ALEXANDER ENGEL KG - engel modellbau -/Sub Components/Control Devices products

Ballast Tank Switch UNI 6V 49,80 €

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:28:59 +0100

Ballast tank switch (BTS) for controlling a single Piston Tank type EA (AutoStop) and TA (AutoTrim) in 6-12V.

The UNI provides highest safety level ever achieved by an electronic device of this kind. This state-of-the-art BTS has been fitted with new characteristics covering any avoidable risks to the operational safety of your submarine model. The UNI will automatically switch to empty the Piston Tank not only if receiver signal is lost but even if the receiver itself or receiver power (Rx battery or BEC) is defective. In addition, the UNI offers up to three further safety features.

The UNI decodes a proportional (=servo) channel from the receiver to a forward-stop-reverse switch function for the Piston Tank motor. In neutral position of the stick, both relays are off and the motor is stopped. On half way to either end of the stick travel, one relay is activated and the Piston Tank motor starts running. With the optional Pressure Switch (item no. 5029) connected, maximum depth is limited to approx. 1.8 meters (5.9 ft). If the model dives below this level, the UNI will automatically switch to "resurface" and empty the Piston Tank.

Furthermore, the Pressure Switch acts as a second security device. Should the over pressure which builds-up within the hull while submerging (by flooding the tank) be lost due to a leakage, submerging will be terminated by the switch. In this case, the green LED flashes steadily, and the system does not allow the submarine to submerge again until this has been corrected. Alternatively, the UNI offers another fail safe device. If the transmitter signal is lost - due to increased depth or other circumstances - the UNI will switch to "blow" (empty) the Piston Tank.
The UNI also offers a so-called Battery Voltage Monitor. The voltage of the Piston Tank motor battery is permanently verified. Should voltage fall below a specific threshold value (preset to 9V for 12V operation) for more than 5 seconds, the unit will switch to resurfacing. Low battery mode is indicated by lighting of the red LED. It is highly recommend to always making sure all batteries are fully charged before your model commences its journey!

The red LED indicates low battery voltage. If battery capacity has dropped below preset threshold value the red ED will be lit. This consequently requires the main drive battery to be charged. If the LED lights up although battery voltage is sufficient threshold voltage might be set to high. This can be adjusted by turning the potentiometer on the UNI.

The green LED indicates good signal quality. If transmitter signal is too weak or lost the green LED will be off. A lost or faulty signal will cause the UNI to automatically switch to EMPTY. The UNI will only react to transmitter commands after signal has reached an acceptable quality level. Other than that the unit will remain in the EMPTY mode. Blinking of the green LED indicates activation of Pressure Switch. The UNI will remain in the EMPTY mode as long as Pressure Switch remains active.

The UNI is mainly built in SMD (surface-mounted device) which allows allocation of main active components to be located protectively on the back side of the unit. Connections for the 3rd micro switch (in charge of the TA function) as well as the Pressure Switch are easily accessible on the top side of the UNI. For reliable connections between these pins and the Piston Tank use JST connector (coplete with silicone wire) item no. 9128.

Technical Specifications:

Operational nominal voltage 6-12V

Dimensions L 44 x W 42 x H 21 mm

Weight approx. 36 g

This set includes:

1 Ballast Tank Switch UNI

3 Plastic spacers 5 mm

3 Screws (stainless steel) 2.9 x 9.5 mm

1 Manual with wiring diagram in English

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 4V for 6V operation.

Ballast Tank Switch UNI 12V 49,80 €

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:07:19 +0100

Ballast tank switch (BTS) for controlling a single Piston Tank type EA (AutoStop) and TA (AutoTrim) in 6-12V.

Technical Specifications:

Operational nominal voltage 6-12V

Dimensions L 44 x W 42 x H 21 mm

Weight approx. 36 g

This set includes:

1 Ballast Tank Switch UNI

3 Plastic spacers 5 mm

3 Screws (stainless steel) 2.9 x 9.5 mm

1 Manual with wiring diagram in English

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 9V for 12V operation.

Ballast Tank Switch Proportional UNIpro 6V 59,80 €

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:12:16 +0200

This control unit allows proportional control of a Piston Tank, e. g. the piston is driven to a position set by transmitter. The exact position is detected by a so-called Hall effect sensor connected to the UNIpro by a wire and switched through magnets mounted on to one of the Piston Tank's gear wheels.

As control device on the transmitter a proportional or rotary slider can be used. The UNIpro is compatible to most customary R/C systems (accepted receiver signal 0.7 to 2.3 ms).

The UNIpro can be operated in two different modes. In the first mode, called 20/80, the first 20% on the slider of the transmitter control the first 70% of piston movement. The last 80% on the slider control the last 30% of piston movement. This mode allows precise trim of the boat and is preferable for most Piston Tank volumes. In the second, so-called linear mode the entire Piston Tank volume is controlled on the slider. This only makes sense for Piston Tank volumes with less than 300 ml, as resolution of the slider is otherwise too low to allow for exact adjustment.

The control current for the unit is fed in by the wire lead connecting to the receiver. Receiver current should be 4.8 to 6 V as common for most R/C components. The UNIpro can take currents up to 8.4 V. However, most servos and receivers cannot bear such high voltage. Operating current depends on Piston Tank (6 or 12 V) used and supplied by the main battery.

The Piston Tank used must feature end switches for safe termination of piston movement at its corresponding end positions (e. g. completely full or empty). All ENGEL Piston Tanks are equipped with such end switches.

With the optional Pressure Switch (DS) connected, maximum depth is limited to approx. 1.8 meters (5.9 ft). If the model dives below this level, the UNIpro will automatically switch to the "bail" and empty the tank. The model will then resurface if the slider is also set to "bail". Otherwise, with the slider left in its initial position the model will emerge to a depth above 1.8 meters after which the tank will start filling again until the piston has reached the position according to the slider.

Furthermore, the Pressure Switch (DS) acts as a second security device. Should the over pressure which builds-up within the hull while submerging (by filling the tank) be lost due to a leakage, the "submerge mode" will be terminated by the switch. In this case, the red LED flashes steadily, and the system does not allow the model to submerge again until this has been corrected. Alternatively, the UNIpro offers another fail safe device. If the transmitter signal is lost - due to increased depth or other circumstances - the UNIpro will switch to "blow" (empty) the Piston Tank.

The UNIpro also offers a so-called Battery Voltage Monitor. The voltage of the main battery is permanently verified. Should voltage fall below a specific threshold value for more than 5 seconds, the unit will switch to "bail". Threshold value is factory set to approx. 4.5 V for 6 V operation or about 9 V for 12 V operation (adjustable). Low battery mode is indicated by lighting of the red LED.

Connecting and Fitting Hall Effect Sensor and Magnets
Position of the piston within the tank is detected by a Hall effect sensor pre-fitted on a separate board and connected to the UNIpro by a three-wire lead. Position and attachment of the sensor depends on the particular Piston Tank.

The Hall effect sensor is actuated by magnets. The UNIpro comes with two pairs of dice shaped magnets, two Neodymium (nickel-plated) and two ferrite (black) magnets. Additional magnets in various sizes and shapes are optionally available.

A pair of magnets mounted to the main gear wheel (spindle) allows an accuracy of half a rotation. Mounted to the middle gear accuracy is already multiple. Using 2 pair of magnets will result in duplication of accuracy. For Piston Tanks in 6 V with 540 size motor as well as 12 V with 380 size motor the middle gear wheel is ideal for mounting up to 3 or 2 pair of magnets respectively. On a 6 V/540 tank drive the Hall sensor can be screwed directly to micro switch S1. On a 12 V/380 tank drive the middle gear is more distant to S1. To bridge this distance a bracket (i. e. bend from a piece of brass) can be used for reaching the necessary proximity of sensor to magnets.

The middle gear wheel of a Piston Tank in 12 V and 540 size motor is rather small. For this type of tank the main gear wheel (with spindle bushing) is a better alternative. 3 pair of disc shaped Neodymium magnets 1.5 x 0.5 mm (item no. 5810-1510) will allow for accurate trim. The Hall sensor can be attached (i. e. glued) to micro switch S1.

Technical Specifications

Control voltage	4.0 to 8.4 V (receiver power)
Operational voltage	6 to 30 V (main battery)
Switching load	max. 10 A
Ascertainable impulses	65,500 (Hall effect sensor)
Dimensions (l x w x h)	switch unit	47 x 44 x 21 mm
	Hall sensor	28 x 8 x 3.5 mm
Weight	switch unit	35 g
	Hall sensor	7 g

Set includes
1 Piston Tank Control Unit UNIpro
1 Hall effect sensor mounted to PCB with connection lead
2 pair of Neodymium magnets 3 x 3 mm
3 spacers 5 mm
3 screws A2 2.9 x 9.5 mm

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 4.5 V for 6 V operation.

Ballast Tank Switch Proportional UNIpro 12V 59,80 €

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:29:17 +0100

Technical Specifications

Control voltage	4.0 to 8.4 V (receiver power)
Operational voltage	6 to 30 V (main battery)
Switching load	max. 10 A
Ascertainable impulses	65,500 (Hall effect sensor)
Dimensions (l x w x h)	switch unit	47 x 44 x 21 mm
	Hall sensor	28 x 8 x 3.5 mm
Weight	switch unit	35 g
	Hall sensor	7 g

Set includes
1 Piston Tank Control Unit UNIpro
1 Hall effect sensor mounted to PCB with connection lead
2 pair of Neodymium magnets 3 x 3 mm
3 spacers 5 mm
3 screws A2 2.9 x 9.5 mm

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 9 V for 12 V operation.

Compact Tank Switch CTS2.2 6V 64,80 €

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:29:40 +0100

• Latest generation ballast tank switch CTS version 2.2 with improved switching characteristics
• Forms a compact unit with the Piston Tank
• Designed for controlling a single Piston Tank type EA (AutoStop)

CTS2.2 is a ready-to-run unit as it must only be attached to micro switches S1 and S2 of the Piston Tank. This makes no further wiring between CTS2 and Piston Tank necessary. Only the two wires leading from the two micro switches to the motor connectors must be attached separately. Connect main drive battery to screw terminals and plug pre-fitted connector lead into receiver - DONE!

CTS2.2 provides highest safety level ever achieved by an electronic device of this kind. This state-of-the-art ballast tank switch has been fitted with new characteristics covering any avoidable risks to the operational safety of your submarine model.

This compact unit offers all necessary fail-safe features which are
• Low battery monitor for main drive battery
• Loss of receiver signal
• Loss of transmitter signal
• Optional automatic resurfacing if model dives below approx. 1.8 m*

The voltage of the main drive battery is permanently monitored. When it falls below the threshold voltage (factory setting approx. 4V for 6V operation) the unit will activate the resurfacing mode. This threshold voltage is adjustable.

CTS2.2 will automatically switch to empty the Piston Tank not only if receiver signal is lost but even if the receiver itself or receiver power (Rx battery or BEC) is defective.

A pressure switch (item-no. 5029) is optionally available as a fourth and very important safety device limiting the operational depth of the model to approx. 1.8 meters*. This safety device is highly recommended as the switch also senses any pressure drop inside the WTC (Water Tight Compartment) of the model due to a leak.

CTS2.2 is compatible with former CTS.
However, both micro switches type V (no. 5025) need to be replaced against type A (no. 5024).

CTS2.2 can be upgraded to proportional trim
simply by connection of an optional hall sensor and attachment of magnets to one of the gear wheels on the piston tank. There is a upgrade kit available including all necessary components.

Technical Specifications
• Receiver power 4.8 to 8.4 V (receiver power)
• Operational voltage 6 to 30 V (main battery)
• Switching load max. 10 A
• Weight approx. 35 g

Includes:
• Switch unt CTS2.2, fully tested and ready-to-run
• Wire and connector set
• Comprehensive instructions in English

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 4.5V for 6V operation.

* This measurement is based on ENGEL WTC volume. Depth will vary to some extend for other volumes.

Compact Tank Switch CTS2.2 12V 64,80 €

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:07:05 +0100

Includes:
• Switch unt CTS2.2, fully tested and ready-to-run
• Wire and connector set
• Comprehensive instructions in English

Low-Battery-Monitor pre-adjusted to approx. 9V for 12V operation.

* This measurement is based on ENGEL WTC volume. Depth will vary to some extend for other volumes.

Switch Unit TAE3 12V - complete set 198,00 €

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:05:42 +0100

This new switch unit TAE3 offers more functions and safety than ever before.
Furthermore, the TAE3 can be upgraded with Hall Sensors allowing proportional control of Piston Tanks.

This switch unit can operate Piston Tanks type EA (with AutoStop) as well as type TA (with AutoTrim).
For the proportional control version of the TAE3 with Hall Sensors, Piston Tanks type EA are fitted with magnets on the middle gear of the tank drive, allowing fine trimming of the submarine model.
The set of Hall Sensors is available as an option (item no. 1585-H30).

Main Characteristics
• Controls 2 Piston Tanks type EA or TA
• upgradable with Hall Sensors for proportional control
• Piston Tanks can be operated as a pair or individually
• 100% compatible with preceding model TAE2
• 4 fail safe devices
• very reliable
• self-resetting fuses against overload
• threshold voltage adjustable
• connectivity for pressure switch
• upgradable with Static Depth Controller

With the TAE3 Piston Tanks can be controlled either as a pair (standard) or as two singles via 2 R/C channels. Connection of TAE3 to receiver is made by patch wire leads supplied. Operation via 2 channels will require 2 of these leads.

The TAE3 features enhanced switching characteristics covering any avoidable risk to operational safety of your submarine model. Each Piston Tank is safeguarded by a self-resetting polymer fuse against electrical overload.

The TAE3 will automatically switch to empty the tanks not only if receiver signal is lost but even if the receiver itself or receiver power (Rx battery or BEC) is defective, thereby allowing the model to resurface safely.

In addition, the unit features 3 additional fail safe devices, such as loss of receiver signal, low battery monitor and limitation of operational depth by pressure switch (included in this set). If transmitter signal is lost (e.g. by excessive depth) or main battery power has diminished the unit will also automatically switch the tanks to bail. Threshold voltage at which the automatic resurfacing mode is activated is adjustable by a rotary switch onboard of the unit (factory settings 4V for 6V operation, 9V for 12V operation). Operational and switching modes are indicated by LEDs.

The main power circuit (6 to 12 Volt) is held seperately from the unit’s control current (4.8 to 8 Volt) thereby minimising interference and eliminating power fluctuations within the control system.

TAE3 can optionally be upgraded with Static Depth Controller TAES (item no. 1585-TAES). This additional module is equipped with a pressure sensor supporting the trim of the submerged, static (not moving) model. Static Depth Controller TAES measures the pressure differentials during submerging and resurfacing which are then equalized by water being sucked in and pressed out of the Piston Tanks.
TAES is recommended only if TAE3 is operated with Hall Sensors. Otherwise the automatic re-trimming feature of the TAES cannot funtion satisfactory.

Technical Specifications
control (rx) voltage 4 - 8 V
operational voltage 6-12V
dimensions approx. l 100 x w 50 x h 19 mm
weight approx. 60 g

Includes:
• Switch Unit TAE3
• Pressure Switch
• Leads and connectors
• Manual and wiring diagram in English

Threshold voltage (for low battery monitor) preadjusted to approx. 9 V for 12 V operation.

Switch Unit TAE3 6V - w/o accessories 174,60 €

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:33:21 +0100

This new switch unit TAE3 offers more functions and safety than ever before.
Furthermore, the TAE3 can be upgraded with Hall Sensors allowing proportional control of Piston Tanks.

With the TAE3 Piston Tanks can be controlled either as a pair (standard) or as two singles via 2 R/C channels. Connection of this “bare” unit (version without accessories) to receiver is made by patch wire lead no. 9118. Operation via 2 channels will require 2 of these leads.

The TAE3 features enhanced switching characteristics covering any avoidable risk to operational safety of your submarine model. Each Piston Tank is safeguarded by a self-resetting polymer fuse against electrical overload.

The TAE3 will automatically switch to empty the tanks not only if receiver signal is lost but even if the receiver itself or receiver power (Rx battery or BEC) is defective, thereby allowing the model to resurface safely.

In addition, the unit features 3 additional fail safe devices, such as loss of receiver signal, low battery monitor and limitation of operational depth by pressure switch (item no. 5029, not included in this bare set). If transmitter signal is lost (e.g. by excessive depth) or main battery power has diminished the unit will also automatically switch the tanks to bail. Threshold voltage at which the automatic resurfacing mode is activated is adjustable by a rotary switch onboard of the unit (factory settings 4V for 6V operation, 9V for 12V operation). Operational and switching modes are indicated by LEDs.

TAE3 can optionally be upgraded with Static Depth Controller TAES (item no. 1584-TAES). This additional module is equipped with a pressure sensor supporting the trim of the submerged, static (not moving) model. Static Depth Controller TAES measures the pressure differentials during submerging and resurfacing which are then equalized by water being sucked in and pressed out of the Piston Tanks.
TAES is recommended only if TAE3 is operated with Hall Sensors. Otherwise the automatic re-trimming feature of the TAES cannot funtion satisfactory.

Technical Specifications
control (rx) voltage 4 - 8 V
operational voltage 6-12V
dimensions approx. l 100 x w 50 x h 19 mm
weight approx. 60 g

Includes switch unit and manual only (no accessories, leads or pressure switch).

Threshold voltage (for low battery monitor) preadjusted to approx. 4 V for 6 V operation.

Switch Unit TAE3 12V - w/o accessories 174,60 €

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:20:51 +0100

This new switch unit TAE3 offers more functions and safety than ever before.
Furthermore, the TAE3 can be upgraded with Hall Sensors allowing proportional control of Piston Tanks.

Technical Specifications
control (rx) voltage 4 - 8 V
operational voltage 6-12V
dimensions approx. l 100 x w 50 x h 19 mm
weight approx. 60 g

Includes switch unit and manual only (no accessories, leads or pressure switch).

Threshold voltage (for low battery monitor) preadjusted to approx. 9 V for 12 V operation.

Switch Unit TAE3 6V - complete set 198,00 €

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 20:27:27 +0100

This new switch unit TAE3 offers more functions and safety than ever before.
Furthermore, the TAE3 can be upgraded with Hall Sensors allowing proportional control of Piston Tanks.

Technical Specifications
control (rx) voltage 4 - 8 V
operational voltage 6-12V
dimensions approx. l 100 x w 50 x h 19 mm
weight approx. 60 g

Includes:
• Switch Unit TAE3
• Pressure Switch
• Leads and connectors
• Manual and wiring diagram in English

Threshold voltage (for low battery monitor) preadjusted to approx. 4 V for 6 V operation.