor is driven with a PWM of 32 kHz. This guarantees a soft and
constant run of the motor. The decoder may also be used with coreless
(Faulhaber) motors as well.
Load control
At constant motor voltage, additional loads (e.g. running up a gradient,
coupled carriages) cause the locomotive to slow down or even come to
a standstill. If the load control is active the motor voltage varies to keep
the locomotive operating at constant velocity at a given speed level,
independent of additional loads.
It is possible to switch on and off the load control by varying a CV-
variable of the deocder. The parameters of the load control may be
altered as well.
Attention:
For most locomotives you will achieve good driving characteristics with
the factory settings. Incorrect of the load control parameter settings
deteriorate the driving characteristics of the motor considerably.
Therefore you should first check the locomotive with the preset values
and modify the parameters of the load control only step-by-step.
Parameters of the load control: The load control is determined by
three parameters which have to be coordinated in order to achieve
optimal driving characteristics. Each of the load control parameters is
assigned to a configuration variable. The parameters are:

English LD-G-8
Page 32
KP: The proportional component of the load control ensures the
difference between the set and the present value being as small as
possible. It cannot have the value „0“ at any time.
KI: The integral component of the load control ensures the remaining
difference between the set and the present value being reduced to 0.
KD: The differential component of the load control ensures that the
control is not converted too quickly. Shaking and vibrating would be the
consequence.
Velocity characteristic
The decoder can be adjusted to the driving characteristics of the motor
and the characteristic speed of the locomotive type, by setting the
starting velocity and the maximum velocity. From the starting velocity
and the maximum velocity the decoder generates a linear velocity
characteristic.
The operating voltage of the locomotive motor at speed level 1 is set by
adjusting the starting velocity. Normally the motor voltage is adjusted
so that the locomotive just starts to run at speed level 1.
The operating voltage of the locomotive motor at speed level 14, 28
resp. 128 is set by adjusting the maximum velocity. The adjustment
should be such that the locomotive reaches the desired maximum speed
at the highest speed level.
When the speed level mode is set to 28 speed levels, it is possible to
assign any motor voltage to all of the 28 speed levels as an alternative
to the linear velocity characteristic. This allows the programming of a
velocity characteristic which adjusts the individual driving characteristics
of the motor. The set values are saved in the alternative velocity table.
Shunting gear
In the speed modes 14 and 28, it is possible to switch into the shunting
gear mode via a function key, when so programmed. In the shunting
gear mode, the velocity of all speed levels is reduced to approx. 50 %
compared to the set velocity.

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Page 33
Acceleration and brake delay
It is possible to program the acceleration and brake delay individually
via the central unit.
Emergency stop
By setting a CV-variable it is possible to adjust how an emergency stop
is carried out. There are the following possibilities:
§no emergency stop possible,
§emergency stop at change of direction and / or
§emergency stop by operating of F1.
Function outputs
The decoder has four function outputs which can be switched on and
off via the function keys „function“ and / or the auxiliary function keys
F0 to F8. They are available to connect optional accessories (e.g.
lighting, smoke generator, sound module, electric coupling).
You can assign the function keys to the function outputs freely. It is
possible to assign several function keys to one function output.
Effects of the function outputs
It is possible to set the following effects for all function outputs
individually:
§Irregular flickering. Example of use: Flickering of the boiler fire by
steam engines.
§Strobe (flashing). Example of use: American locomotives with that
kind of lighting.
§MARS light (swelling of the brightness). Example of use: American
locomotives with that kind of lighting.
§Switching on and off depending on the direction of travel.
§Flashing with a frequency of 2 Hz with two phases which are out-
of-phase by 180 degrees. Example of use: individual flash lights or
alternating flash lights.
§Flashing with a frequency of 1 Hz.

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Technical specifications
Data format DCC
Supply voltage 12-24 Volt digital voltage
Current consumption
(without connected loads) approx. 10 mA
Max. current for motor 1.000 mA
Max. current per function output 500 mA
Max. total current 1.500 mA
Protected to IP 00
Ambient temperature in use 0 - + 60° C
Ambient temperature in storage -10 - + 80° C
Comparative humidity allowed max. 85 %
Dimensions approx. 27,5 x 16,5 x 5,5 mm
Weight approx. 5 g
Checking the package contents
Check the contents of the package for completeness immediately after
unpacking:
§one decoder, with or without soldered connecting wires resp.
soldered NEM 652 interface connector, depending on the version.
§one manual.
N.B. For technical reasons it is possible that the PCB is not completely
inserted. This is not a fault.
Required tools and materials
Make sure you have the following tools, equipment and materials ready
for use:
§an electronic soldering iron (max. 30 Watt) with a fine tip,
§a soldering iron stand,

LD-G-8 English
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§a tip-cleaning sponge,
§a heat-resistant mat,
§a small side cutter and wire stripper,
§a pair of tweezers,
§tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter),
§wire (diameter: >0,05 mm² for all connections).
Safe and correct soldering
Caution:
Incorrect soldering can cause dangers through fires and heat. Avoid
these dangers by reading and following the directions given in the
chapter Safety instructions. If you have had training in soldering you
can skip this chapter.
§Use a small soldering iron with max. 30 Watt. Keep the soldering tip
clean so the heat of the soldering iron is applied to the solder point
effectively.
§Only use tin solder SN 60 Pb (i.e. 60 % tin, 40 % lead) with rosin-
based flux.
§When soldering electronic circuits never use soldering-water or
soldering grease. They contain acids that can corrode components
and copper tracks.
§Solder quickly: holding the iron on the joints longer than necessary
can destroy components and can damage copper tracks or
soldering eyes.
§Apply the soldering tip to the soldering spot in such a way that the wire
and the soldering eye are heated at the same time. Simultaneously add
solder (not too much). As soon as the solder becomes liquid take it
away. Hold the soldering tip at the spot for a few seconds so that the
solder flows into the joint, then remove the soldering iron.
§The joint should be held still for about 5 seconds after soldering. A
glossy and perfect soldering spot should remain.

English LD-G-8
Page 36
§To make a good soldering joint you should use a clean and
unoxidised soldering tip. Clean the soldering tip with a damp piece
of cloth, a damp sponge or a piece of silicon cloth.
§After soldering check (preferably with a magnifying glass) tracks for
accidental solder bridges and short circuits. This would cause faulty
operation or, in the worst case, permanent damage. You can
remove excess solder by putting a clean soldering tip on the spot.
The solder will become liquid again and flow from the soldering
spot to the soldering tip.
Mounting the locomotive decoder
Open the locomotive housing. Locate the position for the decoder.
Disconnect the motor from the rail current collector.
Mounted to the motor there are interference suppression devices,
consisting or capacitors and chokes. Disconnect the interference
suppression devices.
Follow the connection diagram fig. 1 and fig. 2.
Solder the connections from the rail current collectors at the points X8
and X9 (back of the locomotive decoder). The assignment of the
connecting wires is not important.
Next solder the connections from the motor at the points X6 and X7
(back of the locomotive decoder).
Connecting the lighting and other accessories
Disconnect any existing diodes in the leads to the lamps. Follow the
connection diagram fig. 1 and fig. 2.
Connect the lamps and other accessories to the function outputs (X1 to
X4) on the front of the decoder. The assignment of the function outputs
to the function keys will be made when programming the decoder.
If the lamp or the accessory is already connected with one side to
locomotive ground, the connection is complete. If not, connect the

LD-G-8 English
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second side of the lamp or the accessory to the return conductor of the
decoder (point X5).
If you want to use the decoder factory settings, you have to connect
the lighting and the accessories as follows:
Front lighting: X4
Back lighting: X3
Accessory to be switched via F1: X1
Accessory to be switched via F2: X2
Caution:
If you connect the loads to the return conductor for all functions (point
X5), the load must be insulated. The loads should not make contact
with metal parts of the locomotive. Possible short circuit! The
locomotive decoder will be damaged in operation.
Caution:
The return conductor for all functions (point X5) must under no
circumstances be connected to locomotive ground. Possible short
circuit! The locomotive decoder will be damaged in operation.
Tip: Before starting to program the locomotive decoder you should
connect the motor to the decoder. Otherwise there is no confirmation
signal from the central unit.
Connecting the LEDs
The function outputs of the locomotive decoder switch against decoder
ground. For that reason you must connect the cathode (-) of the LED to
the output of the relevant function.
Caution:
If you use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) you must always operate them
via a series resistor.
LEDs are available in many different models. There are LEDs with 2-5
mA, but also LEDs with 15-30 mA power consumption. The series

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resistor limits the current flow of the LED and will need to be calculated
for each model. Ask for the max current rating when buying your LEDs.
You can connect up to 5 LEDs in parallel to each output. In this case
every LED must have a series resistor of its own. If you connect several
LEDs to one output in series, only one series resistor is needed. The
number of LEDs connected in series to one output depends on the
digital voltage.
You can determine the number of the LEDs that can be connected in
series to one output from the following formula:
(number of LEDs + 2) x 1,5 < digital voltage
Fixing the locomotive decoder
After completing all connections fix the locomotive decoder with double-
sided adhesive tape, for example.
Using a NEM 652 interface connector
Some locomotives already have an NEM 652 interface connector
mounted. Using a convenient connecting plug you save disconnecting
the connections and you do not need to solder at the locomotive.
The list below shows how to connect the contacts of the interface
connector to the connecting points of the locomotive decoder.
Contact Connection Colour of cable Connecting points
1Motor connection 1 orange X7
2Lighting back (-) yellow X3
3Not used or F1 green X1
4Power supply left black X8
5Motor connection 2 grey X6
6Lighting front (-) white X4
7Common conductor
for all functions (+) blue X5
8Power supply right red X9

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Programming the locomotive decoder
The locomotive decoder is programmed from the digtial central. See
chapter in the manual of your digital control unit where the
programming of configuration variables (CVs) is explained.
You can programm resp. read out the following locomotive decoder
variables:
NB. With central units with register-programming it is only possible to
program the variables CV#1 to CV#4 (= register 1 to 4) and CV#29 (=
register 5).
*2 Tip: You program the configuration variables CV#29, CV#39 to 42,
CV# 49, CV#55 to 58 and CV#60 to 63 by entering the sum of the
numerical values which are assigned to the desired parameters.
CV-name CV-
no. Input value /
(State of
delivery)
Remarks
Basic
address 11 ... 127
(3)
Starting
voltage 20 ... 255
(10) =The voltage to be output to the
motor at speed level 1.
The value "0" corresponds to 0
Volt, the value "255" to the max.
voltage.
Acceleration
rate 30 ... 255
(16) =Length of the delay before the
switching to the next higher
speed level when the locomotive
is accelerating.
The delay is calculated as follows:
(value of CV#3) x 0,9 sec. /
number of speed levels

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CV-name CV-
no. Input value /
(State of
delivery)
Remarks
Braking rate 40 ... 255
(16) =Length of the delay before
the switching to the next lower
speed level when the
locomotive is braking. The
delay is calculated as described
in CV#3.
Maximum
voltage 50 ... 255
(0) =The voltage to be output to
the motor at the highest speed
level.
The value "2" corresponds to
0,8 %, the value "255" to
100 % of the max. voltage.
Version 7--- Read only!
Manufacturer 8--- Read only!
Reset 80 ... 255 Any value restores the settings
in state of delivery.
Extended
adress 17
18 1 ... 10239 (-) Numerical value *2
Direction "standard" 0
Reverse direction 1
14 speed levels 0
28 or 128 speed levels 2
Linear
velocity characteristic 0
Alternative
velocity characteristic 16
Basic adress 0
Configuration
data 1 29 (2)
Extended adress 32

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CV-name CV-
no. Input value /
(State of
delivery)
Remarks
Assignment 0 ... 15 Numerical value *2
F5 – F8 to (0) Operation with:
the outputs: --- 0
X4 39 function key F5 1
X3 40 function key F6 2
X1 41 function key F7 4
X2 42 function key F8 8
Numerical value *2
Load control active 1
Emergency stop at
change of direction 2
Emergency stop at F1 4
Shunting gear mode at F1 8
Shunting gear mode at F2 16
Shunting gear mode at F3 32
Configuration
data 2 49 0 ... 127
(1)
Shunting gear mode at F4 64
Dimming of
the outputs:
X4 50
X3 51
X1 52
X2 53
0 ... 63 =The voltage that is applied to
the output.
The value "1" corresponds to
the minimum, „63“ to the
maximum voltage.
Parameter of
load control KP 54 0 ... 255
(25) =Proportional component of
the load control.

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CV-name CV-
no. Input value /
(State of
delivery)
Remarks
Assignment 0 ... 31 Numerical value *2
F0 – F4 to Operation with:
the outputs: --- 0
function key F1 1
X4 55 (16) function key F2 2
X3 56 (16) function key F3 4
X1 57 (1) function key F4 8
X2 58 (2) function key F0 16
Parameter of
load control KI 59 0 ... 255 (5) =Integral component of the load control.
Effects 0 ... 255 Numerical value *2
for the Flickering active 1
outputs: Strobe active 2
MARS light active 4
at forward motion inactive 8
X4 60 (16) at backward motion inactive 16
X3 61 (8) Flashing 2 Hz phase A 32
X1 62 (0) Flashing 2 Hz phase B 64
X2 63 (0) Flashing 1 Hz 128
Parameter of
load control KD 64 0 ... 255 (48) =Differential component of the load control
Alternative
velocity
characteristic
(only with
mode 28
speed levels)
67
.
.
.
94
0 ... 255 =The velocity table for the
alternative velocity characteristic.
Any motor voltage can be
assigned to all of the 28 speed
levels.
The value "0" corresponds to a
voltage of „0“, „255“ to the
maximum voltage.