Unitrack and DCC

[Anonymous]

I have decided to go with Kato Unitrack for my layout since it is, to me, more cost effective. However, Im starting to see advertisements for their signal track and automatic crossing gate and other pieces that say they are not compatible with DCC. So what truth is there to that? Im no licensced electrician, and to me, I just dont see how DCC could screw things up. Any help would be great!! Thanks, Matt

[Anonymous]

I profess no expertise on Kato Uni-Track, as I don't use it, but I do have some knowledge of DCC. First rule of thumb: If the manufacturer says it is not DCC compatible, believe it. I believe they were refering to the accessories you mentioned, and not the Uni-Track itself. Remember the basic difference of DC and DCC: DC power packs control the locos by varying the amount of DC voltage to the track. DCC applies AC power at full voltage at all times to all tracks. I can imagine that the accessories you mentioned (signal/crossing tracks) somehow sense the change in voltage of the track as the train approaches. With DCC, you would either burn-out the accessory, or short-out the DCC system, depending on how it's wired. It's my understanding that normal Kato Uni-Track has no problems with DCC, as long as you don't use these type of accessories, or have turn-around loops. But the best advice is to contact Kato at www.katousa.com directly, as they make the stuff!
MOPAC 1

[Anonymous]

Well, I called Kato and they said the limitation with DCC is that you cannot have independant control with stationary decoders on the signal and crossing accessories. The accessories will work just fine with DCC, they assured me. The sensors simply detect a train passing over them, and dont rely on voltage changes on the rails. Big relief since I dont want to give up my Digitrax!!! Matt