Need help deciding on best approach to tap into the frog on a Kato #6 (not #4) n scale (not HO) turnout so I can control a control panel LED powered from the track power. Due to design of Kato #6 turnout, tapping into the frog requires you to open up the turnout and expose the frog switching mechanism. If you have done it yourself, you will know that it is a delicate arrangement with few options to attach a wire to monitor frog power (rail A or B) at the frog. I have about 40 turnouts to modify so I am looking for a simple yet reliable way to do it that will not interfere with the existing frog power switch. Here is what I am currently thinking.
1) Solder wire to tiny tab under the frog switch. I saw a picture of this on another forum. Involves removing the frog switch screw and the rotating T shaped tab it is holding down. Under the tab, there is a tiny piece of copper strip on the circuit board that is electrically connected to the frog. Not much area to work with but a tiny wire (24/26 ga?) can be soldered to the strip. Tiny wire is OK because all I am driving is a LED. Main concern it the limited space to work with. Do not want to destroy a expensive turnout.
2) Install wire and connector under the head of the screw. I experimented with this and it works but there is a risk of the connection interfering with the smooth operation of the frog switch. My test case worked but it may have been a fluke and it may not work as smooth in all cases. I like this concept best because it offers a simple installation (no soldering) and can be easily removed.
3) Installing a “wiper arm” in the turnout that rubs against the frog switch to pick up frog power. Wire would be soldered to the wiper arm only with no requirement to dismantle the frog switch. I have only partially investigated this approach but it looks like attaching the wiper arm such that it does not interfere with the frog switch movement could be a challenge. I have some ideas on how to do this by installing a wiper are that contacts the screw head only and does not interfere with the switch tab movement. Yet to be tried but if this works, it would become my prefered solution.
4) Solder wire to the frog switch rotating T tab. The T tab is very thin and soldering directly to it may damage it as well as interfere with its movement. This is my least preferred approach.
Looking for feedback on any options I may have missed or on any of the above options that others have tried and like or dislike.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's