VIESSMANN CARmotion Basic Vehicles Instructions

VIESSMANN CARmotion Basic Vehicles Instructions

Important information

Please read this manual completely and attentively before using the product for the first time. Keep this manual. It is part of the product.

This system is not intended for the USA, China or Taiwan.
All figures and tables can be found from page 16 of the manual.

Safety instructions

Caution:

Risk of injury!
Due to the detailed reproduction of the original and the intended use, this product can have peaks, edges and breakable parts. Tools and glue are required for installation.

Electrical hazard!

Attention: The model contains an electronic and mechanical subassembly. It should only be opened at designated places. It may not be damaged or exposed to humidity. The subassemblies mentioned above are essential for correct and trouble-free operation.
Never leave the CarMotion vehicles unattended during operation, programming and charging.

Risk of breakage!
Always hold the model by the plastic tank and the air tank, as otherwise some of the filigree add-on parts may break. Never hold only by the cabin, the tipper or other attachments!

Possible dangers!
Wearers of pacemakers should be particularly careful when handling magnets or magnetic tape.
Magnets are no toys for children. Danger exists especially if the magnets are swallowed; they must be kept away from children when not packed or installed!
In addition, magnets can easily break or splinter when subjected to mechanical stress!

Disposal!
Please refer to chapter 9 for important information on disposal

Using the product for its correct purpose

This product is intended:

• For operation on a model layout H0 scale.
• For operation with approved charging and communication adapters from Viessmann.
• For operation in dry rooms only.

Using the product for any other purpose is not approved and is considered inappropriate. The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage resulting from the improper use of this product.

Checking the package contents

Check the contents of the package for completeness:

• H0 vehicle
• A plastic bag with sensitive accessories
• Charger with USB charging cable (included in the starter kit and separately available for order under item 8400)
• 12 permanent magnets (included in the starter kit and separately available for order under item 8431)
• Magnetic pointing stick “magic wand”
• Manual

Operating and storage conditions

Observe the following operating conditions: 15 °C – 40 °C, up to 75 % relative humidity, do not allow the formation of dew. Observe the following storage conditions: 10 °C – 50 °C, up to 85 % relative humidity, do not allow the formation of dew.

Transport and packaging

The CarMotion vehicle is a finely detailed and sensitive model. To make sure that you can enjoy this product for a long time, it is well packaged and has detailed parts that have to be mounted by yourself. We recommend storing the model in the original packaging when not in use. Keep it as it is part of the product.

General overview of the product

As in reality, you are now able to control road vehicles electronically also in the model. Now it is possible to bring the streets of the layout to life in a user-friendly way and with realistic driving behaviour, even away from the track. In all this, our vehicles are compatible with other road systems with steel wire or magnetic tape guidance and electromagnetic stop coils.

Experience a new way of setting vehicles into motion – Technology and price – simply ingenious!
All vehicles of the CarMotion series have the following functions:

• Charging and programming connection
• Short charging times due to modern lithium polymer batteries
• Easy on-off switching via a reed contact under the cab‘s roof with magnetic pointing stick or telescopic magnetic bar, item 8410
• Infrared transmitter/receiver for distance control (limited compatibility with other IR systems)
• Realistic braking resp. accelerating action and configurable speed due to speed-controlled motor
• Free cargo area due to underfloor drive unit
• Cabin lighting
• Braking and reversing lights
• Direction indicators right/left and warning lights controllable
• Low beam / high beam light
• Roof beacons (depending on type of vehicle)
• Clear see-through driver‘s cab with figure
• 5-pole plug-in coupling for the connection of CarMotion trailers or semi-trailers
• Compatible with existing systems with contact wire or magnetic tape
• Control by Infrared Light (IR), permanent magnets, items 8431 in the road, electromagnetic stop coils and remote control, item 8402
• Even without mechanical guidance a short straight line reverse is possible via steering by the remote control

Mounting fragile parts

For mounting the exterior mirrors please refer to fig. 1 and fig. 2.

Spare parts

For the CarMotion vehicles, wear parts such as the tyres or possibly the steering arm can be purchased as spare parts from the Viessmann after sales service. The available spare parts as per the below list can be obtained ex works.

• Front tyres: 2 pcs.
• Rear tyres: 4 pcs.
• Set of mirrors
• Steering arm with fastening screw
• Steering axle with wheels
• Motor

Please order your spare parts from your specialized dealer or directly from Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH

Putting the vehicle into operation

In order to properly steer the vehicle, a roadway with a magnetic wire or magnetic band is required. A magnetic band will be polarized on its flat surface and will have the south pole facing upwards. Place the vehicle onto the road in such a way that the steering arm is located above the wire or the magnetic tape. To find the correct position, move your vehicle back and forth laterally until the magnetic arm is attracted to the guide wire or the magnetic band (fig.   3).

To switch the vehicle on or off, you do not need to lift it from the layout. Instead of a mechanical switch, the vehicle is switched on with the help of a reed contact placed under the roof of the driver’s cab. Approach the roof of the cab with the tip of the magnetic pointing stick “magic wand” or the end of the telescopic magnetic bar, item 8410, preferably from the side (fig. 4). Alternatively, you can switch the vehicle on and off magnetically with the remote control, item 8402 or optionally switch it off with the red button of the remote control.

Switching off also works while driving. The vehicle then stops, shortly switches on its interior lighting and then switches off completely by separating the electronics from the battery. With the switch-off command, the vehicle is completely current less.
If you hold the magnetic pointing stick once more above the driver‘s cab, the vehicle is switched on again once it has detected the magnetic pointing stick. The interior lighting and other additional lights, like roof beacons, if your vehicle is equipped with them, are switched on as well. After two seconds the interior lighting is turned off and the vehicle gradually accelerates to its normal driving speed. The default setting for the driving speed corresponds to approximately 60 km/h.

Hint: After detecting a switch-on or -off command, the interior lighting shines for a few seconds. If the interior lighting does not turn on after a switch-on command, the most likely cause is an empty battery۔

Charging the batteries

The vehicles are equipped with lithium polymer batteries (similar to modern mobile phones), enabling a fast charging rate. Additionally, batteries do not require full charge-discharge cycles. You can just charge for a few minutes and immediately try out the vehicle.
With a full battery and normal operation with waiting times and various speeds a runtime of approx. 4 – 6 hours, and approx. 2 hours at max. speed/full load is possible.
Connect the charger to a USB power supply and insert its plug into the socket under the vehicle, as indicated in fig. 5. It is possible to charge your vehicle from different power sources, as indicated in fig. 6. The battery starts charging, regardless whether the vehicle is on or off. If it is turned on, the motor will stop. Additionally, the approximate charging status will be indicated by flashing with the interior lighting as follows:

• single short flash: the battery is empty or nearly empty,
• double flashes: below average charge in the battery,
• triple flashes: above average charge in the battery,
• continuously on: the battery is full or almost fully charged.

In case the vehicle is off, the charging adapter will indicate whether the battery is being charged or whether it has finished
charging. A red light means charging, blue means the battery is full.

Caution!

In case of malfunction such as smoke or odour development, separate the charger from the current supply and, if necessary, switch off the vehicle!

Hint: For an improved and faster charging, we recommend charging the vehicle while it is turned off.
Hint: Preferably charge the vehicle switched off and lying on the roof. If the power supply to the charger is interrupted, e. g. when charging via a notebook, the vehicle would start the engine.
Hint: Do not store the vehicle for extended time periods either with a completely empty or a completely charged battery. This may extend the lifespan of the batteries.

Traffic control

The vehicle is equipped with a magnetic sensor that is hidden on the right side of the vehicle. It can detect stop coils, permanent magnets (item 8431) or other components which produce a magnetic field. Thus the vehicle is compatible with other existing systems

Magnetic commands

The vehicle can chain and autonomously carry out commands. With such commands, triggered by simple magnets underneath the layout, it is already possible to achieve a varied operation – completely without additional control electronics. Such commands can, however, also be triggered by IR signals – see chapter 4.3.
Hint: For more detailed information and examples, please refer to the manual of the CarManager.
If the sensor detects the north pole (N) of a magnetic field, the vehicle stops instantly, and remains stopped as long as the magnetic field persists. Alternatively, with the help of the programming device, item 8401 and the CarManager software the setting can be changed so that the vehicle is stopped only for a determined time period.
Hint: Determining the magnetic pole can be done by moving the magnet or coil in question towards the hall sensor while the vehicle is turned on and ideally lying on the roof. If the drive axle stops immediately, it is a north pole. If decelerates and continues to turn slowly, it is a south pole.
If the sensor detects a south pole (S) of a magnetic field, the vehicle is decelerated within ca. 15 cm (set by the CarManager) to its preset crawling speed, in order to be able to stop smoothly and realistically on a following stop point (N). Here you need to make sure that both magnets should have a distance of min. 5 cm, in order not to be interpreted as a (S N)-command. The typical setup is to place a stop point (N) in front of an intersection or in a parking area, and to place a brake point (S) against the direction of travel with the south pole facing upwards (fig. 7). After hitting the inverted brake point (S) the vehicle will be brought to a crawling speed within the preset distance of 15 cm regardless of the original speed. The standard setup is 10 km/h. It is recommended to switch the two coils together in a parallel circuit.
Hint: If the vehicle travels more than the preset distance limit after encountering a brake point (S) without detecting a stop point (N), it will resume normal operation. Thus, you may use a permanent magnet (S), item 8431 in front of very tight bends, where even in real life, a truck would need to slow down to crawling speed.
Hint: For longer slow-moving sections, several south pole magnets may also be placed in a row. However, they must be positioned at least 5 cm apart so that they are not interpreted as a “double south pole”, i.e. as an (S S).

Activating special functions via permanent magnets, item 8431

For compatibility with other car systems, by default the following functions have been allocated to these magnet sequences (fig. 8) :

• N: Immediate stop
• S: Smooth deceleration
• S N: Cancels existing magnetic commands, indicators are switched off, previous speed is resumed and the lane is restored to the default lane
• S S: Informs vehicles about a lane change to the stopping lane, for distance control (see chapter 4.3)
• S N N: Flashes right for 30 cm during which time the speed is limited to 30 km/h.
• S N S: Flashes left for 30 cm during which time the speed is limited to 30 km/h.
• S S N: Limits the speed to 30 km/h
• S S S: High beam on

Note: These are the default settings the vehicle is programmed to. These settings can be adapted to a large extent to personal preferences and the characteristics of the layout. Please refer to the manual of the CarManager.

Important: The sensor has a relatively high detection range. For optimal functionality, we recommend to place the permanent magnets barely under the roadway surface with their centres located 1.1 – 1.2 cm to the right of the magnetic wire resp. the centre of the magnetic tape (fig. 9). Between the magnets there should be a distance of 3 cm. In case of two magnets of uneven poles, the distance may be reduced to 2 cm for space reasons. Ideally, do not mount magnets in curves. Should this become necessary, take the track offset of the vehicles into consideration!

Adaptive Cruise Control with Infrared Light (IR)

The vehicle is equipped with infrared – IR light sensing devices in the front to be able to detect the signals sent by the light emitting diodes in the rear of the vehicle it is following.

Hint: In bright sunlight and also in almost complete darkness, the function of the distance control deteriorates. In direct sunlight, the function may no longer be given. Different lighting has an effect on the range of the system and thus on the distances between vehicles and on the braking characteristics. The vehicle is not very sensitive to LED, fluorescent, incandescent or dimmed light.

A vehicle can detect another from a distance of about 15 – 20 cm. It automatically slowly adjusts its speed to that of the preceding vehicle. The vehicles emit two signals with different strengths, with the effect that once a vehicle is too close to another, it will brake harder and, if necessary, it will eventually come to a stop (fig. 10).

Since this system also works with multiple lane layouts, the vehicle must be informed that it has been steered onto another lane or that it has been pulled over onto a stopping lane. This is done with the help of additional magnets as follows:

• S N: Cancels all existing magnet commands. Indicators are switched off, previous speed is resumed and the lane is restored to the default lane.
• S S: Informs vehicles about a lane change to the stopping lane, for distance control.

Classical simple stops on secondary lanes, which are constructed with a simple stop coil, should be modified to take advantage of the special capabilities of the CarMotion vehicles. The vehicles stop at the stop coil as usual – without prior soft braking, however. Furthermore, another vehicle on the main lane would not be able to pass this stop as it would be naturally stopped by its distance control. Vehicles in the opposite direction would not be influenced.

The behaviour can be optimized by two south pole magnets. These two magnets are installed directly after the point (fig. 11). When passing them, the vehicle is assigned a new driving lane, namely the stopping lane. At the same time, the vehicle starts braking and smoothly stops on the stop coil. The distance control in the vehicles on the main lane “sees” the stopped car ahead but from its infrared signal it gets the information that the vehicle ahead is on a different lane and accordingly these vehicles do pass.

When the vehicle on the secondary lane moves off again, the basic lane is set automatically after a few centimetres – no relative magnetic command has to be given here. Should the vehicle not have received a stopping command, however, it may be necessary to place an (S N)-magnetic command at the end of the secondary lane.

Note: These are the default settings the vehicle is programmed to. These settings can be adapted to a large extent to personal preferences and the characteristics of the layout. Please refer to the manual of the CarManager. You may always find further possibilities with which to optimize the behaviour of the vehicle at such stops on our website www.viessmann- modell.de in the FAQ & Tutorials on the subject CarMotion.

Compatibility with other control systems

The Viessmann IR system was designed for a high data rate and safety enabling a reliable distance control. It is possible to activate a compatibility mode in the CarManager enabling the CarMotion vehicles to emit and receive stop signals from other systems. This may, however, result in a deterioration of the distance control.

Special Cases

Further functions at the stop point
As already mentioned above, classical applications such as the stop can be fine-tuned. With settings in the CarManger additional commands such as indicating direction when moving off can be carried out. You will find the relevant instructions in the manual of the CarManager and on our website in the section “FAQ & Tutorials”.

Behaviour with empty battery
As the vehicles monitor the charge level of the batteries, they warn of a critical charge level by driving slowly with the warning lights on when the charge level reaches a critical level. If the charge falls below the next critical level, the motor is switched off. The remaining charge is only used to stop other vehicles coming from the rear via the IR control and to inform them about the stopped vehicle. After a few minutes, the vehicle is switched off completely to protect the batteries.
Vehicles standing behind such a broken down vehicle do not just move off in such a situation as they cannot know if the vehicle is still there or not – because the IR communication is interrupted.
Once the broken down vehicle is removed, the following vehicle can be activated again by switching it off and on again, by pressing
the “Play” button on the remote control, item 8402, or by placing a vehicle ready to drive in front of it and starting it.

Switch-off command for following vehicles
When you switch off a vehicle, all other vehicles in the same lane will be switched off as well, as this command is “passed through to the rear”. In the CarManager it is configurable if the vehicles switch-off as described or if they merely wait as described under 4.5.2

Vehicle configuration and control with IR remote control

The infrared sensors in the front of the vehicle (adaptive cruise control) can also be used to receive commands from a remote control (item 8402). You can switch the basic functions and change the speed without having to connect the vehicle to its programming device. For detailed description of the functions of the remote control, please refer to its own user manual.

Vehicle configuration via the CarManager software

The CarManager software is a PC application providing configuration and update possibilities for your vehicles (fig. 12). You may also check the charge level of your battery as well as read the vehicle’s software version. To configure or update a vehicle you will need to connect the vehicle to a PC with the help of a programming device. The programming device (item 8401) has a 2×3 pin plug that has to be connected to the socket hidden under the fuel tank, just as the charger (fig. 5). However, the programming device does not work in both plugging directions. Therefore, plug it in direction away from the vehicle (fig. 5). If the vehicle does not switch on when the plug is plugged, you need to switch it on yourself

Note: The latest version of the CarManager software can always be downloaded from the website www.viessmann-modell.de.

Maintenance and checks

CarMotion vehicles are detailed reproductions of reality. The structure of these vehicles requires some care at regular intervals to ensure that you will have as much fun as possible with the vehicles and their functions, for as long as possible.

Cleaning

From time to time, dust and lint deposits must be removed from the axles, and from drive and steering elements of the vehicles. Model roads too, should always be kept free of dust and tyre particles. Clean the vehicles using a soft dry cloth and a soft dry paintbrush, or by softly blowing them with air. Never use water or aggressive detergents.

Adjusting the steering arm

CarMotion Vehicles can be optimally driven only if the steering arm is adjusted correctly. This is the case in the delivered condition, however, readjustment may become necessary due to variations that may occur for example through accidents in traffic. The steering arm should always glide parallel to the surface of the road. Special attention must be paid to the height of the magnetic arm. If it is too close to the road surface, it may grind on it, thus leaving unwanted scratch marks on the road and slowly but steadily eroding the arm. If, on the other hand, the arm is too far from the road surface you may encounter steering problems. The illustration in fig. 13.2 shows the ideal setting.

Note:

• The steering arm must not be screwed on too tightly.
• The steering arm must be positioned just above the roadway and be able to swivel smoothly to the right and to the left.

To check whether the steering slider is correctly adjusted, place the vehicle onto a perfectly flat surface, for instance a glass pane. It may also be helpful to use a piece of road with magnet tape resp. steel wire as the magnetic forces have an effect on the position of the arm. Slight grinding as shown in fig. 13.1 can be required for roads with steel wire guidance

Changing tyres

Depending on the mileage of the vehicle, it may become necessary to change tyres (fig. 14) at regular intervals. Worn tyres lead to traction loss and steering problems. This will be particularly noticeable in curves and slopes. Therefore, check tyres every now and then!

Replacing the motor

The motors have an expected lifespan of min. 300 hours at normal operation and at least 300 hours at max. speed/full load. Running at lower speeds will increase the lifespan. Changing the motor can be done as follows:

• In case of CarMotion vehicles with dumping body, first remove the dumping device and then lift the plastic cover (fig. 15a). In case of vehicles without dumping body, the plastic cover remains in place. Proceed with the next step!
• The use of a magnetic PH00 screwdriver is required to disassemble the 2 screws that secure the motor holder to the PCB (fig. 15b).
• Desolder the 2 wires of the motor and make sure to resolder the wires of the new motor in the same way (fig. 15c).
• After having completed the change, the user may reset the motor lifespan counter in the vehicle with the help of the CarManager software, so that they can keep track of the next scheduled change. After replacing the motor, the magnetic sensor has to be recalibrated. This can be done with the help of the CarManager.
  

Replacing the batteries

The batteries of the vehicle are firmly soldered to the board. For this reason they must be changed by the Viessmann customer service.
A replacement by the user is not intended.

Lubrication of axles or moving parts

The front axle of the CarMotion vehicles must not be oiled or greased. This may result in functional incapacity!
The rear axle, too does not need any lubricating.
Should any part go a bit heavy, please refer to chapter 7.1

Trouble-shooting

Frequently encountered problems and their solutions:

• The steering arm changes its direction by mistake: A permanent magnet is too close to the wire/magnetic tape or the magnetic tape has changed its polarity.
• Vehicle does not follow bends: arm too far from road surface, possibly tyres are dirty, worn or the steering is dirty.
• Vehicles collide: IR Adaptive Cruise Control is turned off or too much sunlight from the front is blinding the vehicles.
• Warning lights are activated and the vehicle is very slow: this is the signal for low battery. Please recharge the batteries.

Environmentally friendly disposal

Do not dispose of this product through (unsorted) domestic waste, supply it to recycling instead.
The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on batteries or accumulators indicates that they must not be disposed of with household waste. If batteries or accumulators contain mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) or lead (Pb), you will find the respective chemical symbol underneath the symbol of the crossed out dustbin. You are legally obliged to return old batteries and accumulators after use. You can do so free of charge at a retail outlet or at another collection point in your vicinity. You can obtain addresses of suitable collection points from your city or local authority.
Batteries may contain substances that are hazardous for the environment and the human health. Special caution is required when handling batteries containing lithium due to the particular risks involved. The separate collection and recycling of old batteries and accumulators are keyed to avoiding a negative impact on both environment and human health.
Please avoid the generation of waste from old batteries as far as possible, e. g. by using batteries with a longer life or rechargeable batteries. Please avoid littering the public space by not carelessly leaving batteries or electrical and electronic equipment containing batteries lying around. Please check and consider ways of reusing a battery instead of disposing of it, e. g. by reconditioning or repairing it.
Further information on the battery law can be found on the internet at www.batteriegesetz.de.

Technical data

Power supply

The included charger, item 8400 has a micro USB connection and may be connected to any PC, laptop, phone or tablet charger, provided the correct cable is being used.

Li-Po batteries

The vehicle is equipped with 2 pouch cell Li-Po batteries, each having a capacity of 60 mAh. Both batteries are equipped with protection modules that prevent the user from overcharging, deep discharging and short circuiting them. The batteries are also rated for high safety and will not catch fire even if they are punctured or pierced.

Service life of pouch Li-Po batteries

All rechargeable batteries unfortunately have a property in common: their service life is limited. The service life of rechargeable batteries is measured using the number of complete charging cycles, that is, the total number of charging procedures that are possible. It is estimated that the capacity of these batteries will drop to 60% of their original after a minimum of 1000 complete (empty to fully charged) cycles of use.
Preferred operation: The batteries may be charged at any state of charge and for any short period of time needed. On average, the vehicle is designed to operate about twice as long as it is charged. This way the batteries will have the longest lifespan.
Memory Effect: There is no memory effect when charging Li-Po batteries.

Self-discharge: Rechargeable batteries are prone to self-discharge over time. This means that they lose part of their stored energy even if the vehicle is not switched on at all. At worst, a rechargeable battery may even be subject to deep self discharge, a state in which the materials inside the battery start to degrade. You should therefore charge your vehicles every six to twelve months for at least a couple of minutes, even if you do not use them.

Storage: When for some reason it is known that the vehicle will not be used for a prolonged period of time, it is recommended to leave at least 25% (though 60% is preferred) of charge in the batteries before retiring the vehicle. It is also recommended not to retire vehicles that are 100% charged. In such a case it is recommended that the vehicles be turned on for about 20 minutes so that the batteries will discharge to a value that is closer to the recommended 60% storage capacity. The user may check the state of charge of the batteries either by observing the blinking pattern of the cabin LED during charging, or by using the CarManager software (chapter 6).

Subject to change without prior notice. No liability for mistakes and printing errors.
You will find the latest version of the manual on the Viessmann website using the item number.

| Do not dispose of this product through (unsorted) domestic waste, supply it to recycling instead.
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D – 35116 Hatzfeld-Reddighausen
info@viessmann-modell.com
+49 6452 9340-0
www.viessmann-modell.de

Made in Europe

References

• Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH
• Welcome to the Modell Group
• Das neue Batteriegesetz (BattG)
• Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH

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