New Kato Turnout Controller Demo

[@mlminto]

Just bought 2 of these - looking forward to hooking them up. Thanks for meeting up with me, Jason!

[@T_R_H_HB]

I too would like to see some provision for indicator led's on the board so I can tell at a glance switch status. I am aware of diy routes and other add on track signaling controllers, it all seems to be a big PITA. I really don't want to go down the DCC path. So I'd be willing to pay a bit more for the easy way out. I just noticed when this video came out. It was in my feed Nov. 2023, has this product developed any further/

[@TacticalJackalope]

Where could I find boxes to mount these in?

[@patmorris123]

Are you selling the AC adapter. I cant find it on your site.

[@ke4nyv]

Not currently. We however do suggest one from Jameco. We have tested it with our controller: www.jameco.com/z/ACU180050-Jameco-Reliapro-AC-AC-Wall-Adapter-18-VAC-500-mA-Black-Stripped-Tinned-6-Foot-Lead-Wires_2231591.html

[@patmorris123]

Thanks for the quick response. I will order it.

[@patmorris123]

@@ke4nyv Its discontinued. I see the specs now. I'll find another one somewhere else.

[@1babysag]

Interesting product. I use DCC and Kato products exclusively. Are these products able to connect to the Loconet there by making the programmable? If not, do you have plans for doing so in the future?

[@ke4nyv]

These are strictly for those who are looking for a compact electronic manual control option for Kato turnouts. No DCC, LocoNet or any other control system involved.

[@angelmendez7478]

Can this controller be used on a DCC layout?

[@jopaum7546]

Have my track layout loose fitted with Kato Unitrack and several turnouts. Are the two buttons per channel for straight through vs diverging rail? If so, which row of buttons is for straight through. Also, if the turnout is, for example, set for straight through and you tap the straight through button, what will happen? You do not short out anything, do you? Also will it work for #4 and #6 turnouts? Do oyu sell power packs? They seem to be in short supply these days (early 2022).

[@aqualungs77]

Are the switches momentary to help extend life of Kato turnouts. Still learning!

[@ke4nyv]

They are momentary. If voltage is held on the coil, it will burn out pretty fast.

[@aqualungs77]

@@ke4nyv perfect. Are the stock blue switches momentary, or are they different? Lastly if I ordered 2 boards, could you solder on the AC power also?

[@ke4nyv]

@@aqualungs77 Drop us an email at [e-mail]

[@NScaleRailroad]

I bought quit a number of these and just love them, better than Kato blue throws with the handle that breaks... Thanks for these my layout looks better...

[@NothusDeusVagus]

Do KATO or even yourself, produce a sensor triggered device set into a track section that can be incorporated into a layout in such a way that will automatically control switches, control power to otherwise isolated blocks, vary the speed of a train and/or stop a train for a set time eg.30 secs?..In N Scale Unitrack.

[@florianpolasik2496]

Are these still available. How do we order? Do you have a website? I have 6 kato switches in a DCC layout.

[@FromDark_2Light1]

This is brilliant now if you could do a video on how to power the module with the AC Power chord or adapter that would be great! . I will be purchasing 2 or 3 of these units, plus 6 to 8 of the feeder wire module. The bigger one. Nice products! This is exciting!

[@ke4nyv]

I can do that. Connection to power is very simple. Power MUST be an AC voltage source. We find 18-24 VAC is the sweet spot. Connect to either of the two end AC IN terminal blocks. They are in parallel to each other. Since it's AC, polarity doesn't matter. I'll work on a little video to demonstrate this.

[@FromDark_2Light1]

From the looks of it. Doesnt look like it would be to complicated to connect the AC ADAPTOR

[@donsgotmoney]

So the jumper can be used to control two turnouts at the same time, for example " opening a main line switch it can simultaneously close an opposing switch"? This is exactly what I have been looking for., Super cool Idea. Just to be clear, this does take the place of a standard Kato switch machine?

[@ke4nyv]

Yes. Only it replaced the Kato blue switch, not the switch machine itself.

[@stanleym2679]

This is a great idea, question ,I use switch kat for my kato turnouts with a toggle switch, is this able to connect same way I use dcc

[@ke4nyv]

We actually manufacture a similar product specifically for working with the SwitchKat's direct button control connections. rpc-electronics.com/nceskp.php

[@NHseacoast]

I e I see you cut off i see you cut off the ksto white plugs or is-there a way fo connect the switches to this board Using the kayo proprietary plug snd play system with an adapter? Etc if you font wave go cut third white plugs off,? Thanks

[@ke4nyv]

No. We found that installing the Kato Tamiya connectors increased the price significantly and a vast majority of customers did not wish to retain them. They found cutting them off and wiring directly was much easier in the long run, also more reliable.

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

stupid question because I'm a newbie to MRR. Is this tied into a DCC system or is it just for manual control? I'm trying to understand the purpose of this board? Or is it merely to bring all your switches into one central location for ease of use? Thanks in advance for you response! :)

[@ke4nyv]

This is for manual control of Kato turnouts. Push button control. No DCC or any other control system needed.

[@johnkitchen9614]

Hi do you ship to the UK also what power supply would be suitable thanks

[@ke4nyv]

We do ship internationally. We recommend an AC OUTPUT power supply anywhere in the 18-24VAC range.

[@tmyrick5507]

Looks great.....ordered 3

[@ke4nyv]

Thank you!

[@boduzapho]

If you can add leds to indicate direction ill buy 20 of these

[@boduzapho]

30 if you can find a way to do an indicator AT the switch as well in the form of a color changing led or some sort of other indicator that is lit and can be seen above the board like on a pole... (No im not kidding)

[@aaronboyd2649]

I’m starting to play with z scale will this work with Rokuhan switch also

[@glenndarlow8454]

Do you ship to the UK?

[@cbirailroad]

Without led indication of switch position, it seems this controller could result in an increased number of derailments. As one other has posted here, I would definitely be interested paying a bit more to add this feature. Else I will continue to use the blue Kato monster switches.

[@cbirailroad]

Jason I sent you an email about this switch with a couple of suggestions or "wishes" for added features. I'll follow up today in hopes that you reply. Thanks.

[@cbirailroad]

no response from Jason either here or via email so I can only assume he has abandoned this project and has gone on to other things...or out of business altogether. What scares me the most is that his website is STILL set up to take your money, yet he will NOT respond to any comments or emails. Of course, no phone number listed... ☹☹☹

[@ke4nyv]

We are still in business, nearly 22 years now. We have sold over 500 of these since we first started making them. If you sent an email, I likely didn't see it, if you didn't get a response from me. Adding LED's is a tricky situation based on the type of turnout Kato makes. Too complicated to explain here. Just be aware that an LED version would likely be twice the price and that right there usually gets the response back of "Nevermind, that's too much.".

[@cbirailroad]

@@ke4nyv So $70 for a turnout controller to operate 4 turnouts...with LEDs... Sounds like a price many would be willing to pay, given the cost of alternatives...

[@FromDark_2Light1]

Website link please?

[@MARKLINMAN1]

How can we order ?

[@ke4nyv]

Available at: rpc-electronics.com/kato.php

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Will this work with DCC? This is a GREAT idea i had never heard of....wow.

[@ke4nyv]

Yes, the controllers are powered independently of the track power. We have many DC and DCC users. Orders can be placed at: rpc-electronics.com/kato.php

[@boduzapho]

so this will work with standard peco switches?

[@ke4nyv]

No, I'm sorry. This only works with two wire snap action turnouts, specifically the Kato turnouts.

[@boduzapho]

Also I agree with the leds, there should be 2 for each so direction is easy to determine especially on large layouts where you cannot always see without a drone lol

[@aaronboyd2649]

What about Rokuhan switches?

[@aaronboyd2649]

Where can I order this

[@ke4nyv]

rpc-electronics.com/kato.php

[@aaronboyd2649]

@@ke4nyv thank you again for the link and the videos!

[@jeffvandeursen6556]

I have five of these and they work great! You will need 12volt power supply.

[@night1204]

no led indication ?

[@boduzapho]

easy to add

[@ke4nyv]

Back when we started to sell the original version, we had a few people ask about this. It turned out to not be that big of a problem for most. I actually started to design and build a prototype that included LED's and even remembered the last known state of the turnouts after you power it off. It was microprocessor controlled and grew into an awesome device, but far out priced what 99% were willing to pay. It still remains a cool prototype today, but not likely to become an actual product.

[@night1204]

@@ke4nyv can see how it looks - seen similar thing with Arduino

[@stevenV57]

@@boduzapho how would you go about adding led's to this?

[@trainssker]

And how much?

[@ke4nyv]

$30 each Available at: rpc-electronics.com/kato.php

[@trainssker]

Are these available?

[@ke4nyv]

Yes! www.rpc-electronics.com/kato.php $30 each.

[@atsf81rj]

How much are they

[@ke4nyv]

$30 each. Order at our website: www.rpc-electronics.com/kato.php

[@williamruss5883]

where can i purchase these

[@ke4nyv]

www.rpc-electronics.com

[@tracytesmer7033]

How would I purchase these?

[@paulcurran8458]

Where can we buy this