KATO Switch problem

JamesHetzel Jun 23, 2013

  1. JamesHetzel

    JamesHetzel TrainBoard Member

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    I am in the process of hooking up my Kato switches (turnouts) to Kato controls (blue switch throws). A switch I want to be in line with my mainline, therefore I want my blue switch throw to be in the up position. However, the Kato machine wants that position to be direction I don't want. So...I'll reverse the wires the wires in the connectors..right...wrong....that did nothing.:frustrated: Please help. I am just beginning to hook up my turnouts and will probably run into this situaution again. I have 15 turnouts and have connect about seven so far. Thank you in advance. Jim J & M H Railroad
     
  2. Wal

    Wal TrainBoard Member

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    Do all seven controls have the straight through position in the divergent position?

    To test, take one turnout and wire it to a switch and to the Kato controller and test it independently of the track - in other words do not have the turnout placed on your layout.

    Up position is straight ahead and down position is divergent. It would be highly improbable that all switches are operating incorrectly. Other forum members might have other thoughts.
     
  3. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    As long as the switch controller ISNT connected inline with other switch controllers....I would think you could simply flip it over and mount it on the front panel. It may look odd but as long as it is an isolated switch (one by itself) and powered seperately it should be ok...and will give you the switch orientation you want.

    JMO...thnxs
     
  4. JamesHetzel

    JamesHetzel TrainBoard Member

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    In this case, the straight through comes from a siding into my mainline, making the curved portion of the turnout actually on the mainline. I know the Kato is set up to be straight through on the top of the switch machine, but I guess in the back of my little brain I kind of thought I could switch the wires to compensate. Evidently not, unless I can switch them inside the switch itself. Is the backing removable or is that a whole new can of worms?
     
  5. JamesHetzel

    JamesHetzel TrainBoard Member

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    George: That may be what I have to do. I have enough of the AC/DC adapters to do that. As you said, it may look a little odd, but I really want the mainline to be in the up position. May be my only choice. Thanks.
     
  6. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    You can just reverse the wires. There is nothing special about the blue switch or the wiring to the solenoid. It is simply a momentary polarized pulse. If you don't have any spare mini-Tamaya connectors, snip the red/black wires, near the existing connector, coming from your turnout, and simply solder the red to black and black to red at the point of your snip. The actions of the switch will now be reversed.
     
  7. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I was thinking the same Rick. But the OP said he tried that and it didnt work. I am not familar with the blue kato turnout controller. Dont know if there is anything 'special' about it as far as its inards. I throw all my turnouts by hand. It does seems a simple red/black black/red wire swap should work. But we are talking Kato here...so I guess anything is possible...lol.
     
  8. JamesHetzel

    JamesHetzel TrainBoard Member

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    I wonder if there's something wrong with the turnout. I tried swapping the wires, and nothing changed, which seemed counter intuitive. I think I'll drop another turnout there.
     

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