Hi all. I need some help, and I'm confident you'll be able to give me an answer. I'm installing a Kato double-crossover into my layout. I'm sure I can wire it so it'll run right, but what is used to control the turnouts? Does Kato make a controller for this, and if so, what part #. I'm not planning on using the controller now for a powered switch, but in the future I may go with computer control and want to "automate". Thanks NSseeker David
Yes, Kato makes expensive and bulky controllers for theit turnouts including the double crossover. But, look at the article in the June Mainline Modeler. It shows a novel, simple, inexpebsive way to operate UniTrack turnouts. All it takes is a SPDT toggle and a small capacitor. No co,plicated electronics - even my Mother could wire up this one. The features are: 1. Zero delay between successive operation of the turnout. 2. Energy tailored to the specific turnout (or group of turnouts) prevents damage to the switch machines/turnouts. 3. Simple and low cost. 4. Operates from a low-power DC source - even a wall wart will do. Several of us have been using this method for a few years now with excellent results.
David: I use DCC and run the Kato turnouts using the LH 100 handheld device of my Lenz 100 system. Stay cool and run steam....
I finally found a way to post the diagrams for the UniTrack version of the circuit. Except it won't post. This link should get you there. http://home.att.net/~grsjr/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-753342.html For a crossover, just wire both turnouts in parallel and use a 2200 mfd capacitor.
