KSM-4
t
a
ms elektronik
2. Operation overview
2.1. Loop problems
At the loop points in two-rail-systems, different polarities meet with each other. As soon as a
vehicle bridges the differently polarized sections when driving in or out the terminal loop a
short circuit occurs.
In digital layouts loop modules generally
have to adapt the polarity within the
terminal loop to the one outside. In case
the polarity outside the terminal loop
would be altered, different polarities would
meet with each other at the transition to
the next booster section. Thus the problem
would be misaligned only.
2.2. Mode of operation of the KSM-4
In standard operation, the KSM-4 adapts the polarity within the terminal loop according to the
position of points that way, the polarities at the transisiton to the outside match. This
foresighted setting of the polarity avoids shorts circuits at the transition between the two
sections.
Controlling the points
The operation principle of the KSM-4 is based on switching as well the points and in doing so,
adapting the polarity within the terminal loop depending on the position of points.
The points can be switched in differant ways:
automatically when a train is leaving the terminal loop;
by means of two push-buttons;
with DCC accessory commands to the address of the integrated points decoder.
The KSM-4 can be used to control coil driven points as well as motor-run points.
"Manual" setting of the points
In this context, "manual" setting of the points means any change of the position of points
carried out bypassing the KSM-4; in other words without using the two push-buttons or the
integrated points decoder.
When the position of points is changed manually, the KSM-4 cannot adapt foresightedly the
polarity within the terminal loop. In this case, a short circuit possibly occurs when a
locomotive passes the section point. Then, the KSM-4 alters immediately the polarity within
the terminal loop.
This short circuit-based polarity change is intended as a safety measure only; an individual
setting of the sensitivity for the polarity reversal is not provided with the KSM-4. For that
reason locomotives passing the section point possibly jerk when a short circuit-based polarity
change occurs.
6 | Operation overview
Summary of Contents for KSM-4
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