K-ADAPT 2-Wire to 3-Wire Model Railway Points Motor Adaptor

About the Product

The BLOCKsignalling K-ADAPT is a 2-wire to 3-wire model railway points motor adaptor, allowing 2-wire point motors such as KATO, Circuitron Tortoise, Cobalt IP and Fulgurex to be operated from BLOCKsignalling modules designed for conventional 3-wire point motors.

This makes it possible to use 2-wire point motors with controllers normally intended for Seep, Gaugemaster, Peco, Hornby and similar 3-wire point motors.

The K-ADAPT converts the controller's common-positive, switched-ground outputs into the reversing-polarity output required by compatible 2-wire point motors.

Key Features

• Converts 3-wire points control outputs for use with compatible 2-wire point motors.
• Ideal for KATO 2-wire point motors.
• Compatible with Circuitron Tortoise, Cobalt IP and Fulgurex motors.
• Allows 2-wire motors to be used with compatible BLOCKsignalling points controllers.
• Compatible with BLOCKsignalling IRP1, PTS1, L1, REV2 and IRP2-NS.
• Converts common-positive, switched-ground control into reversing-polarity operation.
• Available in one, two and four adaptor sections.
• Individual adaptor sections can be snapped apart when required.
• Low-current configuration available for suitable stall-type point motors.
• Compact screw-terminal design for straightforward installation.

KATO Points

The K-ADAPT is particularly useful for connecting KATO 2-wire points to controllers designed for conventional 3-wire point motors.

When one control input is switched to ground, the K-ADAPT provides one polarity across its A and B outputs. When the other input is switched, the polarity is reversed, allowing the KATO point motor to move in the opposite direction.

The diagram above shows a typical KATO installation and how the K-ADAPT converts the conventional points-control output into the reversing-polarity supply required by the 2-wire motor.

Compatible BLOCKsignalling Modules

The K-ADAPT can be used with compatible BLOCKsignalling modules designed to operate conventional 3-wire point motors, including:

• REV2
• PTS1
• L1
• IRP1
• IRP2-NS

These controllers use a positive common output and switch their NORM and REV outputs to ground, which is the operating arrangement required by the K-ADAPT.

Controllers from other manufacturers may use a similar arrangement, but their output configuration should be checked before connecting the K-ADAPT.

Important Information for KATO Points

KATO point motors should only be powered briefly. The internal coil continues to apply force to the point blades for as long as power is supplied and can be damaged through overheating if power is applied for too long.

When using a compatible BLOCKsignalling controller with KATO points, the point operating time should be programmed to a maximum of 250ms.

Low-Current Point Motors

The K-ADAPT can also be configured for lower-current 2-wire point motors, including typical stall motors drawing less than approximately 250mA.

The manual describes a modification to the adaptor that changes its operation for these motors. When using a stall-type motor, the connected controller must also allow the point operating duration to be set appropriately, as these motors may require several seconds to complete their movement.

Examples shown in the manual include Circuitron Tortoise, Cobalt IP and Fulgurex point motors.

Available Sizes

The K-ADAPT is available in one, two and four adaptor sections, allowing the appropriate size to be selected for the number of points being controlled.

The individual sections can also be snapped apart where fewer adaptors are required.

Documentation & Support

For detailed information on installation, KATO points wiring and configuration for low-current point motors, please download the latest instruction manual:

Product Instruction Manual