As with digital decoders, there is no truly universal locomotive module for CTC. The internal connections and space constraints of locomotives are too different.
Common Features of All CTC Locomotive Modules
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | approx. 9 V to 24 V DC, digital current or AC (with buffer capacitor) |
| Interfaces | CTC-IR-Receiver, I2C or CTC-NFC-Reader |
Overview of CTC Locomotive Modules (from 62,- EUR)
| CTC Locomotive Module | Optimized for | Dimensions | Motor Output | Switching Outputs | Servos | Total Max Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTC-Locomotive-Module-H0a | analog | 35 x 20 mm | 1x 1.0 A | 4x 0.5 A LowSide | - | 2 A |
| 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-G | LGB / large scales | 78 x 30 mm | 2x 5.0 A | 6x 1.2 A LowSide 4x 1 A Half-bridge |
2 | 15 A |
Locomotive modules no longer offered:
Notes:
- Operating the CTC locomotive modules on AC or unfiltered DC without a buffer capacitor leads to irreversible damage to the CTC module.
- Switching outputs are distinguished by whether they switch ground or negative (LowSide) or the positive pole (HighSide). Especially with LED boards at the front, there is often a common line for one pole. Then it is important whether the switching outputs of the locomotive module are designed as High or LowSide.
- A half-bridge can switch between the positive and negative poles but is never off. In particular, so-called magnet articles (e.g., uncouplers) can be permanently damaged with improper half-bridge configuration and should therefore not be connected to a half-bridge.
- A power supply module is additionally required for servos.
- If consumers (lamps, smoke generators, …) inside the locomotive are connected to the housing, they should only be connected to the CTC module through a protection diode.
Locomotive Conversion
Different scenarios should be distinguished when converting locomotives:
- Analog locomotives
- Digital locomotives without a connector
- Locomotives with a standardized connector
On the Locomotive Conversion Page, we have documented various conversions for you in text and images, and we regularly update them.
Analog Locomotives
For an analog Märklin locomotive, you can find a detailed documentation of the conversion in the article Conversion BR23 Märklin 3005.
We addressed the LGB classic “Stainz” in the article Conversion LGB Stainz #2020 and #2021.
Digital Locomotives without Connector
The conversion is fundamentally similar to analog locomotives. However, it is important to note how the function wiring, especially lighting, is designed. Here, there are often already light boards with a common supply connection and several switching connections.
Depending on whether you need to switch the negative pole (LowSide) or the positive pole (HighSide), you need a different locomotive module.
Locomotives with Standardized Connector
We already have suitable locomotive modules for the following standardized connectors:
If you need modules for other standards, please let us know – we can adjust our development plans to your needs.
Locomotives with DCC Sound Module
Instead of replacing an existing DCC decoder with a CTC module, you can also install the CTC module between the track and the DCC decoder. This is especially useful if you want to use the sophisticated sound of your locomotive with CTC.
How this works is explained in the article Conversion PIKO BR 50 with DCC Sound.