With the withdrawal of the DS64 from the market, I am looking for Kato turnout decoders that do not require LocoNet but run well on just track power. Although the DS74 will work, it has a lot of features that one pays for yet do not work on track power alone. So I am considering both the DS51K1 and the DS52. If I don't need to add more than 2 additional turnouts at a time, they are also cost effective. If anyone is currently using either of these with Kato and a non-Digitrax throttle, can you comment on your experience.
A second quick question relates to the DS51K1. Other than ergonomics/elegance, is there any drawback in installing these outside of the turnout assembly itself... say under the track surface? My soldering skills are poor, and I would rather not modify my turnouts if I choose to move to a different form of turnout control.
Thanks.
freescopesdad If anyone is currently using either of these with Kato and a non-Digitrax throttle, can you comment on your experience.
I have one installed in a Kato turnout and it works fine. I do use Digitrax, but since they are strictly track powered the DCC system should not matter.
freescopesdadOther than ergonomics/elegance, is there any drawback in installing these outside of the turnout assembly itself... say under the track surface?
None that I can think of.