The CAN to s88 Converter - not available -

Principle of operation:

The CAN to s88 Converter is technically divided into two halfs. First there is the side with the CAN-bus, here the module behaves like a PC-Schnitte and this way undestands also all modules, too, which are compatible to the PC-Schnitte.

For feedbacks momentarily there are availlable following modules:

for the 3-conductor-modelrailroader the GleisReporter GleisReporter

or GleisReporter deLuxe GleisReporter

for the 2-conductor-modelrailroader the StromSniffer StromSniffer

All on the CAN-bus incoming feedback messages are given a receipt to the sending module, so that nothing can get lost. The latest status of the feedback module gets stored in the internal memory of the converter and can be readout by the s88-side.

Naturally all freedom of the CAN-system architecture can be used. So branchings are allowed without any restrictions or addresses can be leapt. Missing modules on the CAN-side are always automatically reported as free through the converter for the s88-bus, so that misreports cannot occur.

Even the within the CAN-bus ongoing feedback messages of the GleisMonitors can additionally be analyzed and displayed. For every CAN-feedback module a GleisMonitor can be allocated.

The Programming of the feedback modules' characteristics through the converter, like with the PC-Schnitte, is not possible.

The side to the s88-bus is right simply kept. The through the s88-bus transmitted clock pulse actuates the internal memory of the converter with the stored feedbacks. This way the whole feedback register of the converter gets readout like a chain of s88-modules. The number of the read modules thereby depends on the number of cycles of the s88-control unit only. If it sends the reset-signal, then the pointer for the feedback address jumps again onto the start and the match beginns anew. The s88-clock pulse gets recognized within the converter via the edge, so it is able to adapt itself to every clock pulse speed of any control unit automatically. What merely has to be observed is the address, on which the feedback informations of the CAN-modules are really standing in the s88-bus. If with a control unit only the CAN to s88 Converter comes into operation, then the on the CAN-module setted address equals the data area of the s88-Bus. This is quite a bit different, if additionally s88-feedback modules are present in the system architecture. Then all addresses of the CAN-modules get shifted about the number of the s88-feedbacks, that are lying in front of the CAN to s88 Converter! If e.g. a normal Märklin-module is in the architecture, too, then the CAN-module 1 gets shifted to the area 17 to 32, because the first 16 clock pulses of the s88-module will be filled in. This maybe seems a bit complicated, but actually is quite simple.

System composition with CAN to s88 Converter

Firstly the converter needs an own power supply, which is effected through the little DC-plug of 12 Volt DC. Without this voltage the modul has no funktion. A supply via the s88-bus would not be enough, because the CAN-modules need a higher voltage. for the power supply are suitable small DC adaptors, which one can purchase at local distributors.

The CAN to s88 Converter is tested with some of the control units: E.g. with both of the ECoSs, the drive device of Tams, several Central Stations of Märklin, as well as with the Intellibox of Uhlenbrock. Naturally an operation with the older Interfaces 6051/50 from Märklin is possible, too.

At every device the CAN to s88 Converter is connected via the s88-jack. Therefor one merely needs to connect the six sockets. Most convenient is it done with an old splitted s88-cable, that should be possibly short, for evading disturbances.

Here follow two pictures which show the connection of the converters, but still with the first proto-type circuit board.

Central Stations 2

Interface 6051