Installing a DS51K1 decoder in a Kato #6 and #4 switch

[surfingstephens]

KVP,

 

When I got home I thought about what you said and ran a few more tests to see what would happen.  I placed a lit kato passenger car (newest type of leds) and it saw the car so that is good.  Not sure how much that draws power wise but it works.   I then found some resistors.  I had one that was 1k ohm.   I tried that accross the track and no problem it works.

 

What level of resister do people use on train cars?     I saw one web site that lead me to believe some people use 1k resistors, but having never done that I am not sure. 

 

At this point, I am breaking down my test area and getting geared up to wire the entire track.   I can start with one Zone and do some more testing before I get much further if you have a different resistor I should test it with.  

 

Thanks,

Jim

[kvp]

Resistor wheelsets are usually between 10k and 100k. 1k would mean a rake of 20 cars with 2 wheels each would be a total of 25 ohm, around the same load as a locomotive, which would need a lot of power especially on dcc.

 

The problem might only arise if you use more than one turnout and imho you should check with a decoder equipped cab car or with the car lights off and only the light decoder taking power. They should still be visible.

Edited March 29, 2016 by kvp

[surfingstephens]

Resistor wheelsets are usually between 10k and 100k. 1k would mean a rake of 20 cars with 2 wheels each would be a total of 25 ohm, around the same load as a locomotive, which would need a lot of power especially on dcc.

 

The problem might only arise if you use more than one turnout and imho you should check with a decoder equipped cab car or with the car lights off and only the light decoder taking power. They should still be visible.OK

OK.  When I get to a good point to do some more testing I will try out some more things and see if I can tell at what point it has issues.    I am starting to lay out my blocks and so far I don't have multiple switches in a block because I am doing the main line first with a few sidings.    When I get to my yard later on that, that may prove to me more of challenge.

Edited March 29, 2016 by surfingstephens

[freescopesdad]

can this decoder be installed EX-ternally to a kato #6 turnout and mounted under the layout? Not excited about opening up my turnouts.

Ron

[katoftw]

3 minutes ago, freescopesdad said:

can this decoder be installed EX-ternally to a kato #6 turnout and mounted under the layout? Not excited about opening up my turnouts.

Ron

Install anywhere.  But you still gonna need to open it up for power supply of chip and possibly power routing depending on the switch.