“Technologically, the Wi-Fi application brings model railways into the present day, just as the classic digital protocols brought model railways into the electronic present of 40 years ago.”
Hans-Jürgen Götz in DiMo 3-2020
... it’s that simple / Only two wires
A CTC system consists of the following basic components:
- CTC locomotive modules for installation in locomotives
- CTC switch modules and CTC multi-IO board for switching
- Wi-Fi router or pre-configured CTC routers
- Power supply (from 9 volts up to a maximum of 24 volts): power supply unit, batteries, or the already existing analog or digital power supply
- CTC-App for PC (Linux, Mac, Windows) as well as tablet and smartphone (iOS, Android)
For automatic operation, the following are also required:
-
Position detectors (balises) for installation in the track and corresponding receivers for installation in the locomotive.
The balises also transmit commands such as stop 60 cm before a red signal
- NFC reader under the track and matching adhesive tags for wagons. This allows wagons to be identified, and axles counted.
ONE control - regardless of whether: power via the track, battery, or live steam.
A central electronics unit (digital control center) is not required for CTC, nor are boosters, braking modules, sensor buses, etc.
The locomotives control themselves and can, for example, stop precisely before a red signal without the intervention of a central control system after receiving information about the red signal from a balise.
All other central control tasks are handled by the CTC-App. Operation with multiple people is, of course, possible.
Communication between the CTC-App (throttle, switch panel) and CTC modules in, for example, locomotives, switches, and signals is exclusively via Wi-Fi.
The track serves at most as a power supply.
Battery and live steam operation can be seamlessly integrated. CTC locomotives also run on digital power or on an analog layout with the throttle turned fully up (transformer). CTC Advantages Train protection just like the real thing
Train protection just like the real thing
For CTC, the only sensors needed are balises in the track and corresponding receivers in the locomotive - almost identical to ETCS in the real world.
The locomotives independently respond to commands transmitted by the balises, such as:
- Emergency stop before a buffer stop
- Stop at a station or red signal
- Millimeter-accurate target braking with 2 balises
- Slow-speed sections
This also works for full automation based on block control.
Balises and matching receivers are available based on infrared for indoor and NFC for outdoor layouts. Each CTC switch module and the multi-IO board have connections for two IR balises. NFC balises are simply placed on the track.
To determine train length or detect the loss of wagons, NFC tags can be attached under wagons. The corresponding NFC reader is mounted under the track. Compatibility and Sound
Compatibility and sound
CTC locomotive modules can generate a DCC signal, so, for example, an existing DCC sound decoder can remain in the locomotive.
SUSI sound modules can be directly connected to CTC locomotive modules.
Z21 LAN protocol: CTC emulates a Z21 control center. This allows Wi-Fi handheld controllers and PC control programs like iTrain to be used.
