Specifically designed for use in garden railways, we have created an alternative to our CTC-IR-Balise: This solution relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) instead of optical infrared signals.

The capabilities for position detection and automation with the CTC-NFC-Reader are identical to those of the IR receiver. However, with NFC, there is no way to influence the transmitted data. Only a globally unique number—pre-stored in the NFC balise by the manufacturer—is transmitted. The current meaning of an NFC balise is cyclically (every second) communicated by the CTC app to all CTC modules.

Two Variants

The NFC reader is available in two variants:

• The red NFC reader measures 40 mm x 42 mm and has an integrated antenna.
• The NFC reader mini (28 mm x 17 mm) features an external antenna (10 mm x 25 mm) connected via an ~80 mm cable.

NFC reader – buy now NFC reader mini – buy now

It is mounted underneath the locomotive, resulting in a reading distance of approx. 1 to 2 cm.

The large NFC reader requires several centimeters of clearance from metal, whereas the NFC reader mini’s antenna can even be placed directly on metal surfaces. This makes the NFC reader mini compatible with Märklin Gauge I locomotives, whose chassis are typically mostly metal.

Due to the antenna’s small dimensions, it must be positioned precisely centered under a locomotive axle.

Note: The cable between the antenna and reader must not be shortened or extended.

Connection

The NFC reader is connected to the CTC locomotive module G2 or CTC locomotive module G using 4 cables.

Unfortunately, the cable supplied by the manufacturer elechouse for the Mini model has the wrong colours:

Note: For small garden railway locomotives, the CTC locomotive module M3-G or the CTC locomotive module PluX22 with NFC connector can be used.