Kato Automatic signals for N scale

[Paradise275]

I understand that the Unitrack automatic 3 light signal for N scale will not work on a DCC layout.
Is there anyway around this?
The same lights for HO scale will work because the technology is newer.

Rick

[brill27mcb]

The N Kato signals are simply based on a trip and then fixed-time red and yellow displays. Not really a signal "system."

Rich K.

[Paradise275]

Thanks Rick.
Is there a better system that is not too complicated. It's only for show.

Rick

[Peter Amling]

I'll echo that. I wish there was a signal system for N that I could set up, especially if it was unitrack compatible and based on US prototypes. DCC would be a plus, but not necessary.

[Paradise275]

Peter they do have a Unitrack automatic crossing gate that's easy to set up.

Rick

[Peter Amling]

Rick,

I actually have that and I love it. It's really great. I just want some double track signal bridges for block signaling, or even signal masts for block signaling. You could plug them in to one another in a row and they would relay to each other. There was a guy who came up with a system in G scale for that. It was really clever and simple.

[brill27mcb]

Thanks Rick.
Is there a better system that is not too complicated. It's only for show.

Rick

Well, for show they are suitable.

Rich K.

[ristooch]

Peter they do have a Unitrack automatic crossing gate that's easy to set up.

Rick

How do you feel about drilling angled holes through your Unitrack and benchwork to install infrared photocells? If you are game, I recommend you look at the Azatrax signal system. It can be as simple as a single, standalone signal or an interconnected series of signals that rely on each other to change indication. I wouldn't call it prototypical, but I use in on my (non-Unitrack) layout and like the additional animation that it provides.

You don't necessarily have to drill through the track if you are signalling a single track and can arrange the IR sensors to look across the track. You'd probably need to figure a way to conceal them however.

The system is completely independent of the control system (DC/DCC/gasoline/steam/battery/hamsters/whatever). They don't require block occupancy detection nor any mods to rolling stock.

http://www.azatrax.com/index.html

Paul Ristuccia

[Radioguy]

I'll echo that. I wish there was a signal system for N that I could set up, especially if it was unitrack compatible and based on US prototypes. DCC would be a plus, but not necessary.

Anyone modded this to work successfully on other brands? Bachmann EZ Track, etc?