Auto Reverser for Kato Track

[newt749]

I have a small staging yard on a shelf made up with Kato Unitrack. I am about to join this to the main layout and would like to use my leftover Kato #6 switches in a Wye configuration. I don't have to use Kato track and switches, I just would like to use the leftovers. As I use DCC, I was hoping to automate this form of a reverse loop using the PSX-AR from DCC Specialties. We have a couple of these on our Club layout and I really like their performance. My problem is that the information on the PSX-AR suggests that they can't be used with Kato switches. Does anyone know how one would set this up so that they could or do they have any recommendations for a similar product which would be compatible with Kato switches?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Rob
Hampton, N.B. Canada

[bdennis]

Rob,
Have you looked at the PSX-ARSC?
The SC is for snap coil machines. I checked the DCC specialities web site and cant see any reason why they wont work with a Kato turnout machine.
Just remember to put 2 insulating joiners  on both ends of the loop that is connected to the turnout.

I have used the PSX-ARSC on old H&M heavy duty snap coil machines and it works well..

http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/powershield_x.htm

[peteski]

I wonder if it is because (unlike regular twin-coil machines where they are thrown by supplying power to either coil) Kato uses polarity reversing to throw their switch machine.

[lyled1117]

Peteski, you're exactly right. Kato turnouts have a single coil to which one has to reverse the polarity to alter the point position.  The snap coil version of the device mentioned here can not reverse voltage.

Lyle

[newt749]

Thanks for the info. From my research Peteski is right about the single coil in the Kato switches. I think using the PSX-AR for reversing and just controlling the switches with either a DS-64 or the DS51K1 would be the solution.

I also checked out Allan Gartner's Wiring for DCC page and it helped to make me realize that the problem wasn't as big as I made it. It would appear that whoever is operating the yard will have to throw one of the two switches on the mainline in order to enter or exit the yard. In order to do this they will have to have permission. It just may make operations interesting.

Thanks again,
Rob

[bdennis]

I stand corrected. I agree that the PSX-ARSC cant run the Kato turnouts.

Rob,
Sounds like you have found a solution to the issue with out having to atuo throw the turnout.

You could also use the OG-AR rather than go to the expense of the PSX-AR.. The OG-AR's work well with N scale.