hylik

I'm desiging my layout to use kato unitrack but i've read on several places that it's not DCC compatible...

my layout is N scale, with #6 turnouts and a double crossovers...

also how to i wire the crossover if it's place on a reversing loop?

-------------------------
Omar

Reply 0
DKRickman

Not compatible?

I don't see how it could NOT be DCC compatible.  After all, track is track.  The turnouts might not be DCC-friendly (I have no idea), but that's not the same thing as incompatible.

As for the crossover, you'll need to isolate the reverse loop and put a polarity reversing switch (manual, or automatic, depending on your budget) in the leads to it.

Ken Rickman

Danville & Western HO modeler and web historian

http://southern-railway.railfan.net/dw/

Reply 0
hylik

what is the difference

what is the difference between not compatible and not DCC-friendly?

-------------------------
Omar

Reply 0
DKRickman

Incomatible vs. unfriendly

Not compatible means that it won't work.

Non DCC-friendly turnouts will still work, but there is an increased chance for shorts to occur.  Check out Wiring for DCC to learn more.  Basically, a DCC friendly turnout has the points at the same polarity as the associated stock rail.  Non-DCC-friendly turnouts have both points at the same polarity, and a metal wheel could bridge the gap and cause a momentary short.

Ken Rickman

Danville & Western HO modeler and web historian

http://southern-railway.railfan.net/dw/

Reply 0
Dave K skiloff

Wrong

Unitrack is fine with DCC.  The thing with the turnouts is they are power routing, so it only powers the side that the points are thrown towards, but it still works with DCC.  

Dave
Playing around in HO and N scale since 1976

Reply 0
DKRickman

Insulate your frogs

Quote:

The thing with the turnouts is they are power routing

In that case, make sure you put insulators beyond every frog.  Otherwise, if there is a feeder anywhere downstream, you could have a short.  It's not bad practice anyway, but it's mandatory if you're going to use a power routing turnout except in the case where the only feeders are at the point end of the turnouts.

Ken Rickman

Danville & Western HO modeler and web historian

http://southern-railway.railfan.net/dw/

Reply 0
SmithSR

Hi there, I spent some time

Hi there,

I spent some time working with N scale Unitrack and came away very impressed with the quality and ease of setup.

Kato #6 is power routing and #4 is actually selectable routing/non-routing via the screw inset on bottom side of the turnout fixture.  Kato unitrack is compatible with DC & DCC.

 

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