When I extend my layout to the next board I am considering using Kato Unitrack for its ease of laying and wiring. I have a slight disability that now makes track laying somewhat more difficult than in the past. I don't want to use the Kato turnout control switch as I really wanted a panel mounted switch of some sort. What sort of electrical switch will operate their turnouts please. It's the first time I have come across 12v DC powered electric turnouts and only two wires. Many thanks, Dave
David: It's best to use the Kato Turnout controls as it's a momentary switch and regular DPDT switches will cause the Kato turnouts to burn out. You can mount the Kato Unitrack controllers together in a row connected to an adapter which connects to the 12v control of your power supply. The JJJ&E uses Kato Unitrack and runs very well. Stay cool and run steam.....
Bob, Thanks for that. I will have another look at them and how I can site them. I have bought a turnout and some track for testing purposes and I am highly delighted with it. Thanks again, David
David: You will find the Unitrack very easy to work with. You will have no track maintenance issues with the Unitrack. If you are considering weathering the roadbed and painting the rails, I suggest that you do so before you lay the track. It will improve the looks of the track considerably. If you eventually use DCC, you don't need the switch controllers as you can control the turnouts with a hand held device. I use a Lenz system for DCC. Stay cool and run steam....
I have used momentary contact DPDT center off toggle switches with the Unitrack turnouts. Be sure to use the KATO power converter for your power supply. I run the wires from the turnout to the center two posts. These look great in a control panel. They are also a lot lless expensive than the KATO controllers. Eric
Eric - Thanks. I will look into that. Bob - I have tried weathering one of the test pieces I bought and am happy with the result. I will do as you say, and weather all before laying. I am a straight DC man. For no other reason than it does all I need and I only ever operate my layout on my own and then only one train at once. Thanks again, Regards, Dave
David. While you can use a crosswired dpdt momentary switch with center off to operate Kato turnouts, I suggest you read the following: http://users.rcn.com/weyand/tractronics/articles/swartcl/swartcl.htm I am installing a Kato double crossover, the only Kato turnout on my layout. Due to it's- and probably any Kato turnout- expense I hesitate to use just a switch for control. A stuck switch will probably burn out the coil. For me it would require major surgery to replace the crossover. For this reason, I am using 1/2 of Tractronics Switchwitch(tm?) modified as per this: http://members.cox.net/alhoop/xover.jpg On this I set the toggle switch for staight or crossover and push the push-button switch and have no fear of ever burning up a $65 switch.(of course the board will be mounted on the fascia). Al [ 10. February 2005, 18:41: Message edited by: alhoop ]
Al - Thanks for all that information. I have had a quick look but will print it off shortly and read it at my leisure. I have to say that my electrical knowledge is extremely limited but I have a mate who understands such things. Thanks, Regards, Dave
In addition to the DPDT center off switches, you can also wire a momentary contact button (think doorbelll) to a regular DPDT. Nothing in the control circuit is active until you punch the button, nothing is active afterwards. No way will you have to hold down switches to get the turnouts to flip; a touch is all that's needed. Alan
i've been following this thread closely, and just as an aside, the kato TO controllers can be attached to control panels. personally, i don't think they'll look too bad you can have several of them lined up in a row.
Alan- Thanks. I had been considering using push to make buttons on a schematic control panel. Can I use them just by themselves? Just a touch to throw the turnout. I've seen similar ideas but using normal twin coil machines. Sam- I take your point but I did want to build them in to a panel as above. If I can't use any other idea then I will line them up along a small shelf. Thanks for all the help, it is much appreciated Regards, Dave
