ASC-IC controls 3000

What command base are you driving them from?  If you're driving them from a Legacy or BASE1L, it doesn't have the same serial drive as the old TMCC BASE1.  In the case of the newer products, you'll need a serial port booster.

One solution to boosting the serial data is to use the Lionel 6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2), it provides higher serial signal drive to solve this issue.  You'll also need the  Lionel 6-81499 LCS Power Supply with DB9 Cable.

Pictured (below) would operate well, add one more device and the whole system went south.   I also had difficulty mixing newer Lionel components with older IC Control components.   The Grey cable, top of command base, lower right, supplies signal, to the (8) IC Control components, pictured.  Two components, left in picture, are Block  Power Controllers (BPC's).  Six, picture center, are (ASC)  Accessory, track Switch Controllers. Five are used for switch control, (4) switches per controller, (20 switches total)  (1), lower right, above the silver box, is used as accessory control.   All is keyed/operated from the Cab1 handheld control.   

The switches were numbered, corresponding to the TMCC remote/ASC configuration. 

The original BPC's, Block Power Controllers, were designed for 15 amp track circuits, which proved a bit light, on dead short derails. The internal traces on the PC boards would fry.   Later, one of the first things Lionel did, with the IC Control system, was increase the capacity of the BPC's to 20 amps.  

thanks for the responses.  If I were to hook up my old TMCC base would that provide the signal strength needed.  I already have the SER2 connected to allow for the WIFI connection.

Marty

Mike CT, I’m not an authority on this subject, but just complimenting your neat wiring and arrangement of your controllers. I also operate my layout with these ASC’s, BPC’s, via ZW-C, Control trains via the TPC 400, and a new 360 watt  Powermaster. This is a great thread and I hope others will chime in. Happy Railroading 

@martind posted:

thanks for the responses.  If I were to hook up my old TMCC base would that provide the signal strength needed.  I already have the SER2 connected to allow for the WIFI connection.

Marty

Since you have the SER2, are you using the COMM output terminals to drive the ASC's?  That's the output that offer the enhance drive strength to drive a longer string of peripherals.

From the SER2 User's Manual...

SER2 also provides ample serial drive current to all connected devices, eliminating the need for an additional “serial booster.”

I just checked the wiring between the SER2 and the first ASC and the COMM output terminals are attached as well all the others.  Perhaps the IC 3000 has a problem.  I have a new ASC1 coming in the next few days and will let you know how this one works.

Marty

Mike: Impressive wiring.  You must be a industrial electrician.

In order to prevent the signal degradation with the IC control 3000 controller is it necessary to daisy chain all of the controllers?  Could I daisy chain 5 ASC1 controllers from the SER2  and connect the IC 3000 to the SER separately?

Marty

Sure, it doesn't care where it gets it's serial data as long as it's of sufficient amplitude.

Installed a new ASC switch controller and am still having a problem with the last one in the chain.  I have read a little about rs232 signal boosters   Would such a device work in addition to the LCS serial converter2.  If such a device is applicable where would it be installed after the ser2 in the daisy chain, before it or right before the last 7th ASC?