tams elektronik FD-R Basic User manual

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FD-R
Basic n
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RailCom-Sender und
Funktionsdecoder n
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RailCom transmitter
and function decoder nAnleitung
nManual
Emetteur RailCom et
décodeur de fonctions nMode d´emploi
nHandleiding
RailCom-zender en
functiedecoder n
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Art.-Nr. 42-01100 | 42-01101 n
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MMDCC

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nDeutsch 3
nEnglish 31
nFrançais 59
nNederlands 87
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Alle Rechte, insbesondere das Recht
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sowie der Übersetzung vorbehalten.
Vervielfältigungen und Repro-
duktionen in jeglicher Form bedürfen
der schriftlichen Genehmigung durch
die Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten.
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.
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.
Alle rechten voorbehouden. Niets uit
deze publicatie mag worden
vermenig-vuldigd opgeslagen of
openbaar gemaakt, zonder vooraf-
gaande schriftelijke toestemming van
Tams Elektronik GmbH.
Technische wijzigingen voorbehouden.
© 09/2010 Tams Elektronik GmbH
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FD-RBasic English
Page 31
Table of contents
1. Getting started 32
2. Safety instructions 33
3. EMC declaration 35
4. Safe and correct soldering 36
5. Operation overview 37
6. Technical specifications 40
7. Mounting the FD-RBasic 40
8. Programming the FD-RBasic43
9. Configuration variables and the registers of the FD-RBasic 49
10. Operation with RailCom®53
11. Check list for trouble shooting 55
12. Manufacturer's note, CE and Warranty 57
Connections (Fig. 1) I
Circuit Diagram (Fig. 2) II
(Pages I to II in the centre of this handbook are removeable.)
Remark: RailCom®is the registered trademark of the Lenz Elektronik
GmbH, Hüttenbergstraße 29, D-35398 Gießen. To increase the text´s
readabiliy we have refrained from refering to this point in each
instance.

English FD-RBasic
Page 32
!
1. Getting started
How to use this manual
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
The module FD-RBasic is designed for mounting in a model railway
locomotive or in a model railway carriage. It can be used as a function
decoder and / or as a RailCom transmitter in addition to a locomotive or
function decoder that is not compatible to RailCom.
The module should not be mounted 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.
Caution:
Integrated circuits (ICs) are inserted on the module. They 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.

FD-RBasic English
Page 33
Checking the package contents
Check the contents of the package for completeness immediately after
unpacking:
§one module, with or without soldered connecting wires, depending
on the version.
§one manual.
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,
§a tip-cleaning sponge,
§a heat-resistant mat,
§a small side cutter, a wire stripper and a pair of tweezers,
§tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter),
§wire (diameter: >0,05 mm² for all connections).
2. 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,

English FD-RBasic
Page 34
§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.
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.

FD-RBasic English
Page 35
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.
3. EMC declaration
This product is developed and tested in accordance with the European
standards EN 55014-1 and EN 61000-6-3 and meets the EC - directive
2004/108/EG and legal requirements.
To guarantee the electromagnetic tolerance in operation 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, circuit diagram and PCB layut included with this
manual.
§Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the
ready-built module.

English FD-RBasic
Page 36

4. 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.
§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 electronic tin solder with 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.
§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.

FD-RBasic English
Page 37
5. Operation overview
The module FD-RBasic can be used both as a function decoder and as a
RailCom transmitter in addition to a locomotive or function decoder that is
not compatible to RailCom.
Driving in digital Operation
The FD-RBasic is a multiple protocol function decoder, that can operate
with and automatically recognises both DCC or Motorola formats.
The number of addresses is dependant on the format being used.
Motorola-Format: 255 addresses
DCC- Format: 127 Basis-addresses or 10.239 extended addresses.
In the DCC format the decoder can be driven in all speed levels (14, 28
or 128).
Programming the decoder is done in DCC format by setting the
configuration variables and in Motorola format through the registers.
Operation in analogue mode
The FD-RBasic can also be used in analogue model railway layouts that are
run with an D.C. speed control. When putting the vehicle on the rails the
decoder recognizes automatically if it is run in analogue or digital mode
and sets the corresponding operation mode. The automatic recognition of
the analogue mode can be switched off.
Switching the function outputs on or off is not possible in analogue
mode. They can be programmed so that they are either switched on or
off in analogue mode. The effects set for the outputs are active in
analogue mode as well.
Outputs to be switched with F0 are switched on or off in analogue
mode according to the direction of travel.

English FD-RBasic
Page 38
Function outputs
The decoder has two amplified function outputs with a maximum
current of 100 mA each, which are available to connect optional
accessories (e.g. lighting).
In DCC format the function outputs can be switched via the function
keys F0 to F12. In Motorola format the function outputs can be
switched via the function keys F0 to F4. The functions F5 to F9 can be
switched via the function keys F1 to F4 and F0 by assigning them to a
second address. The functions F10 to F12 are not available in Motorola
format.
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:
Dimming: Example of use: The electric bulbs of older vehicles made
for analogue operation can be dimmed and thus must not be
exchanged after the mounting of the decoder.
Switching on and off depending on the direction of travel: This
function can be assigned either to the individual outputs or to the
function keys.
Flash Lights: Both the frequency and the keying ratio can be set. E.g.
single and alternating flash lights or strobe lights.
Feedback with RailCom
RailCom is a log for bi-directional communication in digital model
railway layouts controlled in DCC-format. It allows e.g. the feedback of
the address and the CV values from the decoder to the digital control
unit or to special receivers (so-called detectors). The decoders must be
designed to send the RailCom messages.

FD-RBasic English
Page 39
The FD-RBasic has a special RailCom memory area, from which
(continuously) the (basic, extended or consist) address is sent to the
detectors (so-called RailCom broadcast datagramm) and from which a
CV message can be transferred after a DCC CV read-out command.
The FD-RBasic can be used as a function decoder compatible to RailCom
with an address of it´s own or it can be mounted in addition to a DCC
or Motorola locomotive or function decoder that is not compatible to
RailCom. In this case it serves as a RailCom transmitter (should the
occasion arise to switch additional functions). After taking over the
settings of the non compatible decoder into the memory area of
the FD-RBasic they can be sent as RailCom messages.
Sending RailCom messages is only possible in layouts with a DCC signal
on the rails. That is the reason why is not possible to use the FD-RBasic
as a RailCom transmitter in combination with a Motorola decoder in a
pure Motorola environment, but only when at least one other
locomotive or function decoder on the layout is controlled in DCC
format.

English FD-RBasic
Page 40
6.Technical specifications
Data format DCC and Motorola
Feedback log RailCom
Supply voltage 12-24 Volt digital voltage
Current consumption
(without connected loads) approx. 10 mA
Max. current of the function outputs 100 mA each
Max. total current 300 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. 12,5 x 9,5 x 3,3 mm
Weight approx. 0,6 g
7. Mounting the FD-RBasic
Follow the connection diagram fig. 1.
Open the vehicle´s housing. Locate the position for the module.
Solder the connections from the rail current collectors at the points X4
and X5. Assign the connections as follows:
X4: left rail current collector (seen in direction of motion)
X5: right rail current collector (seen in direction of motion)
Tip: It is not possible to send a confirmation signal to the central unit in
DCC format when there is not sufficient current consumption. Therefore
you should connect at least one accessory with a current consumption
of max. 100 mA before starting to program the module if using it as a
function decoder. In case you use the module as a RailCom-transmitter
only, this is not necessary.

FD-RBasic English
Page 41
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Tip: When programming the module with a Motorola central unit the
switch into the programming mode, and the status of the programming,
are shown by flashing the lighting connected to the outputs AUX1 to
AUX 2. You should therefore connect lighting to at least one output
before starting to program the module with a Motorola central unit.
Connecting accessories to the outputs
Before connecting the lighting and other accessories to the outputs
check if the current is below the maximum permissible value of 100 mA
per output. If lighting or other accessories with current larger than
100 mA are connected the decoder will be damaged when put into
operation.
Disconnect any existing diodes in the leads to the lamps. Connect the
lamps and the accessories to the function outputs (AUX1 to AUX2) 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
vehicle ground, the connection is complete. If not, connect the second
side of the lamp or the accessory to the return conductor of the
decoder (point X6).
Caution:
If you connect the accessories to the return conductor for all functions
(point X6), the accessories must be insulated. The accessories should
not make contact with metal parts of the vehicle. Possible short circuit!
The decoder will be damaged in operation.
Caution:
The return conductor for all functions (point X6) must under no
circumstances be connected to vehicle ground. Possible short circuit!
The decoder will be damaged in operation.

English FD-RBasic
Page 42
!
Factory settings
If you want to use the factory settings, you have to connect the lighting
and the accessories as follows:
Front lighting: AUX1
Back lighting: AUX2
Connecting the LEDs
The function outputs of the module (AUX1 and AUX2) switch to the
module ground. For that reason you must connect the cathode (-) of
the LED to the function outputs.
Caution:
If you use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) you must always operate them
via a series resistor. LEDs are available in many different models. The
series 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 several 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.
Connecting a smoothing capacitor
In track sections with bad contacts the power supply may be
interrupted shortly. You can solder a capacitor (e.g. 100 µF/35 V)
between the points X3 and X6 to conterat this effect (see fig. 1).
Fixing the module
After completing all connections fix the module with double-sided
adhesive tape, for example.

FD-RBasic English
Page 43
8. Programming the FD-RBasic
The FD-RBasic can be used both as a function decoder and as a RailCom
transmitter in addition to a locomotive or function decoder that is not
compatible to RailCom. The settings for it´s function as a function
decoder and the settings of the decoder it serves as a RailCom
transmitter are saved in two seperate memory areas, the function
decoder area and the RailCom area.
To take over the data into the RailCom area from DCC decoders or
Motorola decoders with register programming, the decoder and the
RailCom area of the FD-RBasic are programmed together. With Motorola
decoders without register programming for instance, the address can
be saved in the RailCom area of the FD-RBasic .
In DCC format it is possible to program register or configuration
variables (CVs), main track programming can be used as well. In
Motorola format the settings are saved in registers.
Programming with DCC central units
You can programm the configuration variables (CV) of the module from
the digital central unit. See the chapter in the manual of your central
unit where the byte wise programming of configuration variables (CVs)
is explained. With central units that allow only register-programming it
is only possible to program the variables CV#1 and CV#29 (= register 1
and 5).
Programming with the Central Station and the Mobile Station
With the Central Station or the Mobile Station of Märklin* you can
program the registers, but the value to be set is limited to 80. Select
the article no. 29750 from the locomotive database and program the
decoder as described for this article in the Central Station´s or Mobile
Station´s manual.

English FD-RBasic
Page 44
Programming with Motorola central units
Put the locomotive on a track oval or a track section connected to the
central unit’s track output. Make sure no other vehicle than the one you
intend to program is set on the track as the decoder inside this vehicle
might be programmed as well.
Please note: If you use a central unit for both DCC and Motorola
format it is recommended to program the module in the DCC format.
After having finished programming the decoder it is possible to control
it in Motorola format as well.
Switch on the central unit or
perform a reset at the central unit.
Starting the programming mode
Push button „stop“
àSwitch off the track voltage.
Set the current address or address 80.
Set all functions to "off".
Start register-programming
(lighting flashes)
Operate the direction switch and hold it in
that position. Briefly push the button „go“.
As soon as the lighting flashes,
release the direction switch.

FD-RBasic English
Page 45
Reset the central unit (by simultaneously pushing the buttons "stop"
and "go"for some time) or quickly switch the central unit off and on. First
enter the current address or the address "80" (e.g. if you do not know the
current address). Manufacturers setting is "3". Set all functions (function,
f1 to f4) to "off".
Push the "stop" button at the central unit. Next, operate the direction
switch and hold it in that position while briefly pushing the "go" button.
As soon as the lamps connected to the outputs AUX1 or AUX2 flash
(after approx. 2 seconds) the module is in the programming mode and
you an release the direction switch.
After having started the programming mode (and when the
locomotive´s lighting flashes) you can program the module´s registers
as follows:
1. Choose the register you want to programm by setting the register´s
number with the Motorola locomotive address at your central unit.
Please note that with some central units a leading "0" has to be
entered.
2. Operate the direction switch. The lighting stops flashing.
3. Set the desired value of the register by setting the register´s value
as Motorola locomotive address at your central unit.
4. Operate the direction switch again. The lighting starts flashing
again.
Repeat the steps 1 to 4 for all registers you want to program. In order
to choose a register for programming or to enter a value for a register
you have to confirm the entered number like selecting a Motorola
locomotive address. The lighting shows which kind of entry the module
expects:
§lighting flashes àentry of a CV´s number
§lighting stops to flash àentry of a CV´s value
In order to stop the programming mode push "stop".

English FD-RBasic
Page 46
Switching on and off RailCom
In CV#29 (DCC format), or in register #7 (Motorola format), is defined
if RailCom is switched on or off. Usually, several configuration data are
saved here. The value "0" (for RailCom off) or "8" (for RailCom on) has
to be added to the value of the other configuration data. The settings
have the following effects:
RailCom off Programming the function decoder area of the
FD-RBasic. Please note: A decoder with the same
address will be programmed as well!
RailCom on Programming the RailCom area of the FD-RBasic . Please
note: The function decoder area of the FD-RBasic will
not be programmed!
Common CVs and registers
The following configuration variables (DCC format) or registers in (MM
format), are programmed jointly for the function decoder and the
RailCom area and cannot be changed separately for one of the areas:
§basic address (CV#1 / register #01)
§extended addresses (CV#17 and 18, register #04 and 05)
§consist address (CV#19, register #06)
§configuration data (CV#29, register #07)
Programming the function decoder area
In order to programm the function decoder area of the FD-RBasic
RailCom must be switched off in CV#29 (DCC format) or in register #7
(Motorola format).
When the FD-RBasicis used as a function decoder with an address of it´s
own, it is programmed as used with locomotive and function decoders.
If it gets the same address as another decoder you must be careful not
to overwrite the other decoder´s settings by accident. If necessary you
can interrupt the decoder´s connection to a rail collector before
programming the FD-RBasic.

FD-RBasic English
Page 47
In order to change the CVs or the registers used in both the FD-RBasic
and a decoder with the same address you can proceed as follows as
well:
RailCom on Reading out the decoder´s settings.
RailCom off Programming the function decoder area of the
FD-RBasic. NB: Simultaneously you alter the respective
CVs or registers of the decoder with the same address.
RailCom on Programming the decoder with the data read out
before. The settings are saved in the RailCom area of
the FD-RBasic only.
Advice: When not using the FD-RBasic as a RailCom transmitter, RailCom
should be switched off.
Programming the RailCom area
TIP: When using the FD-RBasic both as a function decoder and as
RailCom transmitter, first program the function decoder area as
described in the previous section.
In order to program the RailCom area of the FD-RBasic , RailCom must be
switched on in CV#29 (DCC format) or in register #7 (Motorola
format). All settings made for this area can be fed back via RailCom to
special detectors. You can save in this RailCom area either the values of
CVs #1 to #205 of a DCC decoder (that is not compatible to RailCom)
or the registers #1 to #205 of a Motorola decoder (that is not
compatible to RailCom) or the settings from the function decoder area
of the FD-RBasic .

English FD-RBasic
Page 48
Taking over a decoder´s data
To take over the data of a decoder (that is not compatible to RailCom)
into the RailCom area of the FD-RBasic proceed as follows:
RailCom on If applicable: Reading out the decoder´s settings.
Programming jointly the RailCom area of the FD-RBasic
and the decoder. NB: The function decoder area of the
FD-RBasic will not be altered in this case – this can be
done only with RailCom switched off.
Please note: Add the value "8" to the value of CV#29 (DCC format)
or in register #7 (Motorola format), in order to switch
on RailCom.
When using suitable PC software you can read out the decoder´s
settings and afterwards re-save them (jointly for the RailCom area of
the FD-RBasicand the decoder). Ensure that in CV#29 (DCC format) or in
register #7 (Motorola format), RailCom has to be switched on (value of
the CV / the register + 8).
In combination with a Motorola decoder not designed for register-
programming, you can save the decoder address in the RailCom area of
the FD-RBasic . In this case ensure that in CV#29 (DCC format) or in
register #7 (Motorola format), RailCom has to be switched on (value of
the CV / the register + 8).
Taking over the data from the function decoder area
When using the FD-RBasic as an independent function decoder
compatible to RailCom with an address of it´s own, you have to take
over the data from the function decoder area into the RailCom area.
Proceed as follows: