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15 replies

Atlas Switches/TMCC interface

NR NorthShore RROGR Forum Member

I'm stuck with an electrical problem that's preventing the operation of Atlas O switches using my vintage ZW transformer, the Lionel TrainMaster, and the SC-2 control system. In short, when all is programmed, my Atlas switches throw in only one direction--the one activated with the AUX 1 button.  Nothing happens when I hit AUX 2. Switching the leads to the switch reverses the direction of the throw on AUX 1, but again AUX 2 button does nothing.  

I've spoken with Atlas,who thinks its a programming issue.  I've been unable to get a live response from Lionel.  Any ideas what's happening here?  How to fix?

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cjackcjackOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by NorthShore RR:

I'm stuck with an electrical problem that's preventing the operation of Atlas O switches using my vintage ZW transformer, the Lionel TrainMaster, and the SC-2 control system. In short, when all is programmed, my Atlas switches throw in only one direction--the one activated with the AUX 1 button.  Nothing happens when I hit AUX 2. Switching the leads to the switch reverses the direction of the throw on AUX 1, but again AUX 2 button does nothing.  

I've spoken with Atlas,who thinks its a programming issue.  I've been unable to get a live response from Lionel.  Any ideas what's happening here?  How to fix?

Can we see how it's wired? SC-2s set up for switches? Not using position #1 or cut power trace to it?

NR NorthShore RROGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by cjack:
Originally Posted by NorthShore RR:

I'm stuck with an electrical problem that's preventing the operation of Atlas O switches using my vintage ZW transformer, the Lionel TrainMaster, and the SC-2 control system. In short, when all is programmed, my Atlas switches throw in only one direction--the one activated with the AUX 1 button.  Nothing happens when I hit AUX 2. Switching the leads to the switch reverses the direction of the throw on AUX 1, but again AUX 2 button does nothing.  

I've spoken with Atlas,who thinks its a programming issue.  I've been unable to get a live response from Lionel.  Any ideas what's happening here?  How to fix?

Can we see how it's wired? SC-2s set up for switches? Not using position #1 or cut power trace to it?

Wiring is per Figure 7, page 11 of SC-2 Manual.  Yes, SC-2 is set for switches.  Not sure how to answer your third question.  Power to SC-2 provided by wallpack.

cjackcjackOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

 

I read the manual and watched the video. If you wired as shown, and have the required 14 vac as mentioned in the video connected to the center wire out of the switch motor, you should be correct.

The reference to the switch position #1 (the upper left corner) has to do with wiring an old style Lionel switch or as it happens, an Atlas switch. The center wire of the Atlas connected to the A terminal of your transformer can supply power to the SC-2 if you connect it to switch position #1. In that case, you do not need auxiliary power in the form of the plug in wall wart. That could be a source of trouble if you are doing both. The center screw on the SC-2 then gets the U terminal wire from your transformer as shown in the manual and in the video.

As for my comment number 3, when using Lionel Fastrack and in order to use switch position #1, many of us have cut the power connection circuit board trace to #1 and power the switch another way. I prefer using the A and U terminals on the SC-2 from an additional transformer with the U terminals common to the track and the SC-2.

cjackcjackOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

First thing I do to an SC-2 is cut that trace.

Well with the Atlas dual coil motor switch and the A transformer voltage going to the center of the dual coils, it seems that the #1 position will work as it comes. I think the issue is if there is sufficient voltage and current available thru the coil windings to power the SC-2. According to the SC-2 manual, there is with an Atlas switch.

OR...you could just cut the trace anyway...

https://ogrforum.com/t...-and-sc-2-controller

 ...and power the SC-2 with the A-U terminals or the wall wart as you suggest.

Mike CTMike CTOGR Forum Member

I used older IC Controls. Switch and Block controllers.  I could never get this older issue control system to work with newer Lionel similar components.  The one SC-2 did work, keep in mind that it is radio control, no control hard wiring. There was discussion about it's position close to the tracks for optimum operation.   All other control I have is hard wired from the Command Base. 

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