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Digitrax decoders for KATO turnouts - failures???

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  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 327 posts
Posted by locoworks on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 1:22 AM

maybe upgrade to the DS64's or 52's both of which have CDU's built in which may help things along.  another thing to check is the actual voltage feeding the decoders you have?? it may be a little high or low?

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Spring, TX
  • 4 posts
Posted by Tower 61 on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 12:07 AM

I have been using the DS51K1 which were designed for use specifically with the KATO turnouts. 

Tower 61
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Westchester NY
  • 1,747 posts
Posted by retsignalmtr on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 7:28 PM

The DS64 is supposed to throw the Kato bi-polar switches.  Do you have the DS64 set up to throw the type of machine you are using?  I have one that is throwing Peco switches for several years.  I would like to use them with Kato switches on a module i'm building, so if you find out what is wrong let us know. You have used 13 DS64's?  Thats quite an expense.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Spring, TX
  • 4 posts
Digitrax decoders for KATO turnouts - failures???
Posted by Tower 61 on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 3:06 PM

I have an HO layout with a Zephyr, all KATO unitrack with 8 turnouts.  I'm using the Digitrax stationary decoder specifically for the KATO turnout.  My failure rate is over 50%.  The decoders are burning out when the turnout is called up to either throw or close.  To date I have installed 13 decoders. Two people very experienced in DCC and Digitrax have verified the installations as correct.  Any one else heard of these type failures in this many decoders?

Tags: Decoders , Digitrax
Tower 61

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