Hello!
I am building a HO layout using Kato Unitrack. I do NOT want to solder...I want to keep things simple as soldering is not simple for me. The layout is the Kato WGH plan set. I will be expanding this in the future. My question is, can I just use Kato terminal joiners instead of soldering feeder wire, and use suitcase connectors to connect the terminal wires to the buss wire underneath, so I can run dcc? If so, how often do I need a terminal joiner?
Thanks for your reply!
My railroad, my rules!
Yes, you can use suitcase connectors, be sure to get good ones and they need to have the correct wire size capabilities too.
You are going to need to feed the track about every three feet, maybe more often, as you cannot rely on rail joiners to carry the current reliably. The secret to DCC is good wiring!
More on DCC Wiring.
1track...
You haven't told us how large the layout is going to be.
In my experience with Unitrack (HO), I just used Kato 24-818 terminal unijoiners for "under-track" connections.
I also used 24-827 3-way extension cords (instead of "a bus") to connect to 2 or 3 locations (4x8 layout, based on the "Black River Junction" plan with some modifications).
The standard Kato Unijoiners work so well, no soldering is needed and you don't have to space the feeders that close together.
TIPS about installing the electrical unijoiners:
See the little piece of black tape near the rail joiners? CUT IT. Then, separate the white and blue wires for about 2-3 inches. Makes them much easier to handle. Also, if you need to break apart the joint at some point, there's less chance of pulling the wires out of the joiners.
Drill a hole that is not directly under the joint, but rather 2-3 inches on either side. Gives you "more room to work".
I would recommend that you get something called a "Tamiya Adapter Pin Wire Removal Tool (Type: Small Tamiya). It looks like this: https://www.evike.com/products/26956/
Now, you can "punch out" the wires so they'll fit through a smaller hole in the table. This works for the switch motor wires, as well.
I found that by using the "from the underside" wiring on track and switches, the wires provide enough of "an anchor" so that I didn't have to glue or fasten the track to the surface. It just stays where it is. Hasn't moved in 4+ years.
OldEngineman, Your response is intriguing. Are you running dcc or dc? Would it be possible to see a pic or two of the underside of your layout? I have a Digitrax Super Chief Extra 8 amp dcc system I bought a long time ago that I intend to use for dcc if I go that route.
The current layout in progress is a 4x8, but it will grow to at least one more 4x8 plus about a 16 foot straight run connecting the two tables, but for now I am just focused on the one table before expanding.
Yes, how you connect the power to the track doesn't really matter, it's the same for DC or DCC. The sources talking about soldering the connections to the track are assuming you'd be using flextrack. With Unitrack, Kato terminal joiners or the straight tracks with power wires coming out the side ("Feeder Track 2-151") will work fine.
As far as how many connections you need, you may want to do some trial-and-error and see. A great thing about Unitrack is it's easy to change things as you go. Unlike flextrack, you don't need to fasten the track down for it to work. Try a few connections spread out over the layout and see how it works. If you find spots where trains slow down, add a connection there.
You can connect the wires under the benchwork to a power bus with heavy gauge wire etc. but it's not a requirement for DCC, it just helps distribute the power over a large area better. If you're just building a small layout with no separate blocks or reverse loops, you don't really have to do it that way. You can just connect the wires from one rail to one terminal, and the other rail's to the other terminal.
So you're saying I can connect the 24 AWG wire from the Kato terminal track straingt into the 8 amp Super Chief command station and everything should work just fine? That thin wire can handle the power?
8 amps, I think you need a circuit breaker. The command station normally only puts out what the engines need. However if you run through a closed switch and have a short, it can put out all 8 amps.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
1trackmind So you're saying I can connect the 24 AWG wire from the Kato terminal track straingt into the 8 amp Super Chief command station and everything should work just fine? That thin wire can handle the power?
Thanks a lot for the info!
OldEnginemanIn my experience with Unitrack (HO), I just used Kato 24-818 terminal unijoiners for "under-track" connections. I also used 24-827 3-way extension cords (instead of "a bus") to connect to 2 or 3 locations (4x8 layout, based on the "Black River Junction" plan with some modifications). The standard Kato Unijoiners work so well, no soldering is needed and you don't have to space the feeders that close together.
This is all the same experience I have had.
Kato HO unitrack is an excellent product.
The WGH track plan requires no special wiring considerations. More feeders are always better, but not always needed.
-Kevin
Living the dream.