anyway to power kato switches w/o kato power pack?

b-16707 May 20, 2020

  1. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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?
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    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.
     
  3. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    but can my zephyr power this 24-842 adapter and in turn power the switch controllers? This would be the main question i suppose.
     
  4. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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  5. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Oh, I see. We'll have to await a DCC user to respond to that.
     
  6. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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
     
  7. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    It won't actually hook up to the Zephyr, just use a 12V wall wart power supply
     
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  8. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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?

    [​IMG]
     
  9. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Yes, if you just want to use the Kato controls
     
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  10. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    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.
     
  11. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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.
     
  12. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    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.
     
  13. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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
     
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  14. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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    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...
     
  15. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    What amperage will that produce do you think?
     
  16. b-16707

    b-16707 TrainBoard Member

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  17. BRS Hobbies

    BRS Hobbies TrainBoard Member

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    I'm looking to do the same thing. Does it matter if the AC/DC power supply is regulated?
     
  18. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    I don't think that'd be necessary. Keep in mind that Kato turnouts are DC only of course.
     

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