Connecting SC-1 controllers

I'd like to see a picture of that controller - I've never seen one with any connection point other than three wires coming out.

I think it IS a plug for power to the unit, as I don't see any where else to apply power to these units.  Actually after searching about, I couldn't even find a picture of the back side of the unit where this plug is.  I have to guess that this is where you connect a power source as none of the connections on the terminals appear to serve that function.  

I have no idea what voltage is needed and if it wants AC or DC to power the unit.  Perhaps someone that uses one of these, or has the instruction manual could help?  Lionel does not have the manual online from what I could find.  

JGL

These are 022 switches re-cataloged as 5132/5133 by FunDimensions, and are powered by the track, or optionally by the fixed voltage jack on the switch motor housing(s).

Rob, I think George here is talking about the SC-1, not the switches themselves.  

This is the very first generation of TMCC switch and accessory controller.  They swiched to using relays in the SC-2, because the triacs in the SC-1 like to blow themselves up a little too easily.  

JGL

Yes, it's the SC-1 controller pictured by John. On the backside is a recessed receptacle that I was questioning it's purpose/use. 

George G

The SC-1 is powered by the switches, then. It taps off the bleed-through from the switch coils.

The external AC adaptor is used with the SC-1 only if there are no switches using fixed voltage attached to it(accessories only).

This is covered clearly in the online(and print) manual.

Rob: 

Thank you. I think that explains it. I will be powering the switches thru the voltage plugs therefor providing power to the SC-1. That receptacle will not come into play as I am not using it to power accessories only. Thanks again got input. This is a great forum with a wealth of knowledge available!

George G.

The SC-1 does indeed eat triacs if you abuse it, the good news is they're the same ones used on the R2LC TMCC boards.  They readily available, Motorola MAC97A6 or the many clones.  They're also cheap and pretty easy to replace.

Thanks Rob,

I looked on Lionel's website, as they usually have any manual I'm looking for, and couldn't find the one for the SC-1. Never thought to look here on the forum.  

JGL

GRJ,

Getting a little off topic here, but I took a look at the data sheet for the MAC97A6 and it shows a 600mA continuous current, yet the SC-1 is rated for 1000mA. Think this may be the cause of some of the problems?   The MAC97A6 also has only an 8 amp peak spike rating, which seems like it wouldn't be hard to exceed for fractions of a second, especially with old electromagnet machines.  

Anyway, the question is, any thoughts on replacing the MAC97A6 with a stronger triac?  Is it just not worth the trouble or something worth looking into if you have to replace it anyway?   I see that the MAC97A6 cost about 47 cents, but I can find 4A triacs for about 60 cents, that seem to me could be used with a little finagling to fit the larger case, and solve the problem for good. 

JGL

I don't see why you couldn't beef it up if you can find one that has better ratings and similar trigger characteristics.  Of course, you have to keep in mind the traces in the SC-1 probably are designed to accommodate the current triac.  It is curious that they make the 1A statement in the document, that could certainly account for more failures.   Here's a 1A triac that appears to be compatible in the TO-92 package: http://www.digikey.com/product...E/L0107ME-ND/1212579

Another thing that could be done is to add a TO-92 heatsink to the triacs, the power dissipation of the small package is not really that good.