I am new to the hobby as an adult. I learn so much watching your descriptive videos. Just bought the NCE Power Cab. Wasn’t aware of the Switch-Cat, wow that gives new options for me to ponder and look forward to. Thank you so much Roy.
Thanks, Ken. It was a pleasure to share the installation and programming of Switch-Kats with you. Kato and NCE make a perfect combination, easy to understand and easy to do. ...Roy
Thanks, Mike. I really do like them. Very easy to install, program, and use. You have influenced much of what I do on my layout, so a shout-out is once again appropriate. ...Roy
Thanks, my friend. In my experience, Kato and NCE are a perfect combination, because they make the hobby easy, and that's just what I need: easy. ...Roy
Thanks, Ken. I'm really pleased with the Switch-Kats I've installed so far. When all of them are installed, it will make a really big difference in how my layout operates. ...Roy
Hi Roy. I'm new in the hobby. I really enjoy watching your videos. You make everything look so simple, which I love. I also have Kato and NCE Power Cab. I'm just starting to put my layout together which means some wiring. I watched your video with switch kats. Could you tell me how I can hook up a double throw toggle switch so I can also throw the switches from a panel board with maybe some LED's. Thanks so much for your videos. I feel so much better after watching them, because most other videos I've seen make me more confused than before I watched them. I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with some feedback. Thanks again! Mark
Okay, Roy, since turnouts takes very little power to change the points, I'm sure one Switch-Kat should be able to operate two turnouts at a time, as my Kato switch does. This will enable me to purchase two less Switch-Kats than I figured I may need. Anything to save a buck and to put money elsewhere. What is the diameter of your helix under the mountain? You've given me an idea on how I may expand my small layout. Thanks, Jerry
Very nice Roy. Some people like to throw the switches manually but it is nice for at least some of them to be controlled remotely. By the way, your videos have really shown me the importance of having a staging yard. I am going to be incorporating one in the back of a mountain area I will be building soon on my layout.
Thanks, Arnold. It certainly is nice to be able to remotely control those turnouts which are a little more inaccessible. As for the staging yard, absolutely! To me, it is essential. Without a staging yard for “off-layout” origins and destinations, trains might appear to be just going around in circles. ...Roy
Well, you never know, John. I've already done lots of things on my layout that I didn't plan to do originally. So Switch-kats may be a possibility on the upper level, too. We'll see. ...Roy
Great How To Roy! Setting up Macros on the throttle is just as easy. I find it faster to throw the turnouts using macros with the throttle. Thanks for sharing. Randy
Nice video Roy, you made it look easy, Electronics is not my strong area in the hobby. I keep going back to your other videos, love to watch the trains on your layout. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for watching and your very gracious comments, Rob. I really do appreciate it. I think that a combination of Kato and NCE goes a long way to making model railroading easier. ...Roy
I hear you, Chris. Kato and NCE are a perfect combination. The instructions for both are always clear and easy to understand, and that's the way I need my model railroading to be. My decision to go with Kato Unitrack and an NCE PowerCab back in 2014 was one of the wisest decisions I've ever made in the hobby. ...Roy
Looks fairly easy. I should have used Kato track. I’m having quite the issues with installing some automatic switch machines. Video to come.. if I ever get them installed. Great how-to Roy!
I gotta tell you, Mark, that installing and programming the Switch-Kats was really easy, for a guy like me who needs things to be really easy. Kato and NCE are a wonderful combination. ...Roy
Thanks, Buz. Hopefully, I can now install the rest of my Switch-Kats, because it will make a really big difference in how well my staging yard functions. ...Roy
Very interesting video Roy. On my layout I use UK Peco track with Peco switch motors mounted underneath the scenic front and alongside the switches in the staging yard. I have built a control panel for my layout which mimics the inside of a signal box so all my switches, although working electrically, are operated by a signal box lever. I just prefer DC to feel more like a railroad operators than a computer operator :-) Cheers, Bob
Hi Roy, That was great! I use the NCE system so I should be able to do that with my peco point motors hopefully. It makes it look easy. Thanks Roy!! Ian
Thanks, Ian. It may be possible to do that, or something like that, with Peco turnout motors, although NCE Switch-Kats are made to work specifically with Kato and LGB motors. ...Roy
I bet my brother would have used them if he knew about them when he was building his HO Guage (that is, if you can use them on HO). He passed away (in December 2018) before he completed it. I had the task of dismantling the whole layout - Not Fun - when his family moved house, earlier this year. He had about 40-50 percent of the Tortoises Installed, and the others just sitting on top of the layout, adjacent to each Switch/Point. So, not knowing much about them at the time, I actually Numbered Each Of Them (about 15-20 I think) with a Felt Marker, and also labelled each spot that they all went - Just to be on the safe side.
It is great to see you tackling the projects on your layout, Roy! Making your lower yard turnouts powered makes a lot of sense. I offer a thought for an alternative as I use Digitrax vs your NCE. Both are great in their own rights. Digitrax DS64's will power 4 turnouts each and cost about $45US. I have them on my little practice layout and they work a treat. They are controlled via the throttle like yours. Either way, you can't go wrong for throttle controlled turnouts. Love seeing you work on your layout....John
Thanks, John. I understand that Digitrax DS64's will work with Kato turnouts, and they may cost less per turnout. I guess I decided to go with NCE Switch-Kats because, as you know, I run my layout with NCE DCC. I've ordered the 8 additional Switch-Kats that I need and look forward to operating all of the turnouts in my staging yard remotely. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 I would have done the exact same thing as you did, Roy...going with the electronics that match your system. Looking forward to seeing the results! John
Hi Roy, great video as usual. Maybe you can attach them to the bottom of the layout using a small amount of double sided adhesive foam tape. Or silicone on the corners.
Thanks Roy. I have been wondering how you managed the switches in such a confined space: Especially if there are several trains in the yard at the same time. You've even given me an idea for a yard, that will be somewhat not within clear view of the operating area, on my layout.
Roy, I use NCE. I power the layout with 14-guage blue and white wires, to match the Kato feeders. (I can only find blue at Lowes home centers). All the wiring for my number 6 turnouts are attached to Kato switches, attached to my Kato power pack. Two of my turnouts are set up at my passenger tracks, where i reversed the wires from one, soldered them to the other leads, then attached the one set to my Kato switch. This keeps one line dead, until the switch is thrown. I have also successfully done this at the far end of my layout when I created a passing siding. Do you feel an NCE switch-kat would handle the turnouts the same way of operating two switches at the same time? My small 4ft by 16ft layout has a stub ended yard, so I will only need switch-kats at the one end of each siding. Wish I had room for a large layout, like Mike. F. has, or even an available room to build one, like you have. But something is better than nothing.
Nicely done Roy, just how quick was that? Something that actually worked first time, I like it. Once the rest of the switch-kats arrive you will be able to spend a pleasant day installing the rest. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Yes, indeed, Chris, surprisingly easy, I mean. Doing wiring and electronic stuff on the layout usually gets me flustered. But not this time. Kato and NCE are a great combination for people like me who need things to be simple. The Swtich-Kats are going to make a really big difference in how my layout functions, once I get them all installed. ...Roy
Nice video Roy this will help me out as I was planning on going to Kato track for my expansion and was wondering how I can turn the switches I plan on using. I’m also using the NEC power cab system on this layout.
Thanks, William. I think it's neat how you and I are both using Kato track and NCE PowerCabs. It's great how we can share our knowledge and experience in the hobby via TH-cam. ...Roy
Very nice Roy! I'm guessing you could have used the Kato DC powerpack and the Kato throw levers but the switch kats are necessary to interface with your DCC throttle. Also, then you would not have the convience of activating the turnouts from anywhere and you would also have DC wiring under the layout complicating things. (Edited for spelling)
Thanks, James. You are right: I do have a Kato DC power pack which came with my first Kato train set, but I've operated my layout with NCE DCC from the beginning, and of course, the Switch-Kats work only with DCC. I'm looking forward to being able to control all of the turnouts in my staging yard remotely. ...Roy
Roy, I'm hoping the Switch-Kats continue to work reliably on your layout. I too currently operate my Kato n scale with a PowerCab, and the turnouts with the Touch Toggles from Barrett Hill. Works well, but I have been thinking about upgrading to the ESU ECoS 50210 system. I saw an interesting video filmed about 6 years ago that utilized Digitrax DS64's (now replaced by the DS74) and the ECoS system to operate Kato turnouts. One very cool feature of the ECoS is the ability to program each turnout to appear on their 8" screen as part of the layout map, with stylus (or finger) control, as well as programmed routes. I guess my question is can the Switch-Kats, to your knowledge, be programmed/controlled by any DCC throttle as long as they are wired to the DCC bus? I have asked this question of both NCE and ESU but each vendor tells me they know nothing of the other's system (lawyers 😡). If so, I'll be looking for the best price on 10 Kats AND placing my order for the ECoS.
Thanks for your comment about NCE Switch-Kats, my friend. Mine continue to work well. I continue to operate them using my PowerCab. But I've been thinking about adding Barrett Hill Touch Toggles to my layout. I'm completely unfamiliar with the ECoS system, although it sounds like an interesting alternative. I'm going to take a look at it and will let you know what, if anything, I can learn about it. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Roy, any leads or ideas where I can get some switch-kats? I have corralled 5 but need 6 more for my layout. Everyone seems to be out, including eBay sellers. I missed 6 used ones yesterday when I was too late in ordering them.
Well, the Switch-Kats did not work out so well for me when controlled by the ESU ECoS 50210 command station. They DID work perfectly with the PowerCab however, but with the ECoS they were less than reliable. The first 3 or 4 worked fine, but when I started programming 5-11 (all programmed exactly the same way) they often would not throw. I experimented with the duration of the pulse (250ms - 333ms) to no avail. I varied the bus voltage between 13vdc and 14vdc also to no avail. So... I proceeded to procure 3 Digitrax DS64s on eBay and another small vendor down in Texas, as there are several videos on TH-cam reporting success with these units and the ECoS. I needed 3 because each decoder can power up to 4 Kato turnouts. And I have to say they work brilliantly with a Capital B using the ECoS throttle, whereas the new DS74, which replaces the 64 in the Digitrax product line, has had some compatibility issues as reported by others. I have the ECoS, which is QUITE expensive, on free loan from a local friend. He says he will sell it to me at a steep discount and with some trade items if I want it. And I believe that I do want to keep it! From your 3 or so videos about installing Switch-Kats on the UP Evanston, you seem to be pleased with their performance. If you need 11 more at a fair price please let me know. Or if you know someone who does, before I put them up for sale elsewhere. We can take that conversation off line. PM me at freescopesdad at comcast.net if you are interested. Thanks. Ron
Roy, please clarify something. When you programmed the first switch-kat you typed in address #4 but you seem to label it #1 on your popsicle stick. Can you clarify? Thanks. I've garnered 11 switch-kats and plan to program them today. Thanks.
Good morning, Roy!! I very nice video on preparing and install the NCE Switch-Kats. Can I assume Kat is short for Kato??? Thanks!! - Dean from Minnesota
Good morning back at ya, Dean. You know, I never really thought about it, but it makes sense, that is, that Kat is short for Kato. It could be. I will have to investigate. ...Roy
Hi Roy, As always, a very good instructional video. I have a question for you. Do you know if you can add signal lighting to a Kato turnout? I only have one Kato turnout on my layout, a dbl crossover, and I as of yet, have not been able to figure out how to install signal lights, both at the switch itself, and corresponding lights on my control panel. All of my other switches use AC power and the Kato switch uses DC power to operate. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Steve
Thanks, Steve. I'm afraid I can't respond to your question about signal lighting. There's nothing about it in the Switch-Kat instructions, and I haven't done any signal lighting on my layout yet myself. It's an interesting question that I would have to investigate. ...Roy
Is there a limit to the number of turnouts that you use these on? These would be perfect for my N Scale HCD layout. I'm trying to stay away from having to build a control panel, and if I used the Kato controllers, I'd still need one.
Nice now when I move forward to my next layout I know what to do. Question on the Kato turnouts. Did you set them select to DCC in the switch? I left mine in DC and the are now power routing switches. Didn’t think that one through.
Roy you say you also connected these to the Kato 24840 turnout control switch, one for each turnout. Did you hide those somewhere under the layout as well?
No, Ronald, that is not correct. I don't have nor do I use the Kato 24-840 to throw my turnouts. I never have. I throw most of my turnouts manually. But each of the 12 turnouts in my staging yard has an NCE Switch-Kat. These I throw on my NCE PowerCab. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Got it, I guess I had been watching too many videos 😁. One further question... NCE indicates that these boards have connections for LED status lights to be added to control panels. Have you employed this feature? Ron
Soon, Mike. I’ve ordered the 8 additional Switch-Kats that I need. They should arrive in a couple of days. I will install all of the remaining ones off-camera. Soon after that, I can show them to you in operation by running trains in and out of the staging yard. Won’t that be fun?!
Charles, I think so, but I haven’t been able to confirm it on the NCE website. One thing I do know is that Switch-Kats were designed to work specifically with Kato and LGB switches. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 ... Maybe someone with a large staging yard on their layout at a Model Railroad Exhibition could confirm either way; and if there are limitations, they may be able to suggest alternative methods.
What if you used 1 switch cat to throw 2 switches ( one on each side of the yard ladders) would that work and save you some cost? Can they handle more then 1 switch machine? And Thanks for showing us the Switch Kat.
Troy, I'm pretty sure that Switch-Kats can only handle one turnout, although I like the idea of being able to throw multiple turnouts simultaneously. ...Roy
OTS, I believe that you need a separate Switch-Kat for each turnout, but you can program multiple Switch-Kats to the same turnout number, and all of those Switch-Kats will throw when you select that number on your throttle. ...Roy
Even though i utilize peco flex with a digitrax system it is always enjoyable and enlightening to see what others are doing in other platforms The kato line is so well integrated. Seems like a seamless operation if you stuck to their line of products. All electrical simplified and integrated so well. Working in perfect harmony Harleymike/chicago
Thanks, Mike. You are absolutely right: Kato products are well integrated - and easy to use - as are NCE DCC products. I'm very happy with my Kato-NCE combination of products. ...Roy
Yes Roy, I'm like you. I find the use of language in instructions ambiguous and almost always pre supposes you know what the instructions are talking about. This is insufferable when you're using something for the first time.
Absolutely, my friend, it's no fun doing stuff on the layout when the instructions are ambiguous. Kato and NCE are a perfect combination for guys like me who need things to be clear and easy to understand. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 You know I appreciate your videos. I didn't know that the controllers could control the switches. I don't know a lot about DCC stuff.
@@eottoe2001 We're all learning as we go along in the hobby, my friend. And one of the best things about it is that we can share our knowledge and experience with each other. ...Roy
I am new to the hobby as an adult. I learn so much watching your descriptive videos.
Just bought the NCE Power Cab. Wasn’t aware of the Switch-Cat, wow that gives new options for me to ponder and look forward to.
Thank you so much Roy.
You make it look so easy Roy Great job!
Thanks, my friend. Kato and NCE make it easy, and that's just what I need when working on my layout: easy. ...Roy
Thankk you for showing this task. Never under estimate your abilities. I realize you are just being humble. Keep on tracking.
Thanks, Ken. It was a pleasure to share the installation and programming of Switch-Kats with you. Kato and NCE make a perfect combination, easy to understand and easy to do. ...Roy
Thanks for the shout out once again and the Switch Kats seem to work great.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. I really do like them. Very easy to install, program, and use. You have influenced much of what I do on my layout, so a shout-out is once again appropriate. ...Roy
You make it look so easy Roy. Another great video!
Thanks, my friend. In my experience, Kato and NCE are a perfect combination, because they make the hobby easy, and that's just what I need: easy. ...Roy
Easy is what I like as well. I have enough stress in my life as it is, lol.
Excellent job Roy, that will make your life a lot easier in the staging yard. Glad that it went easy. Congrats! Thanks for sharing. Ken
Thanks, Ken. I'm really pleased with the Switch-Kats I've installed so far. When all of them are installed, it will make a really big difference in how my layout operates. ...Roy
Hi Roy. I'm new in the hobby. I really enjoy watching your videos. You make everything look so simple, which I love. I also have Kato and NCE Power Cab. I'm just starting to put my
layout together which means some wiring. I watched your video with switch kats. Could you tell me how I can hook up a double throw toggle switch so I can also throw the switches from
a panel board with maybe some LED's. Thanks so much for your videos. I feel so much better after watching them, because most other videos I've seen make me more confused than
before I watched them. I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with some feedback. Thanks again! Mark
Okay, Roy, since turnouts takes very little power to change the points, I'm sure one Switch-Kat should be able to operate two turnouts at a time, as my Kato switch does. This will enable me to purchase two less Switch-Kats than I figured I may need. Anything to save a buck and to put money elsewhere.
What is the diameter of your helix under the mountain? You've given me an idea on how I may expand my small layout. Thanks, Jerry
Very nice Roy. Some people like to throw the switches manually but it is nice for at least some of them to be controlled remotely. By the way, your videos have really shown me the importance of having a staging yard. I am going to be incorporating one in the back of a mountain area I will be building soon on my layout.
Thanks, Arnold. It certainly is nice to be able to remotely control those turnouts which are a little more inaccessible. As for the staging yard, absolutely! To me, it is essential. Without a staging yard for “off-layout” origins and destinations, trains might appear to be just going around in circles. ...Roy
Thank you. As soon as I watch this video I Purchased two switch Kats. Installed and working well thank you.
Easy, breezy, nice and easy. Thanks Roy. Very informative. See ya Tuesday.
Thanks, Norman. I think model railroading should be "easy" if at all possible. ...Roy
Nice work Roy! I be you will be smiling so much you end up installing them on the upper level, too!
Well, you never know, John. I've already done lots of things on my layout that I didn't plan to do originally. So Switch-kats may be a possibility on the upper level, too. We'll see. ...Roy
Great How To Roy! Setting up Macros on the throttle is just as easy. I find it faster to throw the turnouts using macros with the throttle. Thanks for sharing. Randy
Nice video Roy, you made it look easy, Electronics is not my strong area in the hobby. I keep going back to your other videos, love to watch the trains on your layout. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for watching and your very gracious comments, Rob. I really do appreciate it. I think that a combination of Kato and NCE goes a long way to making model railroading easier. ...Roy
Wow Roy that almost makes me want to switch to Kato. I really like the easy wiring of the switches and options on the Throttle
I hear you, Chris. Kato and NCE are a perfect combination. The instructions for both are always clear and easy to understand, and that's the way I need my model railroading to be. My decision to go with Kato Unitrack and an NCE PowerCab back in 2014 was one of the wisest decisions I've ever made in the hobby. ...Roy
Yes Sir I understand but the club I belong to uses Digitrax. I still haven't gotten anything as of yet. I might have to rethink my decision
Looks fairly easy. I should have used Kato track. I’m having quite the issues with installing some automatic switch machines. Video to come.. if I ever get them installed. Great how-to Roy!
I gotta tell you, Mark, that installing and programming the Switch-Kats was really easy, for a guy like me who needs things to be really easy. Kato and NCE are a wonderful combination. ...Roy
Just what I was looking for, very nice explanation
Thanks, Buz. Hopefully, I can now install the rest of my Switch-Kats, because it will make a really big difference in how well my staging yard functions. ...Roy
Very interesting video Roy. On my layout I use UK Peco track with Peco switch motors mounted underneath the scenic front and alongside the switches in the staging yard. I have built a control panel for my layout which mimics the inside of a signal box so all my switches, although working electrically, are operated by a signal box lever. I just prefer DC to feel more like a railroad operators than a computer operator :-)
Cheers, Bob
Very neat. I use Kato track also but I use Digitrax controls. Thanks for the demonstration. Dave
That's great, Dave. I have no experience with Digitrax, but it sounds like you can use Switch-Kats with Digitrax then. ...Roy
Nicely done, Roy!
Thanks, my friend. It was a pleasure to do. ...Roy
Hi Roy, That was great! I use the NCE system so I should be able to do that with my peco point motors hopefully. It makes it look easy. Thanks Roy!! Ian
Thanks, Ian. It may be possible to do that, or something like that, with Peco turnout motors, although NCE Switch-Kats are made to work specifically with Kato and LGB motors. ...Roy
Great job roy, I'm getting ready to tackle a hug job on my layout by installing 20 tortises,,,,wish me luck
Wow, installing all of those tortoises sounds like a real challenge, Gary. I have a feeling that, for me, installing Switch-Kats is easier. ...Roy
I think your right...
I bet my brother would have used them if he knew about them when he was building his HO Guage (that is, if you can use them on HO). He passed away (in December 2018) before he completed it. I had the task of dismantling the whole layout - Not Fun - when his family moved house, earlier this year. He had about 40-50 percent of the Tortoises Installed, and the others just sitting on top of the layout, adjacent to each Switch/Point. So, not knowing much about them at the time, I actually Numbered Each Of Them (about 15-20 I think) with a Felt Marker, and also labelled each spot that they all went - Just to be on the safe side.
It is great to see you tackling the projects on your layout, Roy! Making your lower yard turnouts powered makes a lot of sense. I offer a thought for an alternative as I use Digitrax vs your NCE. Both are great in their own rights. Digitrax DS64's will power 4 turnouts each and cost about $45US. I have them on my little practice layout and they work a treat. They are controlled via the throttle like yours. Either way, you can't go wrong for throttle controlled turnouts. Love seeing you work on your layout....John
Thanks, John. I understand that Digitrax DS64's will work with Kato turnouts, and they may cost less per turnout. I guess I decided to go with NCE Switch-Kats because, as you know, I run my layout with NCE DCC. I've ordered the 8 additional Switch-Kats that I need and look forward to operating all of the turnouts in my staging yard remotely. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 I would have done the exact same thing as you did, Roy...going with the electronics that match your system. Looking forward to seeing the results! John
Hi Roy, great video as usual. Maybe you can attach them to the bottom of the layout using a small amount of double sided adhesive foam tape. Or silicone on the corners.
That's a great idea, Tyler. It sounds far better and a lot easier than fooling around with all of those little screws. ...Roy
Thanks Roy. I have been wondering how you managed the switches in such a confined space: Especially if there are several trains in the yard at the same time. You've even given me an idea for a yard, that will be somewhat not within clear view of the operating area, on my layout.
Thanks Roy, the switch cats are very nifty,
Thanks, Craig. I really like them. I’ve ordered 8 more, so that I can remotely control all of the turnouts in my staging yard. ...Roy
Roy, I use NCE. I power the layout with 14-guage blue and white wires, to match the Kato feeders. (I can only find blue at Lowes home centers). All the wiring for my number 6 turnouts are attached to Kato switches, attached to my Kato power pack. Two of my turnouts are set up at my passenger tracks, where i reversed the wires from one, soldered them to the other leads, then attached the one set to my Kato switch. This keeps one line dead, until the switch is thrown. I have also successfully done this at the far end of my layout when I created a passing siding. Do you feel an NCE switch-kat would handle the turnouts the same way of operating two switches at the same time?
My small 4ft by 16ft layout has a stub ended yard, so I will only need switch-kats at the one end of each siding. Wish I had room for a large layout, like Mike. F. has, or even an available room to build one, like you have. But something is better than nothing.
Great video, on my layout I am going to use the kato electric turnout switches.
Thanks, my friend. However you decide to control them, Kato turnouts are wonderful. ...Roy
Nicely done Roy, just how quick was that? Something that actually worked first time, I like it. Once the rest of the switch-kats arrive you will be able to spend a pleasant day installing the rest. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Yes, indeed, Chris, surprisingly easy, I mean. Doing wiring and electronic stuff on the layout usually gets me flustered. But not this time. Kato and NCE are a great combination for people like me who need things to be simple. The Swtich-Kats are going to make a really big difference in how my layout functions, once I get them all installed. ...Roy
Nice video Roy this will help me out as I was planning on going to Kato track for my expansion and was wondering how I can turn the switches I plan on using. I’m also using the NEC power cab system on this layout.
Thanks, William. I think it's neat how you and I are both using Kato track and NCE PowerCabs. It's great how we can share our knowledge and experience in the hobby via TH-cam. ...Roy
Very nice Roy! I'm guessing you could have used the Kato DC powerpack and the Kato throw levers but the switch kats are necessary to interface with your DCC throttle. Also, then you would not have the convience of activating the turnouts from anywhere and you would also have DC wiring under the layout complicating things. (Edited for spelling)
Thanks, James. You are right: I do have a Kato DC power pack which came with my first Kato train set, but I've operated my layout with NCE DCC from the beginning, and of course, the Switch-Kats work only with DCC. I'm looking forward to being able to control all of the turnouts in my staging yard remotely. ...Roy
Lol, i like the cat that throughs the swiitches . Great demo Roy (:
Thanks, my friend. Now if I could just train that darn car to actually throw the turnouts, instead of just knocking over the trains... ...Roy
great how to, thanks Roy
Thanks, Andy. It was a fun video to put together. ...Roy
Roy, I'm hoping the Switch-Kats continue to work reliably on your layout. I too currently operate my Kato n scale with a PowerCab, and the turnouts with the Touch Toggles from Barrett Hill. Works well, but I have been thinking about upgrading to the ESU ECoS 50210 system. I saw an interesting video filmed about 6 years ago that utilized Digitrax DS64's (now replaced by the DS74) and the ECoS system to operate Kato turnouts. One very cool feature of the ECoS is the ability to program each turnout to appear on their 8" screen as part of the layout map, with stylus (or finger) control, as well as programmed routes. I guess my question is can the Switch-Kats, to your knowledge, be programmed/controlled by any DCC throttle as long as they are wired to the DCC bus? I have asked this question of both NCE and ESU but each vendor tells me they know nothing of the other's system (lawyers 😡). If so, I'll be looking for the best price on 10 Kats AND placing my order for the ECoS.
Thanks for your comment about NCE Switch-Kats, my friend. Mine continue to work well. I continue to operate them using my PowerCab. But I've been thinking about adding Barrett Hill Touch Toggles to my layout. I'm completely unfamiliar with the ECoS system, although it sounds like an interesting alternative. I'm going to take a look at it and will let you know what, if anything, I can learn about it. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Roy, any leads or ideas where I can get some switch-kats? I have corralled 5 but need 6 more for my layout. Everyone seems to be out, including eBay sellers. I missed 6 used ones yesterday when I was too late in ordering them.
@@cbirailroad Ronald, it looks like Yankee Dabbler has them. yankeedabbler.com/all-scales-nce-524-116-switch-machine-decoder-kato-sw-for-kato-
...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 thanks Roy, ordered 6 a couple of hours ago... Update... they will be here tomorrow 👍
Well, the Switch-Kats did not work out so well for me when controlled by the ESU ECoS 50210 command station. They DID work perfectly with the PowerCab however, but with the ECoS they were less than reliable. The first 3 or 4 worked fine, but when I started programming 5-11 (all programmed exactly the same way) they often would not throw. I experimented with the duration of the pulse (250ms - 333ms) to no avail. I varied the bus voltage between 13vdc and 14vdc also to no avail. So...
I proceeded to procure 3 Digitrax DS64s on eBay and another small vendor down in Texas, as there are several videos on TH-cam reporting success with these units and the ECoS. I needed 3 because each decoder can power up to 4 Kato turnouts. And I have to say they work brilliantly with a Capital B using the ECoS throttle, whereas the new DS74, which replaces the 64 in the Digitrax product line, has had some compatibility issues as reported by others. I have the ECoS, which is QUITE expensive, on free loan from a local friend. He says he will sell it to me at a steep discount and with some trade items if I want it. And I believe that I do want to keep it!
From your 3 or so videos about installing Switch-Kats on the UP Evanston, you seem to be pleased with their performance. If you need 11 more at a fair price please let me know. Or if you know someone who does, before I put them up for sale elsewhere. We can take that conversation off line. PM me at freescopesdad at comcast.net if you are interested. Thanks.
Ron
Roy, please clarify something. When you programmed the first switch-kat you typed in address #4 but you seem to label it #1 on your popsicle stick. Can you clarify? Thanks. I've garnered 11 switch-kats and plan to program them today. Thanks.
Ron, turnout #4 is located in front of #1. That may be a cause for confusion. ...Roy
Good morning, Roy!! I very nice video on preparing and install the NCE Switch-Kats. Can I assume Kat is short for Kato??? Thanks!! - Dean from Minnesota
Good morning back at ya, Dean. You know, I never really thought about it, but it makes sense, that is, that Kat is short for Kato. It could be. I will have to investigate. ...Roy
Nice how to video Roy, but the one question I have is how many times did you bang your head on the upper deck.😀👍👍
Ha! More times than I can count, Charles. ...Roy
They look great and simple to install. What do you use to control your other switches? Finger or the built-in motor, and then using the Kato levers?
Thanks, my friend. I throw my other turnouts manually (with my finger). I may be tempted to install Switch-Kats on all of my turnouts. ...Roy
Hi Roy, As always, a very good instructional video. I have a question for you. Do you know if you can add signal lighting to a Kato turnout? I only have one Kato turnout on my layout, a dbl crossover, and I as of yet, have not been able to figure out how to install signal lights, both at the switch itself, and corresponding lights on my control panel. All of my other switches use AC power and the Kato switch uses DC power to operate. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Steve
Thanks, Steve. I'm afraid I can't respond to your question about signal lighting. There's nothing about it in the Switch-Kat instructions, and I haven't done any signal lighting on my layout yet myself. It's an interesting question that I would have to investigate. ...Roy
Nice one Roy...
Thanks, my friend. ...Roy
Is there a limit to the number of turnouts that you use these on? These would be perfect for my N Scale HCD layout. I'm trying to stay away from having to build a control panel, and if I used the Kato controllers, I'd still need one.
Yes, my friend, a Switch-Kat can control only one turnout. Of course, they only work with DCC systems. ...Roy
Nice now when I move forward to my next layout I know what to do. Question on the Kato turnouts. Did you set them select to DCC in the switch? I left mine in DC and the are now power routing switches. Didn’t think that one through.
Nope, I didn't make any changes on the switches, Steve. I just installed them as they came. ...Roy
Nice and easy....thanks for sharing....Jack
Jack, it’s always a pleasure to share the hobby with you. ...Roy
Roy you say you also connected these to the Kato 24840 turnout control switch, one for each turnout. Did you hide those somewhere under the layout as well?
No, Ronald, that is not correct. I don't have nor do I use the Kato 24-840 to throw my turnouts. I never have. I throw most of my turnouts manually. But each of the 12 turnouts in my staging yard has an NCE Switch-Kat. These I throw on my NCE PowerCab. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Got it, I guess I had been watching too many videos 😁. One further question... NCE indicates that these boards have connections for LED status lights to be added to control panels. Have you employed this feature?
Ron
How would you wire the Switch-Kat for the Kato Cross-Over
Unitrack?
David, Kato double-crossovers have the same red-black wire that regular turnouts have and are connected to Switch-Kats in the very same way. ...Roy
Nice update
Thanks, Ger. It's always fun to share the hobby with you. ...Roy
When do we get to see all of them in operation? 😀
Soon, Mike. I’ve ordered the 8 additional Switch-Kats that I need. They should arrive in a couple of days. I will install all of the remaining ones off-camera. Soon after that, I can show them to you in operation by running trains in and out of the staging yard. Won’t that be fun?!
Nice Roy
Thanks, Mike. I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to being able to operate all of the turnouts in my staging yard remotely. ...Roy
Roy, can you use switch Kats for any scale since it is only s decoder?
Charles, I think so, but I haven’t been able to confirm it on the NCE website. One thing I do know is that Switch-Kats were designed to work specifically with Kato and LGB switches. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 ... Maybe someone with a large staging yard on their layout at a Model Railroad Exhibition could confirm either way; and if there are limitations, they may be able to suggest alternative methods.
thats very cool.
Thanks, James. The Switch-Kats are marvelous. It was a pleasure to share my Sitch-Kat experience with you. ...Roy
2:31 😻😻😻
Thank you
What if you used 1 switch cat to throw 2 switches ( one on each side of the yard ladders) would that work and save you some cost? Can they handle more then 1 switch machine? And Thanks for showing us the Switch Kat.
great question..I was wondering the same thing as I did this on my old layout using Atlas custom line switches and Atlas push buttons on the facia.
Troy, I'm pretty sure that Switch-Kats can only handle one turnout, although I like the idea of being able to throw multiple turnouts simultaneously. ...Roy
OTS, I believe that you need a separate Switch-Kat for each turnout, but you can program multiple Switch-Kats to the same turnout number, and all of those Switch-Kats will throw when you select that number on your throttle. ...Roy
Even though i utilize peco flex with a digitrax system it is always enjoyable and enlightening to see what others are doing in other platforms The kato line is so well integrated. Seems like a seamless operation if you stuck to their line of products. All electrical simplified and integrated so well. Working in perfect harmony
Harleymike/chicago
Thanks, Mike. You are absolutely right: Kato products are well integrated - and easy to use - as are NCE DCC products. I'm very happy with my Kato-NCE combination of products. ...Roy
That many switches why not a switch 8?
I don’t believe a Switch 8 will work with Kato turnouts, although I need to investigate. ...Roy
Yes Roy, I'm like you. I find the use of language in instructions ambiguous and almost always pre supposes you know what the instructions are talking about. This is insufferable when you're using something for the first time.
Absolutely, my friend, it's no fun doing stuff on the layout when the instructions are ambiguous. Kato and NCE are a perfect combination for guys like me who need things to be clear and easy to understand. ...Roy
Meow
Cats love layouts, especially when they get to knock over the trains. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 You know I appreciate your videos. I didn't know that the controllers could control the switches. I don't know a lot about DCC stuff.
@@eottoe2001 We're all learning as we go along in the hobby, my friend. And one of the best things about it is that we can share our knowledge and experience with each other. ...Roy