TAMS B-2 User manual

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nAnleitung
Booster B-2 nManual
nMode d´emploi
nHandleiding
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Art.-Nr. 25-01-141 / 25-01-142 n
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nDeutsch 3
nEnglish 26
nFrançais 49
nNederlands 72
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© 10/2007 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.
© 10/2007 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.
© 10/2007 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.
© 10/2007 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.
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English B-2
Page 26
Table of contents
1. Why Boosters? 27
2. Getting started 27
3. Your B-2 29
4. Technical specifications 30
5. Safety instructions 31
6. EMC declaration 33
7. Safe and correct soldering 33
8. Assembling the kit 35
9. Splitting your model railway layout 41
10. Connecting the booster 42
11. Operation 44
12. Check list for troubleshooting 46
13. Manufacturer's note, CE and Warranty 47
Parts list I.1 / I.2
Circuit Diagram (Fig. 1) II
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout (Fig. 2) III.1
Drill stencil for heat sink (Fig. 3) III.2
Cut-out for housing (Fig. 4) III.2
Connections diagram (Fig. 5) IV
(Pages I to IV in the centre of this handbook are removable.)

B-2 English
Page 27
1. Why Boosters?
Boosters amplify the digital signals sent from the control unit and
supply a connected track with power.
You can measure the power consumption as follows:
§a locomotive: Gauge N: 600 mA / Gauge H0: 800 mA /
>Gauge 0: 1 A
§a wagon light: 50 - 200 mA
§another consumer (such as a sound module): 100 - 300 mA
§reserve for points: 10% of the calculated sum of power
consumption
The Booster B-2 can supply 3A. If your overall power demand exceeds
the capacity of one booster you have to connect additional boosters
according to the special requirements of your layout.
2. Getting started
How to use this manual
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for safe and correct
assembly of the kit and fitting of the ready-built device, 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 kit or the ready-built device on to another person, please
pass on the manual with it.

English B-2
Page 28
Intended use
The kit or the ready-built device can be assembled and operated with a
digital model railway using this manual.
Any other use is inappropriate and invalidates any guarantees.
The kit and the ready-built device should not be assembled or fitted by
children under the age of 14.
Reading, understanding and following the instructions in this manual
are mandatory for the user.
Checking the package contents
Please make sure that your package contains:
§one kit, containing the components listed in the parts and one PCB
or
§one booster B-2,
§one manual.
Required materials
For assembling the kit you need:
§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 and wire stripper,
§a pair of tweezers and long nose pliers,
§tin solder (0,5 mm. diameter),
In order to connect the booster you need:
§wire. Recommended diameters: >0,10 mm² for the connections to
the push-button switch and the central unit and >1,5 mm² for the
connections to the transformer and the rails,
§transformer with 16-20 V voltage and minimum 3 A current
(minimum 50 VA).

B-2 English
Page 29
3. Your B-2
Data formats and ports
The B-2 is a multi protocol booster for your model railroad and capable
of amplifying data sent in the Motorola or the DCC format. It can be
connected either to the track port of a Motorola or DCC central unit, or
to a DCC-conforming booster port of a central unit.
Balanced track voltage
The booster B-2 is balanced, that means it keeps the power in a
connected track section constant on 18 V – independent of the actual
power consumption. This prevents changes in locomotive speeds and
the lightings´ brightness resulting from voltage variations.
1234
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7
1Connection central unit
2Connection push-button
3Connection transformer
4 Connection track
5Setting MM / DCC
6Setting short-circuit
sensivity
7Operation display

English B-2
Page 30
Short-circuit protection
The short-circuit protection prevents damages to the booster, vehicles
and / or tracks, due to a derailed engine, for example. The sensivity of
the short-circuit protection has to be set on a trim-pot.
When a short circuit occurs at the track output, an internal current
limiter prevents damages to components of the booster and
automatically switches off the booster. The automatic short-circuit
switch-off can be cut off by bridging the push-button for switching-on
the B-2.
When the short-circuit warning wire is connected to the central unit,
the booster sends an overload signal to the central unit in case of a
short- circuit. Most central units then switch off the booster.
4. Technical specifications
Supply voltage 16-20 Volt alternating voltage (a.c.)
Input voltage 12-20 Volt digital voltage
Output voltage approx. 18 Volt digital voltage
Output current max. 3 A
Consumption max. 60 Watt
Protected to IP 00
Ambient temperature in use 0 - + 60 °C
Ambient temperature in storage -10 - + 80 °C
Comparative humidity allowed max. 85 %
Dimensions (including housing) approx. 114 x 99 x 42 mm
Weight of the circuit approx 93 g
Weight including housing approx 215 g

B-2 English
Page 31
5. 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 device.
§Assembling and mounting the kit should only be done in closed,
clean, dry rooms. Beware of humidity.
§Only use low power for this device 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 kit or the
ready-built device.

English B-2
Page 32
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 kit or the ready-built device.
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.

B-2 English
Page 33
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6. 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 layout included with this
manual.
§Use only original spare parts if you have to repair the kit or the
ready-built device.
7. 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 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.

English B-2
Page 34
§Observe correct polarity orientation of semi-conductors, LEDs
electrolytic capacitors and integrated circuits before soldering and
ensure that the solder time does not exceed 5 seconds, otherwise
components can be damaged.
§Apply the soldering tip to the soldering spot in such a way that the part
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.
§Do not move the component for about 5 seconds after soldering.
§To make a good soldering joint you must 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.
§Cut the wires after soldering directly above the PCB solder side with
a side cutter.
§After placing the parts, please double check for correct polarity.
Check the PCB tracks for solder bridges and short circuits created
by accident. This would cause faulty operation or, in the worst
case, 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.

B-2 English
Page 35
8. Assembling the kit
You can skip this part if you have purchased a ready-built device.
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 to prevent mistakes in assembling:
Resistors
Resistors reduce current. Their mounting orientation is of no
importance. The value of resistors for smaller power ratings
(under 5 W) is indicated through colour rings. Every colour
stands for another figure. The colour ring in brackets indicates
the tolerance of the resistor which here is of no importance.
Value Colour rings
10 Ωbrown - black - black (gold)
100 Ωbrown - black - brown (gold)
120 Ωbrown - red - brown (gold)
470 Ωyellow - violet - brown (gold)
1 kΩbrown - black - red (gold)
2,2 kΩ red - red - red (gold)
4,7 kΩyellow - violet - red (gold)
18 kΩbrown - grey - orange (gold)
100 kΩbrown - black - yellow (gold)
On high-power resistors the value is printed in clear text.
Trimm-potentiometers
Trimm-potentiometers (abrv. „trim-pots“) are resistors which
allow the value of resistance to be varied and so can be
adapted to the particular demands. In the middle they have a
small slot into which a small screwdriver can be put in order

English B-2
Page 36
to vary the value of resistance. The value is printed on the
housing.
Depending on the mounting situation, trim-pots with a lying
or a standing housing are used. The mounting orientation is
preset by the layout of the three pins.
Capacitors
Among other things capacitors are used for filtering interference
voltages or as frequency determining parts. Ceramic capacitors
are not polarized, for that reason their mounting orientation is
of no importance. Normally they are marked with a three-digit
number which indicates the value coded.
Value Number
10 nF 103
Electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are often used to store energy. In
contrast to ceramic capacitors they are polarized. One of the
two leads is marked with a minus sign which indicates the
mounting orientation. The value is given on the casing.
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
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 damage
the diode, and allow current to flow in the reverse direction.
The diode type is printed on the body.
Diodes must be mounted in a given direction. The negative
end is marked with a ring. This is shown in the PCB layout.

B-2 English
Page 37
Zener diodes
Zener diodes are used for limiting voltages. In contrast to
„normal“ diodes they are not damaged when the limit voltage
is exceeded.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
When operated in the forward direction the LEDs light. They
are available in several different versions (differing in colour,
size, form, luminosity, maximum current, voltage limits). The
longer lead of wired LEDs is always the anode (positive pole).
Transistors
Transistors are current amplifiers which convert low signals
into stronger ones. They have three contacts. As they are
polarized, they have to be mounted in a certain direction.
BC-Types have a housing in form of a half cylinder (SOT-
housing). The cross section is shown in the PCB Layout which
determines the mounting orientation.
The BD types have a flat housing (TO-housing) with the type
designation printed on the front side. The metallic rear is
unlabelled, on the PCB layout the rear is marked by a thick line.
Relays
Relays are electronic switches, depending on their position the one or
other (internal) connection is closed. Their mode of operation can be
compared to that of a push-button switch, i.e. the connection is only
closed as long as the voltage is applicated.
The mounting orientation of the relays which are put in a rectangular
box shaped housing is given by the layout of the pins.
Switches and push-button switches
By operating a switch or a push-button switch an electric circuit is
closed. While switches keep their status after operating (like a light

English B-2
Page 38
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switch), push-button switches keep their operating position only as long
as actually operated (like a bell push).
Terminal strips
Terminal strips are solder-in screw-type terminals. They provide a
solder-free and safe connection of the cables to the circuit, which can
still be seperated any time. When several terminal strips have to be
mounted side by side, they have to be put together before mounting.
Assembling the kit
Start the assembly with the resistors and the diodes. First solder the
components on the solder side of the PCB and cut the excess wires with
the side cutter, as short as possible. Form the wire bridges Br1 to Br4.
Use the cut-off wires of the resistors or diodes.
Then solder the transistors and then capacitors (but not the two
capacitors C10 and C11 and the power transistors Q8 and Q9). If you
intend to mount the circuit into the housing supposed for the enclosure
of the B-2 please follow the instructions in the section "Enclosure of the
B-2".
Caution:
Electrolytic capacitors, transistors and diodes must be placed in the
right direction! If you solder them the wrong way round the affected
parts can be damaged when you connect the power. In the worst case
the whole circuit can be damaged. In any case, a wrongly connected
part will not function.
Then solder the relay and the capacitors C10 and C11. If you intend to
mount the circuit into the housing intended for the enclosure of the B-2
please follow the instructions in the section "Enclosure of the B-2".
Next solder the terminal strips and the solder pin. Join the terminal
strips together before soldering.
Place the power transistors Q8 and Q9 on the heat sinks as follows:
Drill a hole of 3 mm. according to the drill stencil in the two heat sinks.

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Page 39
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Caution:
De-burr the holes: not de-burring can cause injury! It is possible to
damage the insulation plates of the transistors if you do not clean up
the holes causing a short circuit.
Mount the power transistors Q8 and Q9 as follows: First place a
semiconductor insulator on the heat sink and then the transistor. Pay
attention to not mix up the two transistors when mounting. Put the
insulation bushing through the hole of the transistor. Mount the screw
and nut, but do not fasten the nut: you should be able to turn the
transistors.
Caution:
The transistors must be isolated. They must not make contact with the
heat sink!
Put the wires of the power transistors in the correct holes of the PCB
and solder them on the solder side of the PCB. Now fasten the nuts.
Performing a visual check
Perform a visual check after the assembly of the device and remove
faults if necessary:
§Remove all loose parts, wire ends or drops of solder from the PCB.
Remove all sharp wire ends.
§Check that solder contacts which are close to each other are not
unintentionally connected to each other. Risk of short circuit!
§Check that all components are polarised correctly.
When you have remedied all faults, go on to the next part.

English B-2
Page 40
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Performing a functional test
Caution:
Do not connect the booster to the central unit or the track yet.
Connect the booster only to the transformer for the functional test.
Connect the transformer to the mains. The LED of the booster will light
up. Check for components getting too hot.
Caution:
If a component gets too hot or the LED does not light, disconnect the
booster and transformer from the mains immediately. Possible short
circuit! After performing a successful function test, you can continue
with the remaining connections.
Enclosure of the B-2
There is a housing avalaible for the booster B-2. If you intend to use
this housing the electrolytic capacitors C6, C10 and C11 have to be bent
by 90 degrees. Bend the connecting wires before soldering in the
capacitors, as you otherwise might solder them in too close to the PCB.
Use the holes for the capacitor C11 placed at the side and not the ones
in the middle. The housing has to be cut out for the heat sink according
to fig. 4.
You may also use other housings. Be sure that the housing does not
deform when exposed to high temperatures.
Caution:
The power transistors Q8 and Q9 and their heat sink can become very
hot during operation! Never enclose the power transistors and the heat
sink in a closed housing.
If necessary you have to elongate the connection wires of the
transistors Q8 and Q9 with wire (cross section min. 1,5 mm²) in order
to mount them and the heat sink at the outside of the housing.

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Page 41
9. Splitting your model railway layout
Split your model railway layout in several track sections electrically isolating
them from each other. Every section has to be supplied by a booster of its’
own. Make sure that section borders are not crossed that often. The
following divisions are useful:
§station / engine sheds
§the main line (if necessary in several sections)
§the branch lines (if necessary in several sections)
The booster current into the track should be fed every 2 to 3 m as the
resistances at the track section´s borders are quite high. If the intervals
are too long there might occur problems with the short circuit
detection or the power supply of the vehicles.
At the borders between two booster-sections cut the rail transmitting
the data (with 2-rail systems) or the middle conductor (with 3-rail-
systems).

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Page 42
10. Connecting the booster
Connect the booster to the central unit, the tracks, the power supply
and the push-button according to the following list. Follow the
connections diagram fig. 5.
Connection to the
central unit Connection to a central unit compatible to
Märklin**
Connection to a
DCC-central unit
1Short circuit
indication wire PIN 1 of the booster port PIN "E"
2Mass wire Mass connection
(brown) PIN "D"
3Data wire Port "middle
conductor of the
tracks" (red)
PIN "C"
4/5 Connection to the push-button
6/7 Connection to the
transformer Transformer with min. 50 VA
Connection to the
tracks Connection to 3-rail-system Connection to 2-rail-system
8outer conductor (earth) second conductor
9middle conductor data conductor

B-2 English
Page 43
Connecting the central unit
It is possible to connect the booster either to the track port of a
Motorola or DCC central unit or to a DCC-conforming booster port of a
central unit. Use the DCC-compatible booster port to connect the B-2 to
the central unit MasterControl.
Please note: Booster compatible to the
Märklin** or the DCC system are switched on
and off in different ways, that´s the reason why
you have to set the booster to the particular
data format. Setting is done with the jumper
that has to be inserted on the 3-pole pin socket
as shown in the diagram on the right.
Connecting the tracks
Give special attention not to cross the wires when you connect them to
the booster. It might happen that you do not notice a crossed
connection immediately. Some components cannot interpret a crossed
signal and will not work properly.
Connecting the short circuit protection
The B-2 has an integrated short-circuit switch-off. You can integrate
this by bridging the connections for the push-button that switches on
the booster with a wire. You then have to switch the booster on and off
via the central unit. In this case the central unit performs the short-
circuit switch-off as well.
When you do not want a short-circuit indication to the central unit (and
no switching-off of the booster via the central unit in case of a short-
circuit) omit the connection of the short-circuit indication wire.
Motorola
DCC