Hi guys I'm sure this has been covered here but I am using Kato double crossovers with regular code 80 track. I am running DCC. I know with the Kato crossovers all 4 Corners need to have track feeders to them. I am going to use regular switches for all remote turnouts to throw them so do I use another accessory power supply to connect to the 2 wires coming from the crossover to throw it? Thanks
Yes. Far as I know, Kato turnouts use DC, although they have, or used to have, an apdater to connect to the AC terminals of a power pack and then connect to the input of the control boxes (basically a rectifier to change the AC into DC). They won;t work fed with DC to the operating side, in fact you'll probably burn them out. Feed the operating part with only what it shows in the instructions. The mechanism for moving the points is completely independent of what type of power is used on the rails.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Ok thanks I am going to have to look for instructions as I bought these used and they did not come with them.
If you are using the Kato control box, you probably want to get a 24-842 DC converter. It plugs in tot he side of the control box, and its wires attach to the AC output of an old train set power pack you might have.
I'm glad I asked then because I honestly had no idea this was an AC powered piece. Isn't there a way to use aftermarket switches rather than using the huge bulky Kato control box?
Yes, you need center off momentary toggles. DPDT, with the X wired across the back to make them reversing switches. Either two end terminals are DC in, center termiansla re out to the Kato turnout. Kato coils work by reversing the DC polarity, which reverse the magnet polarity, to move the throwbar. Unlike more traditional solenoid switch motors like Atlas, which are really 2 coils with a common center. Energize the coil to the right, the throwbar moved right, energize the coil to the left, the throwbar moves left.
Kato is different, which is why there usually is a special DCC accessory decoder just for Kato.
https://www.fiferhobby.com/how-to-make-kato-turnout-control-switches/