I can't remember the name of that DCC Stationary Decoder that is used to control Kato Turnouts? Wabbit? Jack Rabbit? In conjunction with a Blullfrog device? Thanks for any help Happy Holidays And Admin please feel free to move this if I posted in the wrong location Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I'm using the NCE SwitchKats with my Kato turnouts on my little door layout. They work well and my understanding work with any DCC system since they get the command right from the track as universal accessory commands and not through the cab bus.
The NCE SwitchKat (as Jason mentions). The DS51K1 (single turnout), DS52 (dual) and DS64 (quad) from Digitrax (a single output of the dS52 or DS64 can power all four switches on the dual-crossover at once). Wabbit, Jack Rabbit and Bullfrog are all not appropriate for a Unitrack turnout.
Also, keep in mind Kato Unitrack switches are powered with DC and not AC. You need to reverse the polarity in order to throw the switch in the opposing direction.
The DCC decoders, as long as they're compatible with Kato (as pointed out above, not all are) allow for reversing polarity. I've used DS52s with Kato and like them.
I've used all the combinations that Rick B. mentioned on all the Unitrack switches on my large around the room layout. Staying cool and having fun with it...... Shades
One of the beauties to purchasing Kato Unitrack Switches is there is no visible switch machine. As already said they are built into the plastic roadbed underneath the track switch. They use a built in slider reversing switch for the hot frog. One of many reasons I use them. Just wish they had more variety of switches.
Thanks much for your reply/help. They arrived today so this evening I'll be putting them in Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
One more device, that works with Kato single (not double) crossovers is the SMD84, by team digital. You do need to wire resistors. http://www.teamdigital1.com/smd82_application.html I am using it, because I have it. If I didn't, I'd use the DS64. I need to buy one, for the double crossovers, anyway. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Double crossovers are the easiest to wire in. Seriously. As a bonus: You've never seen smoother performance when the train move through these. Glad to hear it's all working out.
No, no feedback from the decoder, it just does the switching. Of course, it moved the switch based on a DCC command, so LocoNet already has that command in its stack. There is no (direct) push-button control with the DS51K1. The DS64 can provide LocoNet feedback from a button request.
Thanks, was thinks of using a cml dtm30 down the road for a switch panel, but I think it's dependent on feedback, the ds51k1 is just so much less wiring.
You can still do so. The only problem will be on power-up; the Tower Master won't know the positions of the switches (no feedback). But, you can create a Route which puts everything into a known state, and the DTM will be just fine from then on out. What I don't like about the ds51K1 is that it is track power dependent. I run my DS64s off separate power and LocoNet, so that even if my track power is off, I can still operate the switches.
What can create routes, looks like a Zephyr can't, would I use 1 ds64 just to set routes? Is there another loconet device that can do routes?
