New DCC decoders for driving Kato Unitrack switch machines

[peteski]

I don't use Unitrack, but some of you might find these handy.

8-way DCC switch decoder for Kato switches with plug WD8K

8-way DCC switch decoder for two-pole switch drives with screw terminals WD8K

And for standard twin coil  machines.
8-way DCC switch decoder for twin coil switch drives with screw connection WD8D

[Maletrain]

Well, the manual seems to be in German.  Do you know if the Kato version has a capacitive discharge actuation or if it needs to be plugged into something other than plugging it into the Kato turnouts directly?  (What appear to be capacitors in the pictures seem pretty small for actuating Kato turnouts.)

[jwaldo]

Well, the manual seems to be in German.  Do you know if the Kato version has a capacitive discharge actuation or if it needs to be plugged into something other than plugging it into the Kato turnouts directly?  (What appear to be capacitors in the pictures seem pretty small for actuating Kato turnouts.)

I don't speak German, but from looking at the picture there are two sets of input terminals. I'd guess the one labeled 'DCC' is for the regular DCC input, and the other one labeled 'VIn' is for additional power to drive the coils. In my experience DMToys are pretty good about translating their manuals, so we'll get an answer one way or another.

[peteski]

I'm not really familiar with Kato-type DCC decoders, but since I get regular updates from DM-Toys (I shop there), and these  and their price looked good, I figured I let you all know about them.

I  also believe that there will be English version of the manual available once these are in stock.  I was also surprised as DM-Toys usually only shows items in-stock.  Maybe they changed their strategy.

I also found a way for translating pdf documents online.  I think Google will do that.  Not a perfect translation, but usable.

[Rivet Miscounter]

Sorry if I missed this, but is there a price indicated anywhere or at least an MSRP?

This would be great if the price is decent and assuming it will work with Rokuhan turnouts.

[peteski]

Um, strange.  In the email from DM-Toys, the price was shown.
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[peteski]

Well, the manual seems to be in German.  Do you know if the Kato version has a capacitive discharge actuation or if it needs to be plugged into something other than plugging it into the Kato turnouts directly?  (What appear to be capacitors in the pictures seem pretty small for actuating Kato turnouts.)

Steve, looking at the German manual seems pretty clear that this decoder can use either external AC/DC power source for operating the machines, or it can also be powered from the DCC bus.

Power source: 9-20V AC/DC/DCC 20mA idle / 2100mA max

But that is a bit odd since I seem to recall you mentioning elsewhere in another thread that Kato machines need at least 12V to operate reliably.  So  I would  say the operating range would be 13-20V AC/DC/DCC.

I also doubt this is a capacities discharge unit. It likely just sends a "straight" voltage pulse to the coil.

[Maletrain]

Before I plug something as burnout prone as the Kato turnouts into some new electronic gizmo, I am going to need a manual that I can understand.

I tried to get an automated translation of the German in the manual, but it seems that all of the usual tools have now been "augmented" with "AI" to make my computing experience better unsuccessful and more expensive.

I am interested, so will watch for the manual in English. 

[peteski]

Before I plug something as burnout prone as the Kato turnouts into some new electronic gizmo, I am going to need a manual that I can understand.

I understand your caution, but I also doubt that any decoder manufacturer would produce a decoder specifically designed for Kato turnouts be prone to cause their coil burnouts.  You know what I mean?    But yes, English manual would be very useful. I'm sure it will become available.

[Maletrain]

It is not that I doubt the design, but rather that I might set it up improperly and send the wrong power to the turnout.  I see "VIN" and "DCC", so, can it be powered by just DCC or does it need some other power input - for itself - for the turnouts?  What voltage?  What does "~=" mean under "VIN"?  Hieroglyphics aren't any better than German for me figuring out how to set this thing up.  Will wait for English.

[peteski]

It is not that I doubt the design, but rather that I might set it up improperly and send the wrong power to the turnout.  I see "VIN" and "DCC", so, can it be powered by just DCC or does it need some other power input - for itself - for the turnouts?  What voltage?  What does "~=" mean under "VIN"?  Hieroglyphics aren't any better than German for me figuring out how to set this thing up.  Will wait for English.

I guess my European heritage comes through.  "~=" means AC/DC (and that is also spelled out in letters).
The acceptable voltages, as I mentioned earlier are: Power source: 9-20V AC/DC/DCC 20mA idle / 2100mA max (as I again question 9V as being too low to throw the Kato machines).

Looks like the DCC input is for packet detection, and the other input is for the power for the decoder and switch machines. To me the hookup diagram in the manual clearly shows that.  "TRAFO" means "transformer" as in a power pack with AC or DC output.

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The left diagram shows it powered from the DCC bus, and on the right from a separate power source.
But since these are not available yet, might as well wait for the English version of the manual.

[Maletrain]

Yes, I saw the two power connection schemes.  So the "VIN" cab be connected to DCC, or to AC or to DC, with voltages ranging from 9 to 20 volts, with a current limit of 2.1 amps.  That is quite a range of watts available.

I reliably throw a Kato double crossover (4 solenoids) with "14.5 VDC 0.8 amp" wall wart (which puts out a higher open circuit voltage) and a Kato ballistic momentary contact electrical switch.  Not so sure I would want to try 20 volts capable of 2.1 amps on a single Kato solenoid without having some idea how long that power would be provided to the coil.

I guess I could just use DCC power, at about 14 volts that should rectify to a bit less, and power it from my Power Cab, which is limited to about 1.4 amps.  Unless it looks like a short to the Power Cab and shuts everything down.  You did say that it looks like it does not have a storage capacitor, so it would be a direct current draw for a short period - maybe not unlike a brief short circuit.

And, there are probably some instructions about programming, too.

I'm gonna wait for the English version.  It might have several messages from their lawyers about what to not do.

[peteski]

I'm pretty sure the 9-20 voltage range is for the decoder's electronics, not for the switch machines (even though both share the same power supply).  They probably want the user to get the switch machine specs from Kato.

[peteski]

I just got notified that those decoders are now in-stock, and English manual is available (and it doesn't provide all the technical details you were hoping for). It just states that it is specifically for Kato Unitrack switch machines.

[robertjohndavis]

There is a 20% off sale on the DCC Kato turnout decoders and everything else https://www.dm-toys.de/ makes in N scale.

They have tons of unique detail parts and interesting buildings that have use on North American layouts. If you are looking for something different at a good price, check it out before the sale ends 8/30.