? about routing power to track with an ASC ?

The manual shows an example of using it to control four conventional track blocks, can't see why it couldn't do the same for an 18 volt track block.

The specifications seem generous enough,

Electrical Ratings

• Input voltage: 9 volts to 20 volts (AC)
• Input supply current: 50 mA
• COMM input signal: +/- 12 volts
• Maximum output voltage: 24 volts (AC or DC)
• Maximum output current: 20 amps

Yes, I agree.  I'm going to give it a go.  Thanks for your input.  

Let us know how much smoke you get.

Just kidding, I can't see this being a problem.

The ASC is designed for controlling switches and accessories. The Block controller is for assigning blocks to selected power sources.  Shouldn't he be using that instead of the ASC?  I have both.  I thought te block controller had heavier duty contacts to handle track power. True or false?

According to the user manuals they both have the same output specs.
BPC: Max output voltage: 24v (AC or DC)
ASC: Max output voltage: 24v (AC or DC)
BPC: Max output current: 20amps
ASC: Max output current: 20amps
So I guess either one should work.
Actually the ASC might be easier to operate cause you use AUX2 to turn on
and off the power. With the BPC you use AUX1+1 to turn on and 0 to turn off.
Joe

BPC are also rated at 20 amps. Probably the only limit on either is the terminals,which will accept 14 ga solid wire.  The BPC is designed to toggle back and forth between two power sources and/or off with (4) block outputs.  Most likely (2) TPCs, one set to conventional and one set to command.  You would have to scratch your head a bit, but I think that is also possible with the ASC. Best to install fuses on the (4) track outputs, limits the welding effect of 20 amps.

William,

I have mixed two different power supplies using the ASC. AC for DZ1000s and DC for

Atlas. The ASC is limited to only two power sources and they are "hard-wired". The

first four then the second four. So using the ASC to route power to four tracks (1,2,3,4)

then the second set to four accessories (5,6,7,8) should work.

You can "strap" the two COMs if only using one power supply. Or connect a

second power supply to the second COM and the devices to the second set of terminals. If you are not switching between multiple power supply, then the ASC

is a lot simpler. I wish I had thought of that sooner.

Good luck

Joe

Thanks guys.  I'm going to go that route, because he is only interested in running 1 conventional postwar set he has, only very occasionally.  98% Legacy operation.  No sense in going the extra TPC and BPC route.  I'll set up 4 blocks that can be turned off if you want to set a new train on a siding or some wheels are dragging and need to be set back on, you don't need to turn the whole layout off, just the block you want.  I'm going to give it a go.  That gives me 4 outputs for accessories, which is usually enough if all the lights are wired to one output.