Starterkit 'Loco and Turnout'

Resetting the CTC Turnout Modules

To be independent of any presetting and previous configuration, the CTC turnout modules are reset to their original state. This also applies to CTC multi-IO modules, although these are not used in the starter kit.

Note: Whenever you are not 100% sure about how a module is configured, you should reset it before connecting anything to it! Newly delivered CTC modules are always in a reset state, i.e., you do not need to do anything with these.

The resetting of the CTC modules should have already been done; here again is the corresponding chapter:

Installation of Turnout Modules and Locomotive Modules.

First Steps in Configuring the CTC Turnout Modules

This text describes the first steps in configuring the turnout modules for the starter set “Locomotive and Turnout”. The following is assumed:

• the track layout is set up,
• the turnout modules are installed in the turnouts and the solenoid drives are connected,
• the signals are wired to the turnout modules (but will be configured later),
• the IR balises are wired to the turnout modules (but will be configured later), and
• the power supply is fully connected.

The wiring of the signals and the IR balises for each of the turnout modules is executed as follows:

The wiring is done; now it is necessary to inform each CTC turnout module which “products” (turnout drive, semaphore signal, and IR balises) are connected to which port of the module and how they are controlled. When we talk about “connections” in the following, it does NOT mean electrical wires, but connections on the software level.

The following steps are described and carried out:

1. “Products” are taken from the product catalog. For each turnout module, the product catalog has
   • one turnout,
   • one semaphore signal, and
   • two IR balises.
2. These products have “connections” that require a specific control method; this information is already contained in the product catalog and is used by the CTC app to check for correct connection:
   • The solenoid drive of the turnout and the solenoid drive of the semaphore signal need a short pulse.
   • The IR balises are controlled with a pulse-width modulated signal.
3. The connections of the products are linked to the pins of the turnout module. Through this, the configuration of the turnout module is set implicitly according to the requirements for controlling the respective product.

First Steps of the Configuration

In the next step, the electrical connections need to be announced to the turnout modules. Connected to each turnout module are:

• the solenoid drive of the turnout,
• the solenoid drive for a wing or semaphore signal,
• two IR balises, one very close to the signal and the other further ahead.

The right turnout module will be configured.

Click on “Settings” - “Configurator” in the CTC app to open the window “List of All Modules.”

Under “Type” in the table, there are two modules of the type “SwitchBox.” These are the two turnout modules that need to be configured. The new names were already assigned when resetting, and these can be found in the “ID” column.

Alternatively, you can reach the “Edit Junction Box” window directly from the CTC app under the “Modules” tab:

Click “Edit” in the respective row in the “SwitchBox” list to select “Demo-W-rechts.” The “Edit Junction Box” window will open.

Click “Change Config” to open the “Edit Junction Box Configuration” window. The connection and function of the solenoid turnout drive are checked as follows:

1. In the “Pins, Ports, and Extensions” field, select the output “W1-gruen.”
2. Click the “Test” field. The turnout switches.
3. In the “Pins, Ports, and Extensions” field, select the output “W1-rot.”
4. Click the “Test” field. The turnout switches.

The turnout has now switched at least once, and it is known which connection switches the turnout to “straight” and which to “turn.” This information is needed for the correct connection of the turnout.