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Märklin CAN interface configuration

This page describes how to configure a Märklin CAN command station in Traintastic.

Tip

Märklin CS2/CS3 can be added using the setup wizard, which guides you through the process step by step. See Quick start: Connect to your command station for details.

Supported connection types

Märklin CAN command stations can be connected to Traintastic in two ways:

  • Network (TCP/IP) – Recommended. Connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi using the Märklin CAN protocol.
  • Serial (RS-232/USB) – Direct cable connection, often via a USB-to-Serial adapter.

Connection settings

Depending on the connection type, the following options are available:

Network connections

  • Hostname – IP address or hostname of the command station.
  • Port – TCP port number (default depends on command station model).

Serial connections

  • Device – Path to the serial device (e.g., COM3 on Windows or /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux).
  • Baudrate – Communication speed, determined by the CAN bus interface.
  • Flow control – Hardware/software flow control setting, usually None unless the interface requires it.

Note

Serial connections are used with CAN bus interfaces that bridge the Märklin CAN bus to a computer via RS-232 or USB. This is different from connecting directly to a Märklin CS2/CS3, which should use the network connection instead.

Märklin CAN settings

Additional options for fine-tuning behavior:

General

  • Default switch time – Default duration (ms) for switch/accessory commands.

Identification

  • Node UID – Unique identifier for the CAN node.
  • Node serial number – Serial number of the CAN node.

Traintastic registers itself as a node on the Märklin CAN bus using the Node UID and Node serial number, in case of any conflicts they can be adjusted.

Debugging

  • Debug log RX/TX – Log all CAN bus traffic (hex + description).
  • Debug status data config – Log CAN status/configuration messages for diagnostics.
  • Debug config stream – Log the raw configuration stream.

Need help or having issues?

If you encounter problems while configuring Märklin CAN, or if your setup behaves differently than expected, check the community forum. Sharing your configuration and findings helps others and improves Traintastic.