Alternative to "Kato" unitrack turnout contols??

Is there a relatively easy, ( for the "wiring impaired" ), alternative to the "Kato" turnout controls used in "Unitrack"?
If so, where is the best place to find **quality** electronics components??
Thanks, i appreciate the help............

 

I can't help you with Unitrack turnout control, but here are a few sources for electronic components. I'm sure there have been other threads on this topic, but these vendors come quickly to mind.

Huge selection of first quality parts:
Mouser Electronics
Digi-Key

Smaller selection:
Jameco
Electronics Plus

Surplus and odd lots at good prices:
Electronic Goldmine
All Electronics
BG Micro
Alltronics

- Jeff

 

Thanks..........been curious about a good parts source anyway, & you've been helpful with several.

 

I use a very simple circuit that allows push buttons to be used to control Kato turnouts. Contact me off line and I could send it to you.

 

Would Atlas turnout controls work with Kato N scale turnouts?

 

Go to fiferhobby.com. Mike has your answer. Go to How to Pages. It's explained there. Very simple.Bill

 

Great, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the heads up Bill!

 

No! Atlas switches are twin-coil (AC/DC) machines. Kato switches are single-coil (DC only, polarity-sensitive) machines.

These devices are somewhat pricey, but they make for a very clean, simple control panel: http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/751D.HTM

 

If anyone is intersted...I have a bunch of brand new double pole-center off micro switches I bought with the plan to use em on my Unitrack turnouts. In the end I found on my layout...its simpler to just throw em by hand. I am willing to part with the new switches at a good discount if u r interested. Just PM me...thnxs

 

I wire the common of a spdt switch (NOT momentary) through an electrolytic capacitor,+ side of cap to the common switch terminal, negative cap lead to one Unitrack turnout lead - the other turnout lead is grounded.
I connect + voltage to one of the remaining switch terminals and ground to the other remaining terminal. You can orient ground and + connections so that the switch is thrown to the ground side for your through route. The switch handle position will indicate the route through the turnout.
I have used this for Unitrack #6 turnouts and double crossovers. Just takes a larger value cap to throw a double crossover.
Al