Das CAN digital Bahn Projekt

General:

The ModulBooster is mainly intended for exhibition and, as the name suggests, modular layouts where unobserved operation is to take place. The reliable detection of even the smallest short-circuits during operation is correspondingly important. Thus, the Modulbooster can already detect short-circuits that only lie against the track for about 50ms. So even the spark spraying of a hanging metal coupling on metal tracks is enough to switch it off. However, this has been far too sensitive for most model railroaders, and even in gaming operations it happens every now and then to harmless mini short circuits. In the current version 5.x you can now set the current and the reaction time with real values yourself. In addition, it also has a few additional functions that every model railroader can use and actually it is much more than just "a" booster.

The ModulBooster is capable of generating all conceivable track formats, including mfx and Selectrix, probably it can even amplify the old LGB format. Yes, it can even be used as a music amplifier.

However, it is not possible to use RailCom on the ModulBooster, as the power amplifier will simply swallow the signal.

Concept:

The idea of the ModulBooster is that you can "plug" wherever you need a booster in the system. It only requires the supply voltage from a transformer. If the concept is used specifically, it is possible to reduce the cabling of module layouts to the system cable of the CAN-digital-Bahn Projekt, which makes it much easier to set up and dismantle the system.

How does the whole thing work ?

The track signal from any control unit is fed into the system structure at a StartPunkt, so the track signal is available to all modules in the system. The ModulBooster is nothing else than a 1:1 amplifier. Since all boosters see the same input signal and amplify it 1:1, the output signal is identical everywhere. This applies to the voltage level as well as to the time curve of the signal. Runtime shifts, even with lines of more than 20m, are irrelevant, because a signal runtime also occurs in the tracks. .

If you want to reduce the output voltage of the ModulBooster, you can do this centrally at the StartPunkt with a potentiometer. On request, there is already a special StartPunkt 2, which has a potentiometer for this. Amplifying booster signals, as provided by other systems, is not possible with the ModulBooster because it is unnecessary.

An advantage of the amplifier concept is that even the operation as an analog amplifier is possible and so you can also drive your old treasures once with the old transformer analog, without having to rebuild the system largely. Yes, the booster can even boost the switching pulse for old Märklin locomotives. All that is required is to change the supply of the central unit at the start point, that means that the supplying digital central unit there must be replaced by a driving transformer. This turns a transformer into an 'analogue' centre. Of course, you have to make sure that not all other locomotives are running away in analogue mode. But this is a whole different problem.

This far the electrical concept that describes the amplifier part of the booster.

However, the ModulBooster only becomes really all-round due to the many small special features that are 'hidden' in it.

The 8 feedback inputs next to the track connection are certainly the most conspicuous. They can be used like normal inputs of a GleisReporter. It goes without saying that these inputs are just as programmable as those of the GleisReporter deLuxe.

All other special functions are included in the module and can, but do not have to be used

On the one hand, there is the "watchdog". The booster has an integrated "WatchDog function" that switches off the booster if a freely selectable solenoid article address is not switched to green again and again within a certain time. This is used to monitor the bus system for a connection to the master computer. If this stops, the booster switches off automatically to prevent accidents. With other boosters this is often realized by an extra circuit.

Then there is the simple switch-off function via "Schaltadressen" ("switching addresses"). This is nothing else than two freely programmable solenoid addresses to which the booster listens in order to be switched on or off. One might ask oneself here: "Why two?" The idea behind it is that each booster gets an individual address on the first address, this can also be used for status evaluation of the booster, so you can see if the booster is switched on or off. This solenoid address is also updated by the ModulBooster in the display of the control units; for example, if it switches off automatically due to a short-circuit, this solenoid address jumps to red in the displays of the units.

The second address is designed the way that if more than one ModuleBooster is used, all of them can be switched together or, in the case of large systems, groups can be formed which are then to be switched together. However, this solenoid address is not controlled by the ModuleBooster, only the first, thus the main address, is controlled.

Another important function of the ModulBooster are the system messages about its status. This includes reporting whether it receives an existing command signal from a connected central unit of the system, whether a short-circuit (Kurzschluss) or undervoltage ("V out") has been detected or whether it is switched on or off. This is because not all control programs can evaluate controlled solenoid addresses - like the other information, too - additionally displayed as a feedback contact.

If now already constantly the real flowing current is determined, it is obvious that this information is also used for a Leistungs-Anzeige (performance indication). This has a resolution of 4 bits and, if activated, is transmitted every 10 seconds. This means that the maximum load of 100% (3A) is - dissolved into 16 steps - transmitted via feedback. Control software can use this information to optimize train traffic in the individual circuits and prevent overloads.

During operation it must always be borne in mind that it is not sufficient simply to switch on the booster. Two conditions must always be fulfilled before the output signal can be generated:

The booster can be switched on without an applied leading signal, but no output signal is generated. The booster will therefore switch off after the time set for the undervoltage ("V out") because of this fault, since the expected voltage has not been present at the output.

Therefore, the central unit with the leading signal should always be switched on first and only then the booster via its solenoid address. Only when both are switched on you do receive an output signal and the green LED lights up.

Properties:

Here are the basic features of ModulBooster in a summary:

Voltage constant over the entire system, even when driving over booster circuits

Centrally reducible output voltage at the StartPunkt

Possibility of analog operation

Eight free feedback inputs (for track contacts or push-buttons/reed contacts etc.)

Can be switched on and off via two freely programmable solenoid addresses

Watchdog function, can be activated via further address

Performance Indication possible

System messages about the booster's status

Generates any track format

Compatible to all central units
All settings are programmable via a service tool

Important!:

Since the power section of the ModulBooster differs considerably from most other boosters and control panels, a few very important things must be pointed out here which must be absolutely observed when using the ModulBooster:

- the ModulBooster can only be operated with a Transformer.

- it is not possible to combine the ModulBooster with other boosters or control units on the same track/layout!

- Module boosters can be connected in parallel.

- separation of the mass and the use of a rocker switch for the slider is not necessary .

- operation with the Märklin/Trix track box is possible - provided that it is only connected to the StartPunkt2 and not directly to the track.

- a possibility is required to switch on the ModulBooster via the CAN bus.

When combined with conventional control units or boosters directly on the track, this control unit or booster will be damaged when trains are passing over the disconnecting points!

Transformers:

The ModulBooster must be operated with a transformer!

This should be a transformer that is also approved for operation on a model railway.

Bricolage solution is generally not recommended for security reasons!

When selecting the transformer, the desired output voltage at the track must be taken into account in order to keep the power dissipation at the rather small heat sink within limits. Note that the AC voltage of the connected transformer increases by a factor of 1.414 (root 2) due to the rectification in the booster. With a 15 volt transformer, a DC voltage of 21.1 volts can be calculated, which then for driving is reduced by about 2 volts at the output by the power amplifier. In other words, a 15 Volt transformer, like Uhlenbrock's 70VA transformer, is the ideal transformer for the ModulBooster to generate the 18 Volt voltage of the track box.

The use of the old grey 60VA Märklin transformer with 16Volt is basically possible, but then only about 2A are available at the output of the ModulBooster. If you want to have more current available, you have to choose a transformer with a higher power (VA), but only the current may be higher and not the voltage. This "more" power from the voltage would then only decrease as power loss at the heat sink and would not be available for driving!

If you select a transformer with too high a voltage in relation to the required output voltage, you must bear in mind that the power dissipation, which is converted into heat at the ModulBooster, increases greatly. However, the ModulBooster cannot be destroyed because it has an internal overtemperature monitor and switches off accordingly in the event of overheating. The heat sink can become extremely hot in such cases!

The fact that the wrong choice of transformer generates a lot of heat loss naturally also applies to any other booster that is supplied with a transformer. Unfortunately, the manufacturers don't really draw your attention to it, and there are also the "cheat package" transformers of some suppliers.

Let's take a short trip into the electrical system:

The electrical power indicated in VA on the transformers is calculated from the product of voltage x current. We all had physics at school at some point.

This means that there are two ways to increase the power of a transformer. Either by increasing the voltage or by the current that the model railroader really needs, either for the booster or just for lighting the houses or switching switches.

Some manufacturers like to offer 18-volt transformers instead of 16-volt transformers, which naturally increases the power indicated on the transformer for the same current. But the model railroader has no use at all, except for the heat that has to be dissipated. However, as a rule it does not require a higher voltage, but more current in order to be able to supply more of the same consumers that are connected at the same time.

However, when manufacturing the transformer, it is much cheaper to increase the power by the voltage than by the current and the lower prices are too often advertised. In addition, the transformer has written not only the same but also a greater output on its packaging.

Unfortunately, many people only look at the price and not at what they really get for it. Some oh so favorable transformers have actually only disadvantages and are only numbers game.

If one pays attention to these small details, one can also equip boosters with smaller heat sinks, because they do not generate heat that has to be dissipated.

Recommended for operating the ModulBooster at a desired track voltage of 18Volt - as supplied by the track box - is e. g. the 70VA transformer from Uhlenbrock.

If you want to generate a track voltage for the large scales of 24 volts, you need of course also to select the transformer voltage correspondingly higher!

The maximum possible output voltage of the ModulBooster is +/-30Volt !

Connection:

The connection to the system bus makes the connection very simple and is limited to a power supply from the transformer as well as the connection to the system bus via a network cable.

The tracks and feedback units are connected on the opposite side.

The two 4-pole male connectors on the board near the heat sink have no function.

In this picture the connection is shown graphically:

In order to get the track signal into the system bus, the StartPunkt of the CAN-digital-Bahn-Projekts is required as a further module. The track signal of the central unit is connected to this module and the CAN part receives its operating voltage from there.

The ModulBooster cannot be operated without a connection to the system bus.

For safety reasons, the booster must always first be switched on specifically via one of the assigned solenoid addresses. Even after each automatic switch-off, the booster must be switched on again and again. It does not switch on automatically.

Service Tool:

The service tool has been completely revised. It now displays the data much more reliably and recognizes whether the required firmware version for the functionality described here is available in the ModulBooster. If no firmware version greater than 5.x is found, the "ModulBooster 011" service tool, which belongs to this range of functions, can only be used to set the properties of the feedback inputs.

The setting of the switch-on and switch-off delays (Einschaltverzögerung/Ausschaltverzögerung) for the feedback inputs is identical to that of the GleisReporter deLuxe. By adjusting these values one can, for example, prevent the inputs from bouncing by dirty wheels

All further functions are explained in the corresponding function description.

When changing the module address, it needs to be noted that a new bus scan must then be carried out in order to address the booster at the new address.

Since each address of a module type may only occur once in the system, this additionally presupposes that several new boosters may have to be integrated into the system one after the other, since they can only all be assigned a new address one after the other.

WatchDog-Function:

The activation of this function is quite simple, in addition only once the watchdog must be 'awakened' by switching to "green" the address adjusted for him.

The watchdog can be sent back to 'sleep' at any time, for this his address only has to be switched to "red" once during operation, the function is already deactivated again.

If the watchdog has been activated, the ModuleBooster expects a new switching command to "green" every x seconds on the solenoid address of the watchdog. If this address is not switched on again within the set time, the small yellow LED on the booster starts blinking faster shortly before the time has elapsed. If the warning time has expired, the booster switches off and the red LED lights up to indicate a fault. In addition, the status bit "Booster" is set. Even if it probably doesn't reach the PC anymore in case of a connection failure. After the undervoltage monitoring of the output has expired, this bit is also set, even if it has not actually triggered the fault.

The whole behaviour of the watchdog can be compared to staircase lighting, you have to press the button again and again so that the light does not go out. If the switch is not operated for a maximum time, the light simply goes out. This is exactly the same with the ModulBooster, when the watchdog has been woken up and his "green" no longer comes, the "light" just goes out.

Via the service tool, the delay time and the address with the desired data format to which the watchdog is to listen can be set.

Schaltadressen (Switching addresses):

The "on" and "off" solenoid addresses are preset to addresses 1 and 2 in Motorola format.

Here you can also select any other solenoid address with the desired data format and save it with "schreiben" (write).

Rückmeldeadressen (Feedback addresses):

If you want to use the feedback of the ModuleBooster, there is a precondition: The booster must be assigned a module address for the feedback messages that differs from address 0. It then calculates the feedback addresses from this module address. The resulting values are displayed to the user in the service tool after calling up the ModuleBooster with the new module address.

The boosters are preset with address 0, so there can be no inadvertent double assignment of feedback messages, because one forgot to program a booster. As long as the address is set to 0, all feedback run into nothing.

Leistungs-Anzeige (Performance Indication):

There are four bits available, these are to be understood binary, so that there are a total of 16 steps for the display of the load of the booster.

If no bit is set, the booster is practically unloaded. If all four bits are set, the load of the booster is about 100%, which in its case means about 3 amps.

The current is calculated as an average of the effective current (TruRMS) of the last time (10sec.). In order to limit the number of messages in the bus, this information is only transmitted every 10 seconds and only if the value has changed during this time.

If you get a completely different value with your multimeter, please remember that very few measuring instruments can still determine a real effective value measurement at the frequency of a digital track signal.

As an example of application, the current display of Windigipet is shown here.

The configuration is very simple, shown here using the example of the ModuleBooster with ID 1.

Just enter the first feedback address (RMK 5) of the Leistungs-Anzeige (performance indication) display of ModulBooster 1 into the field in front of the arrows. The following field automatically contains the four feedback addresses that are used for the display. Here you only have to pay attention to the ascending sequence, which you can select with the arrows. For the ModulBooster there has to be 5-6-7-8 as shown in the picture. Depending on how many of the bits are set, the more strongly the field is illuminated.

During operation it looks like this :

Booster / Central unit:

These are only two status messages.

Zentrale (Central unit)

If the message "Zentrale" (Central unit) is not set, this means that the booster does not see a leading track signal. Even if the booster is now switched on, you will still not receive an output signal, because there is no signal, which it can amplify.

Booster

If the "Booster" message is set, this means that the booster is switched on. If the bit is set and no output signal is received, the leading signal of the central unit is probably missing.

Both messages must be set during operation. If only one of these two messages is missing, no voltage is received at the output and the green LED remains dark.

V out (low voltage detection):

"V out" stands for undervoltage monitoring.

This always strikes when the voltage at the output is lower than expected. It is to protect the system and the transformer if the latter is too small. The default setting is the output voltage of 18 volts. If the voltage at the output drops below 16 volts for the time set, the switch-off responds.

Since this protective function was installed later and only by software and the circuit originally only provided a digital function, unfortunately one can set the values here only by trial and error. The input of a desired voltage is technically not possible. You should change this value only if you really know exactly what you are doing!

This function is intended to protect against overloading of small transformers, such as the Märklin transformer with its only 60VA. If the user sets the current for this transformer to 3 A, the transformer cannot supply it and the booster would not switch off. However, since a transformer provided for the model railway breaks down with the output voltage in the event of an overload, the booster can still detect and switch off the fault in this way, even if the current has not been reached.

As far as I know, no other booster on the market provides this function.

Kurzschluss (Short-circuit):

Under "Kurzschluss" (short circuit), one sets the current monitoring of the ModulBooster.

Important!

It is very important to remember that this is not a current limitation, it is a current monitoring! In the event of a short circuit, the maximum possible current that the booster can supply always flows. The short-circuit function is only a current monitoring function that triggers a fault if the current limit has been exceeded for the set time, so that the booster then switches off. However, not every derailment or fault creates a clean short-circuit which results in the maximum current. Thus it can happen that less current flows and does not trigger the current monitoring.

This current monitoring therefore always takes effekt when the current has exceeded the set value for the specified time.

Here you can easily change the settings with real values. If the booster is to switch off at 2A, the value 2000 must be entered, which stands for 2000mA. Any value from 100mA to 2900mA can be entered here. The response time for this is specified in ms. Please only mind that the entered value is multiplied by 10 in the booster. So a 3 as input stands for 30ms, which is the shortest reaction time. The upper limit is 600, which corresponds to 6 seconds. You should also keep in mind that six seconds can take much longer than you might think and that the aim is the protection of the trains.

Important!

If you change the settings of the maximum current and the time, you should always make sure that the current can also flow and the booster switches off reliably,

because it is of no use if the source supplies the power, but the cable lengths and cross sections may prevent it from flowing at all.

So always trigger a short circuit with a screwdriver on the track and check that the booster really switches off reliably. A safe shutdown, one should generally check with any other boosters, too.

The Tool is free and can be downloaded from the download area of the homepage.

Subject to technical changes and errors.

© 2018 by CAN-digital-Bahn

The ModulBooster - not available -