As with digital decoders, there is no completely universal locomotive module for CTC. The inner connections and space conditions of the locomotives vary too much.
Common Properties of All CTC Locomotive Modules
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | approx. 9 V to 24 V DC, digital current or AC (with support capacitor) |
| Interfaces | CTC-IR-Receiver, I2C or CTC-NFC-Reader |
From February 2025, we will include a TVS diode with all locomotive modules for G gauge. For smaller gauges, it should be sufficient to have TVS diodes installed in the track. Refer to the “Overvoltage Protection” section on the “Power Supply and Router” page.
Overview CTC locomotive modules (from 62,- EUR)
| CTC-Locomotive module | Optimised for | Dimensions | Motor output | Switch outputs | Servos | Total Current max. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTC-Locomotive-module-21mtc | Märklin 21mtc | 30 x 15.5 mm | 1x 1.0 A | 6 LowSide + 2 digital | 2 | 2 A |
| CTC-Locomotive-module-PluX22 | PluX-22 | 30 x 16 mm | 1x 1.0 A | 8 LowSide or 8x half-bridge | 2 | 2 A |
| CTC-Locomotive-module-G2 | LGB / large tracks | 78 x 30 mm | 2x 1.0 A or 2x 2.0 A | 6x 1.2 A LowSide 4x 2.5 A half-bridge |
2 | 15 A |
Locomotive modules no longer on offer:
Notes:
- Operating the CTC locomotive modules on alternating current (AC) or unsmoothed direct current without a smoothing capacitor will cause irreparable damage to the CTC module.
- Switch outputs are differentiated according to whether they switch the ground or negative terminal (LowSide) or the positive terminal (HighSide). Especially with LED-boards at the front, there often exists a common wire for one pole. It is important whether the switch outputs of the locomotive module are designed as HighSide or LowSide.
- A half-bridge can switch between plus and minus, but is never off. Especially so-called magnetic articles (e.g. decouplers) can suffer permanent damage if the half-bridge is configured incorrectly and should therefore not be connected to a half-bridge.
- An additional power supply module is required for servos.
- If load devices (lamps, smoke generators, …) in the locomotive have a connection to the housing, they may only be connected to the CTC module via a protection diode.
Locomotive Conversion
On the Locomotive Conversion page you will find general information about locomotive conversion as well as various locomotive conversions documented in text and picture. These are regularly updated.