NCE Switch-Kat Pushbutton Control

[freescopesdad]

The NCE Switch-Kat stationary decoders for switching Kato turnouts have an option for connecting SPDT momentary toggle switches to switch the turnouts instead of via DCC. For anyone with experience with this decoder and feature, does this option place the turnout out of sync with the DCC turnout status? My guess is it would, as it appears to be an analog signal sent to the turnout. And my next question is why? Doesn't it set the stage for a lot of confusion? I have an ESU ECoS and can view my layout on a series of LCD screens, but only from a single location, so local control of turnouts would be a real advantage, but not if I lost all situational awareness of the status. DCCConcepts offers the same feature with their ADS-sx decoders and I've already determined that they do NOT update the ECoS status when switched locally. Comment? Solution? Thanks.
Ron

[peteski]

Since the DCC (mobile or accessory) decoder using standard DCC protocol cannot sent informatio back to the command station it cannot notify the command station with its status. RailComm protocol does allow for 2-way communication (and ESU is capable of that) but I don't know if there are any stationary/accessory decoders which support RailComm.

[freescopesdad]

I'm sure you are right or I would have found it. Even ESU's staff has confirmed that it does not work with their Switchpilots.

[learmoia]

Digitrax has a similar system with the DS74 + DSXC4 + (4) DSXCP1

https://www.digitrax.com/products/stationary-decoders/ds74/
https://www.digitrax.com/products/stationary-decoders/dsxc4/
https://www.digitrax.com/products/stationary-decoders/dsxcp1/

Granted Digitrax is a 4 switch decoder but when you add up all the components and divide by 4, it comes up to about the same prices as the NCE Switch-Kit..
Except Digitrax gives you the LEDs and push button in a fascia insert for plug and play instillation.

~Ian

[freescopesdad]

Thanks, now just to find an implementation of all this somewhere to see how it comes together. It is a possibility.

[learmoia]

I've got the stuff to do it.. just need to get around to doing it and making a YT Video about it..

[freescopesdad]

Well I am already invested in DCC Concepts ADS stationary decoders which work just fine except for the local toggle issue, so I'm not going to crack my piggy bank and invest another $1,500 or so. I also have about 2 dozen Switch-Kats I picked up at a local swap meet a couple of years ago that have been sitting up on a shelf, which is why I raised the issue here. But the point seems moot, so I guess I'll just go run some trains and chill. Good discussion anyway. 

[peteski]

Do the Digitrax devices allow for updating the ESU command station with their current switch position status?