Stationary decoder Installation: Kato #4 & Digitrax DS51K1?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi,

I recently purchased a Kato N-gauge 20-220 Electric #4 Turn out
and I wi***o install a Digitrax DS51K1 stationary decoder. There are (2) operations required to complete the installation per the Digitrax instructions. Has anyone ever attempted this before?

(1) The Digitrax instructions, instructs me to connect the orange and gray wire to from the decoder to the turnout motor.

I assume that the turnout motor can be found under the plastic base plate after removing the 5 screws. However which assembly is the turnout motor and where should I place the solders on the turnout motor so that I do not affect its operation?

(2) Connect the red and black wires from the decoder to the track

Where on the #4 turnout would it be advisable to place to solders?

Note: Per Digitrax it says that the DS51K1 Stationary Decoder is #8220;for single machine control only#8221;. I have (2) turnouts which I want to DCC, so I guess I#8217;ll have to purchase another.

Any information would be helpful and if there is a simpler easier way to install a stationary decoder, please tell us! [:)]

Thanks,
-reg

2

Hi Reg,
I have 8 DS51K1 decoders and 6 more ready to be installed.
They are great and reliable.
You should not have to take off the bottom plate of the switch as there are red and black wires from the ‘motor’.
I use a tag strip to connect the fine decoder wires to the heavier ones from the switch motor and track. Programming is easy, although I had some difficulty in realising how simple it was ,first time and a loose wire with an alligator/crocodile clip solved the problem of connecting the yellow programming wire.
Hope this helps.
Be happy with your switches
Bill

3

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the heads up! That sounds like a much easier solution. I’ll have to give it a try this weekend.

Good luck on installing the other 6 on your RR.

Cheers! [:D]
-reg