help :-)

[richardgee]

Hi, i have a kato controller and it has started to malfunction, just started today :(

 

Power works in both directions. Forward and Reverse. Train stops on "Brake" as it should. Power is still supplied to the track on "Stop". Train speeds up when turned to "Full". Controller was working fine one moment and then power would not go off.  Maybe someone can help? It has a uk transformer, thanks

[Hobby Dreamer]

Hi Richard, welcome to the forum...

 

There is not quite enough detail to fully understand the problem.  Within the power unit there is a transformer that converts AC to DC and then a resistor that regulates the power going to the tracks, IIRC.  There are other parts such as power supplied to accessories.

 

If it was working fine one moment then the power would not cut off it has to be the resistor. Is it now at maximum power all the time?

 

If it worked fine last time but you completely set up your layout then it might be a wiring problem..

 

If its now at max power then it would seem to be the resistor has blown.

 

Perhaps someone here knows the power unit better, but if its an internal problem I'd be tempted not to play around and take it to a local hobby store for a second opinion. Maybe there is something wrong with the way you set things up and it would either work at the shop or not. A second opinion is always best!

 

Depending on how old the unit is or where you got it there may be a warantee.

 

Fortunately the power units are not that expensive but you don't want a defective one that can short or damage your trains or accessories! 

 

I hope this helps a bit!  If for some reason it starts working and you don't know why or you did not change anything then maybe its best to replace.

 

(I should worn you that I'm an electrical retard, but 40 years ago always got my slot cars working - so not 100% useless)

 

Good luck

Rick

[richardgee]

Hi, when the controller is at the forward position and power is set to 0, it still moves forward at pace, there is no way to slow the locos down apart from using the brake lever. Although pushing to full speed slightly increases spedd even more:-) tried different track and power feed and train but sam thing happens with the controller. Bought it last week so should be fine to send back to train trax in the uk. They seem very decent and helpful.

Rich

[cteno4]

rich,

 

unfortunately this sounds like you have a bad rheostat or potentiometer in the controller (its the part the throttle is connected to and varies the voltage.

 

with the kato power pack and leads its pretty hard to wire this up wrong. the only way you can get continous current our of a kato power pack would be to wire the track power feed to the 12v switch power out on the side of the transformer that uses a different connector. You are plugging the track power feed into the white socket on the back of the power pack next to the little red reset button.

 

have you tried hitting the red reset button on the back while the power is on?

 

best of luck,

 

jeff

[richardgee]

Hi jeff, yes deffo in the correct power feed, have tried hitting the reset but to not avail :(

[Guest ___]

I'm assuming that this is not the standard KATO power pack, or am I missing something when the OP states the "brake" level? As so far as I know, every KATO blue pack I have seen has a reverser and throttle, and that's pretty much it. It's not like a Tech II by MRC or anything quite as fancy.

[cteno4]

the center position on the kato direction lever is labeled "brake" and its basically an off switch when set there and the throttle speed does not do anything.

 

http://modeltrains.about.com/od/operatingmodeltrains/ss/setup_6.htm

 

cheers

 

jeff

[Guest ___]

Strange, mine is labeled "off"