Does anyone know of a way to power a 24-840 kato switch controller without a kato power pack? I'm using a Zeyphr and im guessing it cant power it. Just looking for a more compact setup without have 2 power packs around. Want to also keep the kato switch controllers as my kid loves throwing them. Im guessing the kato switch controllers are momentary and if i plug a battery that would burn them out? anything I can jerry-rig with something like this 24-842 dc adapter that would be compact and small?
The Kato 24-842 is exactly what you need -- it rectifies an AC input to a DC output. Yes, Kato turnouts are momentary contact and they are DC powered. I don't use the Kato controllers, but as I recall they're spring-loaded for momentary contact. If they're held in place too long, the solenoid will overheat and burn out.
but can my zephyr power this 24-842 adapter and in turn power the switch controllers? This would be the main question i suppose.
There is the Ray Stillwell circuit, as described in the Resources section of TB: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?resources/g-ray-stilwell-bcd-circuit.153/ You can also use an NCE SwitchKat, the Digitrax DS51K1 or DS64 Mike Fifer (@fifer ) has this How To on his website for using a simple DPDT toggle https://www.fiferhobby.com/how-to-make-kato-turnout-control-switches/ Just feed 12V DC
that DPDT toggle looks pretty clean and would keep that feeling of throwing a switch for my kid. Im still hazy how that would hook up to something like a zeyphr however
so i assume i can get the Kato 24-842, use one of these really low power small electronics 12v power plugs, cut the tips on the 24-842, solder these 2 together and it should work?
kato switches like a 12 volt power 2 amp and up they dont switch good on low amp. i have 17 or 18 switches hooked to an old dc controler turned all the way up DC only no ac.
darn the only 12v adapter i have laying around is a 1.5A. By "dont switch good" what do you mean? i currently have 2x 9v battery terminals/connectors that i plan to wire up to the 12v power plug so that the adapter clicks onto the kato switch controller so ill have a removable option. need 2x of these connectors since the kato controller seems to only be able to take the (+) side of the connector.
Kato's power pack produces only 1.2 Amps, so I'd try your 1.5 Amp and see how it goes. As Sidney noted, depending on your turnout count, you might be fine.
I only have 3 turnouts (2x single crossovers, 1x switch for a siding). its a small layout for my kid. Literally just a dining room double tracked table setup that i can click together and take apart whenever. Ill give this 1.5A i have here a shot and see what happens. Nothing too much to lose i guess since these are only like $3 from china. If it doesnt burn out my switch controllers then im good =D
change of plans, going to get a 5v to 9v/12v usb converter so i can power the switches from my powerbank. Will have that going to a female dc barrel with +/- wires that ill solder to the kato dc adapter for a pretty clean setup for assembly and teardown. This way everything, including my zephyr will be powered by a powerbank. No messy cables on the floor for people to trip on. now...problem is waiting for shipping from china...
1.5A so it says https://www.ebay.com/itm/1A-Step-up-Display-USB-Booster-Cable-5V-Step-Up-to-9V-12V-Voltage-Conve-BPB/264347716735?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=563948102269&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 but similar one from amazon shows 0.8A https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage...&keywords=usb+5v+to+12v&qid=1590180711&sr=8-4 so who really knows with stuff coming from china. Ill find out....in like 2 months when i get it lol.