Does anyone know where I can get a Kato DCC sound controller for their N Gauge locomotives? For the life of me, I can not understand why they sell DCC locs with sound but don’t advertise a DCC controller anywhere.
You don’t need a Kato-specific DCC controller for your loco. Any of the standard DCC controllers on the market will work and that is probably why Kato doesn’t market one of their own. A DCC starter set from either NCE or Digitrax will get you started and provide a lot of enjoyment for you.
Joe
Welcome to the forums, Deadeye! I hope you continue to post and let us know your model railroad plans and progress.
As was stated, there isn’t a need for any special Kato system. The sound and locomotive will work with just about any DCC system.
I have N scale Kato locomotives with sound, and I run all of them with my NCE system. It works well.
[#welcome]
Thanks Joe–Ya, I have MRC’s Tech 6 and their handheld controller on order–coupled together they allow me to control up to six loc on the same track and switch between running DCC and DC. I am only runing a small Christmas layout for now, but I’ll probably upgrade to NCE’s Power Cab if I ever go full DCC on a bigger layout. I found a Kato DCC controller that’s sold in Japan. At the present, I only have Kato in my N gauge lineup, and I thought it would be nice to stay with that brand since I have a couple DCC sound locs I want to run.
Thank you York1, ya I have an MRC Tech 6 and accompanying handheld controller on order. I just received two Kato Locs with DCC sound installed–can’t wait to try them out. I’m relativly new to model railroading–only ever had my MTH O gauge running around a Christmas tree. I’m trying to post a couple short videos of what I have going, but it’s proving to be a challenge on this site–probably my lack of experience here.
Actually, they do. It’s a rebadged Digitrax Zephyr. They just don’t market it in the US:
But as you said, it’s not necessary to get the Kato-branded device. Any modern DCC system will do.
Thanks Joe–in that case, I would want the NCE Powerf Cab anyway. NCE looks like a very good expandable system. I was just kind of in awe that Kato seems to be on the higher end of price/quality but didn’t have their own DCC controller here in the US since they actualy sell DCC locs, but sometimes that’s just the way a business goes.
I will Joe–man model railroading has come leaps and bounds since I was kid.