Does anyone know where I can get a Kato DCC sound controller for their N Gauge locomotives? For the life of me, I can not understand why they sell DCC locs with sound but don't advertise a DCC controller anywhere.
You don't need a Kato-specific DCC controller for your loco. Any of the standard DCC controllers on the market will work and that is probably why Kato doesn't market one of their own. A DCC starter set from either NCE or Digitrax will get you started and provide a lot of enjoyment for you.
Joe
Deadeye1Does anyone know where I can get a Kato DCC sound controller for their N Gauge locomotives? For the life of me, I can not understand why they sell DCC locs with sound but don't advertise a DCC controller anywhere.
Welcome to the forums, Deadeye! I hope you continue to post and let us know your model railroad plans and progress.
As was stated, there isn't a need for any special Kato system. The sound and locomotive will work with just about any DCC system.
I have N scale Kato locomotives with sound, and I run all of them with my NCE system. It works well.
York1 John
Thanks Joe--Ya, I have MRC's Tech 6 and their handheld controller on order--coupled together they allow me to control up to six loc on the same track and switch between running DCC and DC. I am only runing a small Christmas layout for now, but I'll probably upgrade to NCE's Power Cab if I ever go full DCC on a bigger layout. I found a Kato DCC controller that's sold in Japan. At the present, I only have Kato in my N gauge lineup, and I thought it would be nice to stay with that brand since I have a couple DCC sound locs I want to run.
Thank you York1, ya I have an MRC Tech 6 and accompanying handheld controller on order. I just received two Kato Locs with DCC sound installed--can't wait to try them out. I'm relativly new to model railroading--only ever had my MTH O gauge running around a Christmas tree. I'm trying to post a couple short videos of what I have going, but it's proving to be a challenge on this site--probably my lack of experience here.
JoeinPA that is probably why Kato doesn't market one of their own.
that is probably why Kato doesn't market one of their own.
Actually, they do. It's a rebadged Digitrax Zephyr. They just don't market it in the US:
https://japan-figure.com/products/hobby-center-kato-japan-d103-basic-set-dcc-controller?currency=USD&variant=42740203651230
But as you said, it's not necessary to get the Kato-branded device. Any modern DCC system will do.
MrMe Thanks for the info. I guess that I'll have to broaden my horizons JoeinPA that is probably why Kato doesn't market one of their own. Actually, they do. It's a rebadged Digitrax Zephyr. They just don't market it in the US: https://japan-figure.com/products/hobby-center-kato-japan-d103-basic-set-dcc-controller?currency=USD&variant=42740203651230 But as you said, it's not necessary to get the Kato-branded device. Any modern DCC system will do.
Thanks for the info. I guess that I'll have to broaden my horizons
Deadeye1 Thanks Joe--Ya, I have MRC's Tech 6 and their handheld controller on order--coupled together they allow me to control up to six loc on the same track and switch between running DCC and DC. I am only runing a small Christmas layout for now, but I'll probably upgrade to NCE's Power Cab if I ever go full DCC on a bigger layout. I found a Kato DCC controller that's sold in Japan. At the present, I only have Kato in my N gauge lineup, and I thought it would be nice to stay with that brand since I have a couple DCC sound locs I want to run. You're welcome and a belated welcome to the forums. Let us know how your DCC experiences go. Joe
Thanks Joe--in that case, I would want the NCE Powerf Cab anyway. NCE looks like a very good expandable system. I was just kind of in awe that Kato seems to be on the higher end of price/quality but didn't have their own DCC controller here in the US since they actualy sell DCC locs, but sometimes that's just the way a business goes.
I will Joe--man model railroading has come leaps and bounds since I was kid.