unitrack (N) track powering question

[new2nscale]

Hi: As simplistic as Kato N unitrack should be, I am somewhat confused as to the "power-routed" switches. I get the fact that when they're power-routed, power goes to the "switched" siding, and when not, that siding is dead, however, what is all this about "not powering track THROUGH the turnout" ?? Do I have to use feeder wires or a feeder track on each siding ? I am familiar in HO with Atlas turnouts, where this never had to be done. On a small layout, will power not get through the turnouts sufficiently ?? On a small oval with 3 or 4 total turnouts, how many feeder tracks do I really need for good performance ? I am not using DCC, just the standard DC. Thanks. And btw, am I correct in saying the old Atlas HO system was MUCH more straightforward

 

[vato loco]

Hi: As simplistic as Kato N unitrack should be, I am somewhat confused as to the "power-routed" switches. I get the fact that when they're power-routed, power goes to the "switched" siding, and when not, that siding is dead, however, what is all this about "not powering track THROUGH the turnout" ?? Do I have to use feeder wires or a feeder track on each siding ? I am familiar in HO with Atlas turnouts, where this never had to be done. On a small layout, will power not get through the turnouts sufficiently ?? On a small oval with 3 or 4 total turnouts, how many feeder tracks do I really need for good performance ? I am not using DCC, just the standard DC. Thanks. And btw, am I correct in saying the old Atlas HO system was MUCH more straightforward

Kato switches have 2 different power routing for DC use! One setting is for DCC. I only have two feeder wires on my layout and it's set for power routing/stock setting on my switches! Hasn't had any power problems yet!

 

[Royalhaw]

Kato Switches?

I have the same quetion regarding the switches. I did not know that the switches had a "power selection". Where is it on the switch? How do you change the "power selection"? A question was asked, "do I have to add feeder wires to the swich to make it live all the time"? I am asking the same question. Stright answers have not been given..... I have a small layout but it has two main tracks with a Kato double crossover connecting both main tracks. Do I need two feeds from the power pack (one for each main track)? Help is needed. Thanks, Harlan