Legacy & Fastrack Auto Switches

If you're talking about the command switches, they work exactly the same for Legacy as they do for TMCC. 

Yes I meant the command switches. So I need the SC2 Switch controller? I thought Legacy eliminated that?

If you are using the command control switches, and will be controlling them with Legacy, then you don't need anything else. The SC2 is only needed for non-command control switches. All you need to do for the command control switches is to put them in place, power up the track and then program them to the ID numbers that you desire. Then use the SW button and the ID# to select the switch, and then AUX1 or AUX2 to throw them.

 

The manual does describe using and programming them with Legacy. 

 

http://www.lionel.com/media/se...0GenericCCswitch.pdf

If you are talking about a O72 Command Control LH Switch for example - this is a "Command Control" switch that does not require additional equipment to be controlled by a Legacy or TMCC system.  (CAB 1 or CAB 2)    Note: This switch can also be controlled by the "Remote Black Controller" that is hardwired to the unit itself. (See page 9 of manual)   Link to Command Control Switch Manual

 

If you are talking about a O72 Remote Switch - Right Hand for example - this is not a "Command Control" switch - This switch is controlled by the "Remote Black Controller" that is hardwired to the unit itself.   If you wish to control this switch by Legacy or TMCC system (Cab 1 or Cab 2) then you need to add external components like a SC-2 or ASC.   Details about how to do this is addressed on Page 9 of this manual.  (This is different from the previous manual)  Link to Remote Switch Manual 

 

As they said, and apparently I didn't say clear enough, no additional equipment required.

Thanks! I think mine are the remote control switches but I can't find the boxes.

 

There are two quick ways you can check - 

 

1) If it is a Command Control there is a Black Push button next to the Straight Rail that is used to program the Switch ID Number. (See Page 7 of manual)  A Remote Control Switch will not have this Black Button

 

2) On the bottom - There are 8 Connections on a Command Control Switch while there are only 7 on a Remote Control Switch.

  The Seven Common Connections found on both the Command Control and Remote Switch:

   - Aux GND

   - Aux In

   - Track Jumper

   

   - RSC Lights

   - Out

   - GND

   - Thru

 

  Extra Connection only found on the Command Control Switch at this time

   - Data

       At this time - there does not appear to be any documentation on this connection.   Future option?   This is just like the mystery connections on the side of the FastTrack Operating Track Section - Undocumented option/feature.

 

BradK

I'm guessing the data connection was for incoming (or perhaps outgoing) serial data from the base.  I should put a 'scope on the data pin and send a command and see what I get.

The Dz-2500 switch machines send data back on the line so I suspect the Fastrack ones do also. After a throw the DZ machine sends its position out on the data line. A scope trace could be interesting. 

Ron

The FastTrack command signals do not get wired for their command signal, they receive it like a locomotive over the air.

I know that Marty but that doesn't mean they don't have data wire capability or at the least data out capability. That ability may have been put in for a future product and could be used for a whole bunch of things. It would make an excellent product even better. If the command control switches would have been available when I started my layout I might have used Fastrack.

Ron

True.  Good point. 

I know that, having a couple of these in hand.  I was speculating on what the possible use of that pin was for.  They obviously had something in mind, though maybe they never actually implemented it.

Which is why I responded thus.

 

 

Now all we need to do is find out what (if anything) is on that pin.