Coding Switch IDs in Legacy

The ASCs support the TMCC address system and so does Legacy. As you add more ASCs they're jumpered together from the first one which is hooked to the command base. You set the ASC to a block of 4 switches (1-4,5-8,9-12 etc).  Once a switch is wired to a programmed ASC it's available to use in a route. Here is the address for the manual:

http://www.lionel.com/customer...file=71-4182-250.pdf

The only way you can keep from using more than 4 ASCs is to wire more than one switch to the same ASC but if 2 or more switches use the same ASC switch number when the address is switched ALL the switches wire to that address will fire together. The only way to get more than 16 switches added is either jumper more than one on a ASC port, Add more ASCs, use Fastrack programmable switches or use DZ-2500 switch machines and a data wire driver. The DZ-2500s are individually programmed and only need the data wire driver and proper wiring and the Fastrack switches only need to be added to the track and programmed. The later is by far the easiest but your layout needs to be Fastrack.

To fire a switch that's set up on an ASC you use the standard method. Press the "SW" key and then the Switch Number followed by Straight or Diverging button.

Ron

I have a couple of crossovers where there are back-to-back switches that allow the train to cross over from the outside loop to the inside loop.  So, those back-to-back switches should always be thrown together (if one is straight through, the other one should be straight through).  I use Atlas switches and I'm able to wire two switches together on an ASC (wired into the same port).  So, when I throw Switch 1, both switches change at the same time.  This allows me to save some space on my ASCs.

FYI.. you can build multiple switches into a route so that when your fire the route, all of the switches in that route move to the desired position.  However, those switches still have to be hooked in through an ASC or SC-1 (unless they are Fast Track switches with built in TMCC).

Thanks for the quick replies guys.  Appreciate it.

Cerbyb: There are a couple of back to backs, so the info helps me and will obviously save ports.  

Ron: Thanks. Just to confirm. In Legacy, I just fire the SW ID. As long as a SW is entered into the system it will fire.  I am still not clear.  ALL turnouts need to be connected to an ASC to operate them - unless they are the Z-2500s variety with the Data Driver. Right?

Ralph

Ralph,

If you program your ASCs right and wire them to the switch machine they'll fire with the correct number. Yes all the turnouts need to be wired to the ASCs to work. They aren't wireless. Yes the DZ-2500s work through the data wire driver and no ASCs are needed the data wire driver supplies the commands to each machine that is daisy chained to the 3 wire data line. It supplies the hot, return and data to the machines. Once wired up you then set them in program mode and set there number. Then they fire just like any other command controlled switch.

Ron

Thanks so much Ron... Appreciate the help

Ralph

You're very welcome.

Ron

Since you are not asking about SC-2's I assume you have already purchased the ASC's.  the manual for TMCC or Lecacy will show you how to set routes.  It can be tricky but when done it will work nice.

doug