The Digitrax DS52 is a two-output stationary decoder that will drive either kind of turnout machine - slow-motion stall motors such as the Tortoise and Switchmaster, or solenoid machines such as Peco, Atlas Snap Switches and Kato Unitrack. The capacitive discharge circuit gives solenoids the hard kick they need to throw reliably, and everything lands on screw terminals, so a board goes in with a screwdriver and no soldering.
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Will it drive Tortoise machines?
Yes. The DS52 handles two slow-motion stall-motor machines such as the Tortoise by Circuitron or the Switchmaster, as well as solenoid types. You select the mode when you set it up.
Will it throw Kato Unitrack turnouts?
Yes. Kato Unitrack uses a two-wire bi-polar solenoid, which the DS52 drives through its capacitive discharge circuit - the same circuit that handles three-wire Peco and Atlas Snap Switch machines.
Can I mix machine types on one decoder?
The two outputs share a configuration, so plan on a DS52 per pair of like machines rather than mixing a Tortoise and a snap switch on the same board.
Do I need a Digitrax system?
No. It is a standard NMRA DCC accessory decoder and will take turnout commands from any DCC system.
