How well go they perform? Do they function with all different types of cars and wheel sets? Way back when KATO imported their Crossing Gate, there were a lot of problems with erratic opertion with their capacitive sensors used to trigger the CRossing Gates. In order to keep the gates down and lights flashing on a long train, you hadto replace the bolster pins with flat head screws. I was using all Micro Trains Cars and plastic wheels. Metal wheels didn't really help if I remember correctly. Have they overcome this? All I have been able to read is that they work on a timer so that once the block is occupied, it changes colors based on time and not sensor inputs?
I would say the metal axles are key. From past experience on my old layout, the 3 colored signals only worked accurately when using metal axles. I cant recall on the auto crossing gate, but I want to say the behavior is the same. As you stated when using plasic wheels/axles the behaior goes to a timer. With Metal wheels the timer must get reset each time a metal wheelset is detected by the sensor. I ran a 45 car LBF coal train with metal wheelsets over 6 signals and the signals operated just fine. I want to say the crossing gate behaved the same, but only with metal wheelsets. I'll have to install the crossing gate somewhere on my layout to confirm this.
The signals are for DC layouts only. I called Kato USA a few months ago and asked if the signals could be used with DCC and they said no.
That puts the kybosh on my idea. I run 99% of the time DCC. I've only got a few locos left that are not DCC equipped. RATS!
I feel the same way. I like the signals and wanted to use them on my layout. You can go to Katousa.com and suggest a model. I am going to suggest DCC compatible signals. Who knows, it may help.
I have purchased over 30 signals from a guy in Utah. His website is Customsignalsystems.com I like them but more important is he is honest and reliable. I plan on purchasing more from him. They also work with DCC
Here's a good description of the Kato signals. http://www.sumidacrossing.org/SumidaCrossing/Musings/Entries/2011/6/27_DC_Signals_I__Kato.html The Atlas signal system works well with DCC but their triangular head signals are not the most typical type. The Kato grade crossing has been absent from the catalog for many years but the 2011 Kato Japanese catalog shows a prototype photo of a crossing with a new catalog number in the 'coming soon' pages, I'm hoping that they may be reworking it to be DCC compatible.
