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SC-2 Help!

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cbd
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SC-2 Help!
Posted by cbd on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 1:50 PM
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  • From: South Carolina
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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 3:47 PM

well first we need to know what your problem is

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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cbd
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Posted by cbd on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 3:56 PM

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Sorry for some reason my text wasn't showing up.  Here is what I was trying to post...

I recently purchased an SC-1 and SC-2 controller for my layout.  I plan on using the SC-1 to operate 2 fastrack switches and a couple lights.  I plan on programming the SC-2 to run all my accessories.  I have a Lionel 97 coal elevator that will occupy a full port connection (all 3 screws) and a 164 that will also occupy a full port connection (I plan on wiring it the same way as the 97, which means the lights will always be on).  Next I have the Lionel 364, 397, and an oil barrel loader, each occupying only half a port (the continuous run, or on/off side of the port).  This leaves me one open port and 3 half open ports, or the “momentary” run side of the port.  The SC-2 manual says that you cannot connect an operating track to the unit. My question is why not?  I have 4 operating tracks, 2 fastrack, and 2 older styles that don’t have the magnet, just the rails.  What I would like to do is wire the accessory operating rails to the “momentary” side of the SC-2 ports.  I don’t plan on wiring the magnets to the SC-2, just the rails.  Can I do this?  My tracks are powered separately from the track power, as well as my switches.  Any advice or help would be appreciated.  I have searched the forum looking for this topic without success, so if this question has already been asked, I am sorry.

cbd
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Posted by cbd on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 6:04 PM

Maybe this is a question nobody knows???? Anyone ever tried connecting an operating track to an SC-2 controller?

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 9:59 PM

cbd,

 I would love to help you but I am a postwar guy still running things with a RW and toggle switches. Dunce

 Hope someone chimes in for you.

 Kev.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by gunrunnerjohn on Saturday, November 12, 2011 9:17 AM

I'm not sure why the SC-2 says you can't wire the operating tracks, the relays are rated at 15 amps.  I think I'd give it a go but add a TVS diode across the contacts to suppress any large spikes that may damage the relay.  That's the only thing I can figure they might be worried about.

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Posted by chuck on Monday, November 14, 2011 9:41 AM

Internal wiring of some of the RCS units probably is why you should not try to use an SC-1/SC-2/ASC to control these track sections.   There is a OTC controller (former IC controls unit) designed specifically to handle Operating Track Sections.   Lionel part number is 6-14185.

When everything else fails, play dead
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Posted by gunrunnerjohn on Monday, November 14, 2011 4:51 PM

It's easy enough to deal with any internal wiring of the RCS track.  I just looked at an RCS track and it seems pretty straight-forward.

 

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Posted by chuck on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:05 AM

Does the RCS pull track power?  What buttons on the controller go to what parts of the track?  

Lionel posted an addendum to the FasTrak RCS because of some of the issues which include using a new wiring harness for use in some circumstances.  It's not that you can't connect an RCS to an SC-2, it's just a bit more complicated as there are more variables involved than some of your typical on/off accessories.

When everything else fails, play dead
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Posted by gunrunnerjohn on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 7:54 AM

Looks like you'd just have to supply power to the one leg through the SC-2.

 

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