After having trouble with the DCC system I installed on my N scale door layout, I decided to give the Kato Smart Device Controller, and Sound Box a try. These two products work great if you're building your first layout like I am, and your layout is a small one, with just a few engines, and a basic loop of track with a small yard, and a couple industrial spurs. The issue with my DCC system isn't the system itself, as it's the NCE Power Cab, which is a quality system for beginners, and is easy to set up. Where I was having trouble was with programing the individual locos, as I screwed up programing a couple of them, and don't know how to get them to factory settings, even though I think I followed the directions in the manual. It's not even the engines that are at fault. I'm just anxious to get the trains running good, so I can get to the scenery, and finish the layout, and am a little too impatient to figure out how to fix the DCC locos for now. When it comes to new model railroaders, I'm as noob, as noob gets. Despite my mistakes, I'm committed to getting my first layout finished, running good, looking good, and enjoying it, even if it's not a perfect work of model railroading art, or uses the latest high tech DCC power systems. The Kato Smart Controller, and Sound box will work fine for now, and will also allow me to use a lot of my DC locos, which is the majority of my loco collection I've acquired over the years, hoping to use them on my first layout when the opportunity to build it came about. While DCC is ultimately better, especially if you want to expand to a larger layout with more track, and more engines, which I hope to do in the future, the nice thing about DC for your first layout, especially a small one, is you don't have to program decoders. You just put the DC loco on the track, turn on the power, hit the throttle, and watch it run.
Well, this is a great idea. I just hope you consider a separate handheld throttle to go with it for those who don't want to use their phone. I prefer an actual physical handle and switches.
I am definately getting one of those. But I would like Kato to make a dedicted hand held box with a knob for the throttle, and reverse switch, so I could skip using the phone. You could then make a more complex hand held box for use with the sound at a later time. But regardless, I am going to buy one!
I just realized the loco in your background picture thing on your channel is the same locomotive I have in HO scale. I got it for like $80on sale on amazon. Put a decoder in it and it runs often on my layout. I did a short review of it on my channel
Someone has anime on their phone! I just picked up a Kato Amtrak Southwest Limited and a couple of SDP40Fs this weekend. Expecting them in the mail soon.
Depending on your layout needs you may want a more or less powerful AC adapter. Being sold separately allows you to chose which you want (12V or 16V, N or HO), without paying extra for an A/C Adapter to come with it. You can also use the A/C adapter from the new 22-019-1 Power Pack SX that's coming out if you ever want to just transfer from manual control to Bluetooth.
Tbh I would only consider this if it was controlled by a wireless controller instead of a smartphone, maybe have some sort of plugin adapter for the existing Kato controller. Nothing better than having physical controls than just a touch screen, just like my physical Roku tv remote control instead of the phone app.
My layout has two controllers. If I replaced each controller with two of these devices would I be able to control both trains from my phone? From the vid it looks like you could only control one track.
I have two sound boxes and run two trains at a time on Kato double track. How do you segragate/dedicate the two tracks/trains to your phone? Can you switch from one track/train to another on your phone to gain functuality and control over more than one train?
The Kato reply to my question sounds that one would have to buy two controllers and go all the way back to Bluetooth settings to switch between two operating trains- not too practical and very expensive for folks running more than one train on more than one loop of track. The solution some will say is to go to DCC, but my too many locos are ‘linear’ and they run fine under ‘momentum control’ with the Kato Sound Boxes operating through controlled blocks of Kato double track. I guess I could buy a second cell phone and drive the cost up even higher. There must be a software solution to be able to switch between two trains (and sound boxes) from one phone, and one controller.
You don't need to go back to bluetooth settings, as long as both boxes are on you can select which one you want inside the app. You can swap which one you're operating without ever leaving the app.
It will work with ANY standard analog/DC engine. Technically it can also work with a DCC equipped engine as long as it's set to run on an analog layout (two digit address). It's essentially a DC controller that can be run remotely.
It's designed to replace a standard DC throttle, so it has the exact same set up - you can control multiple trains but they'll all go the same direction and speed.
KatoUSAinc no. The biggest difference is the PWM functionality (clear light function) as they use the same system as the new KATO Power Pack SX. You should maybe also point out that for some models you need the additional adapter 22-092. It surprises me that neither of these, besides the difference in adapters, is explained in an official KATO video.
(Edit: shortened for clarity) I clicked thinking I would be looking at something more like DCC, and its not, and it is fairly expensive to require another expensive product, the phone or tablet, to enable its function.
While DCC is popular US and Europe, Japan is not the case. Many collectors in Japan sticks with analog system. Even some manufacturers preventing their models can be modified to DCC。 That's why coming with the Bluetooth system.
James Smith they won’t include one because it depends if you use HO or N. They have different power adapters (should be mentioned in video but they don’t for whatever reason)
Why wasn't Stereo designed the Kato Sound Box?. What less that too speakers?. No, just mono sound. Undless in Kato they thought that the pair the models do it with sound. I think this accesory has been missed. I know that Kato is quite conservative is some of its developmets and in Japan they do not like both digital advanced. But Kato first watches over its national market. Comparatively in Europe, Kato USA models with sound are somewhat more expensive, than one european equivalent. Discarded the option to ask to stores in the USA. Because in Spain, customs do not forgiven and the Treasury claims its part. I have not other remedy to buy in stores in German. It is not longer advantageous to ask outside of the European Union. However, when Kato has a representative in Europa, for your USA models with Noch, still the prices are interesting, and they don't shoot up like with other brands of USA models in ~N~ and ~H0~ scales. An example. The model of steam locomotive T1 Duplex PRR in ~N~ of the brand we that know, went on sale a month ago. Cots in german stores 150,00 USA $ more that in one of United States. It is appreciated that Kato, at least it offers three versions of the same models; analog, DCC and DCC with sound. Adapting to all pockets of the modelers.
then it doesn't warrant the cost. consumers are looking for improved technology . this just does not cut it. dcc gave us control on several levels multiple running trains on same track. go back and do this with your Bluetooth then you got something to offer and sell. if your engineers can't do it then my 14 year old son can.
marcel Devlieger you should know that KATO USA is just a reseller of KATO Japan items with some custom models. DCC is not popular at all in Japan. However I also find the Bluetooth controller underwhelming. They could have added switch control or a TNOS equivalent for people like me that own too many analogue trains to feasibly make digital.
Kato needs to rethink all this. Give me a TCS WOW DCC and sound decoder for my loco and a NCE power cab to control it, and I am content. All this is too expensive and your loco sound comes out of a box. Not satifisfactory. Sorry Kato, love your locos and car sets. Also your unitrack, but this is convoluted and awkward. Time to get on board.
![[Kato USA Tech Corner] - Product preview! New N Scale Kato Turntable (February 2014)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jTZhrQQjeMc/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Kato USA Tech Corner] - Product preview! New N Scale Kato Turntable (February 2014)](/img/tr.png)
After having trouble with the DCC system I installed on my N scale door layout, I decided to give the Kato Smart Device Controller, and Sound Box a try. These two products work great if you're building your first layout like I am, and your layout is a small one, with just a few engines, and a basic loop of track with a small yard, and a couple industrial spurs.
The issue with my DCC system isn't the system itself, as it's the NCE Power Cab, which is a quality system for beginners, and is easy to set up. Where I was having trouble was with programing the individual locos, as I screwed up programing a couple of them, and don't know how to get them to factory settings, even though I think I followed the directions in the manual. It's not even the engines that are at fault. I'm just anxious to get the trains running good, so I can get to the scenery, and finish the layout, and am a little too impatient to figure out how to fix the DCC locos for now. When it comes to new model railroaders, I'm as noob, as noob gets. Despite my mistakes, I'm committed to getting my first layout finished, running good, looking good, and enjoying it, even if it's not a perfect work of model railroading art, or uses the latest high tech DCC power systems.
The Kato Smart Controller, and Sound box will work fine for now, and will also allow me to use a lot of my DC locos, which is the majority of my loco collection I've acquired over the years, hoping to use them on my first layout when the opportunity to build it came about. While DCC is ultimately better, especially if you want to expand to a larger layout with more track, and more engines, which I hope to do in the future, the nice thing about DC for your first layout, especially a small one, is you don't have to program decoders. You just put the DC loco on the track, turn on the power, hit the throttle, and watch it run.
Well, this is a great idea. I just hope you consider a separate handheld throttle to go with it for those who don't want to use their phone. I prefer an actual physical handle and switches.
I am definately getting one of those. But I would like Kato to make a dedicted hand held box with a knob for the throttle, and reverse switch, so I could skip using the phone. You could then make a more complex hand held box for use with the sound at a later time. But regardless, I am going to buy one!
I just realized the loco in your background picture thing on your channel is the same locomotive I have in HO scale. I got it for like $80on sale on amazon. Put a decoder in it and it runs often on my layout. I did a short review of it on my channel
Cool device and easy to use.
Mike
Looks exactly what I’m after to run a wireless DC system and compatible with the sound box is a bonus..
Someone has anime on their phone! I just picked up a Kato Amtrak Southwest Limited and a couple of SDP40Fs this weekend. Expecting them in the mail soon.
Is there a chance to see a re release of the Kato Sound Box , seems to be hard to found now , not produced anymore ?
We have a ton of stock of Soundboxes. They aren't sold out and shouldn't be hard to find.
I'm curious as to why the AC adapter is sold separately. Can it be used without it? I don't understand otherwise.
Depending on your layout needs you may want a more or less powerful AC adapter. Being sold separately allows you to chose which you want (12V or 16V, N or HO), without paying extra for an A/C Adapter to come with it. You can also use the A/C adapter from the new 22-019-1 Power Pack SX that's coming out if you ever want to just transfer from manual control to Bluetooth.
Has Kato considered a DCC controller for the Unitrack?
Tbh I would only consider this if it was controlled by a wireless controller instead of a smartphone, maybe have some sort of plugin adapter for the existing Kato controller. Nothing better than having physical controls than just a touch screen, just like my physical Roku tv remote control instead of the phone app.
Anything new for this month?
My layout has two controllers. If I replaced each controller with two of these devices would I be able to control both trains from my phone? From the vid it looks like you could only control one track.
If you have multiple controllers, you can switch between whatever one is selected from the menu (the one you see when the controller is pairing).
KatoUSAinc This is why I love Kato. It’s so easy and straightforward to use.
Does this wotk with just the regular power pac
The Soundbox works with a regular power pack, and the Smart Device replaces your regular power pack
I have two sound boxes and run two trains at a time on Kato double track. How do you segragate/dedicate the two tracks/trains to your phone? Can you switch from one track/train to another on your phone to gain functuality and control over more than one train?
If you have multiple controllers, you can switch between whatever one is selected from the menu (the one you see when the controller is pairing).
The Kato reply to my question sounds that one would have to buy two controllers and go all the way back to Bluetooth settings to switch between two operating trains- not too practical and very expensive for folks running more than one train on more than one loop of track. The solution some will say is to go to DCC, but my too many locos are ‘linear’ and they run fine under ‘momentum control’ with the Kato Sound Boxes operating through controlled blocks of Kato double track. I guess I could buy a second cell phone and drive the cost up even higher. There must be a software solution to be able to switch between two trains (and sound boxes)
from one phone, and one controller.
You don't need to go back to bluetooth settings, as long as both boxes are on you can select which one you want inside the app. You can swap which one you're operating without ever leaving the app.
Nice!
Can one phone run multiple controllers?
Yes. You can pop back to the menu and select from as many controllers as you have turned on and linked.
170 seems a little pricey, but then again, what do i know...
Is this device only for KATO DC locomotives?
It will work with ANY standard analog/DC engine. Technically it can also work with a DCC equipped engine as long as it's set to run on an analog layout (two digit address). It's essentially a DC controller that can be run remotely.
pricey. how many separate trains can you run on one track or is it set up for one.
It's designed to replace a standard DC throttle, so it has the exact same set up - you can control multiple trains but they'll all go the same direction and speed.
Is the AC adaptor from the Kato blue box DC controller suitable ?
From the new one that is coming out in November, yes. The old one from the previous 22-014 power packs will not work.
Ok. Thanks
What's the difference?
Different specs, required for import laws, different plug size
KatoUSAinc no. The biggest difference is the PWM functionality (clear light function) as they use the same system as the new KATO Power Pack SX. You should maybe also point out that for some models you need the additional adapter 22-092. It surprises me that neither of these, besides the difference in adapters, is explained in an official KATO video.
A huge miss is an iPad app and switch control. And a TNOS equivalent, actually. But a good first step nonetheless.
There's an app for apple devices. We have a link on our website that goes directly to the iTunes store for it.
KatoUSAinc what I mean is a more complicated and customizable interface with which you can also control switches
(Edit: shortened for clarity) I clicked thinking I would be looking at something more like DCC, and its not, and it is fairly expensive to require another expensive product, the phone or tablet, to enable its function.
While DCC is popular US and Europe, Japan is not the case. Many collectors in Japan sticks with analog system. Even some manufacturers preventing their models can be modified to DCC。 That's why coming with the Bluetooth system.
To expensive for what it is. At the very minimum it should include a power plug at that price.
James Smith they won’t include one because it depends if you use HO or N. They have different power adapters (should be mentioned in video but they don’t for whatever reason)
"Smart Device" = pricey... Cha-Ching!!!!!
Why wasn't Stereo designed the Kato Sound Box?.
What less that too speakers?. No, just mono sound. Undless in Kato they thought that the pair the models do it with sound.
I think this accesory has been missed. I know that Kato is quite conservative is some of its developmets and in Japan they do not like both digital advanced. But Kato first watches over its national market.
Comparatively in Europe, Kato USA models with sound are somewhat more expensive, than one european equivalent.
Discarded the option to ask to stores in the USA. Because in Spain, customs do not forgiven and the Treasury claims its part. I have not other remedy to buy in stores in German.
It is not longer advantageous to ask outside of the European Union.
However, when Kato has a representative in Europa, for your USA models with Noch, still the prices are interesting, and they don't shoot up like with other brands of USA models in ~N~ and ~H0~ scales.
An example. The model of steam locomotive T1 Duplex PRR in ~N~ of the brand we that know, went on sale a month ago. Cots in german stores 150,00 USA $ more that in one of United States.
It is appreciated that Kato, at least it offers three versions of the same models; analog, DCC and DCC with sound. Adapting to all pockets of the modelers.
then it doesn't warrant the cost. consumers are looking for improved technology . this just does not cut it. dcc gave us control on several levels multiple running trains on same track. go back and do this with your Bluetooth then you got something to offer and sell. if your engineers can't do it then my 14 year old son can.
marcel Devlieger you should know that KATO USA is just a reseller of KATO Japan items with some custom models. DCC is not popular at all in Japan. However I also find the Bluetooth controller underwhelming. They could have added switch control or a TNOS equivalent for people like me that own too many analogue trains to feasibly make digital.
Kato needs to rethink all this. Give me a TCS WOW DCC and sound decoder for my loco and a NCE power cab to control it, and I am content. All this is too expensive and your loco sound comes out of a box. Not satifisfactory. Sorry Kato, love your locos and car sets. Also your unitrack, but this is convoluted and awkward. Time to get on board.
Problem is DCC is unpopular in Japan. Kato keep promoting DCC, Tomix keep hunting down DCC. DCC in Japan is losing ground even there are many users.