Newbie here - want to know the difference between these two switches, 16826 (command control) and 6-81953 (remote command). I can't seem to find it on the Lionel product descriptions - thanks.
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The remote control switches operate by moving the switch handle that connects with a cord.
The command control switches can be switched with the hand held remote, CAB-1, the CAB-2, or the CAB-1L, if you have some sort of command base hooked to your layout.
The remote control switches can be converted to command control by adding a circuit board available at Electric Railroad.
...thanks Roy.
You are welcome. And welcome to the forum and the world of trains, too. 
So...do most people prefer the command version?
I think the 6-16826 is command control only without the manual wired switch to control it as well, and the 6-81953 has both the command control and the wired manual switch control.
http://www.lionel.com/products...ol-lh-switch-6-16826
http://www.lionel.com/products...ol-lh-switch-6-81953
The command only (? because I'm not sure they were actually delivered without a manual controller) is $10 more and an earlier product. I find it confusing too. Buy the 6-81953.
Thanks Chuck - I also found it confusing because the Lionel link does not specify if the CC has a manual lever switch. Also find it odd that the RC is more expensive than the CC switch.
KINGFISH posted:So...do most people prefer the command version?
While the OP wanted info on Lionel's switches, the Z-Stuff for Trains DZ-2500 switch machine can also be command controlled via the Cab1/2. You see these on Ross Custom Switches switches and a few on Atlas switches. Nearly all my switches have DZ-2500s controlling them.
On my old layout I liked the fact that I could set "routes" through multiple switches with one push of the button.
Do the new Lionel switches eliminate the need for an ASC2 or SC2since they can be programmed?
Stephen G posted:Do the new Lionel switches eliminate the need for an ASC2 or SC2since they can be programmed?
Stephen;
The current Command Control switches give you the option of using the included manual controller, or programming them for use through your Cab2 remote (not sure if this is also true for the earlier Cab1 or Cab1L since I don’t use either). There is no need for the ACS2 or SC2. The Command Control switches have a little black button used for programming them.
Thanks Paul.
I’ll think you will find the ERR switch commander is unavailable. I tried to order some just as Lionel were shutting ERR down before Scott took over.
There were no boards left.
I have the command ready switches on our modular LCCA layout. They are really easy to set up. Excellent bits of kit.
I have the older style on our home layout. I finally wired them up last weekend using an TMCC ASC I picked up a few years back. Nicely I already had a SER2 for DCS connection and you can also use the same SER2 to run the ASC
.
Downside to this is a lot of wires! However I only have 4 switches on the home layout so it’s not to bad. I think a realistic yard area could get “interesting” real quick
.
Nick
cjack posted:I think the 6-16826 is command control only without the manual wired switch to control it as well, and the 6-81953 has both the command control and the wired manual switch control.
http://www.lionel.com/products...ol-lh-switch-6-16826
http://www.lionel.com/products...ol-lh-switch-6-81953
The command only (? because I'm not sure they were actually delivered without a manual controller) is $10 more and an earlier product. I find it confusing too. Buy the 6-81953.
The parts diagram for the 6-16826 shows the wired remote as part of the package.
Nick12DMC posted:I’ll think you will find the ERR switch commander is unavailable. I tried to order some just as Lionel were shutting ERR down before Scott took over.
There were no boards left.
...................
I thought the same thing. Then noted the original thread was from October 2017, before all of that transpired.
-Dave
The latest CC Fastrack switches all have the remote control with the lever included.
Lionel consolidated the product a few years ago.
There is only a completely manual version or a Remote/Command version.
Only stores with old stock would have the older 2 different versions where it was either Remote Only or Command/Remote.
But the Command ones have ALWAYS included the remote controller, so you could use either or both.
So if you buy the latest switches they have both. No more confusion.
I'm using command only how to remove the black remote controller?
Stephen G posted:I'm using command only how to remove the black remote controller?
Stephen;
The wire on the controller runs under the switch. It passes through a small metal loop which you will need to gently pry up to free up the black wire. You should then see the four colored wires which run to small screws. Loosen the screws and the colored wires will come out. After you remove the controller, press the metal loop back in place and you’re good to go.
Thanks Guys
SandJam posted:The latest CC Fastrack switches all have the remote control with the lever included.
Lionel consolidated the product a few years ago.
There is only a completely manual version or a Remote/Command version.
Can I control the totally manual switches with an ASC2 with a Legacy/LCS set up?
Dan
geepboy posted:SandJam posted:The latest CC Fastrack switches all have the remote control with the lever included.
Lionel consolidated the product a few years ago.
There is only a completely manual version or a Remote/Command version.
Can I control the totally manual switches with an ASC2 with a Legacy/LCS set up?
Dan
The manual switch is totally manual...no motor to move the points.
geepboy posted:SandJam posted:The latest CC Fastrack switches all have the remote control with the lever included.
Lionel consolidated the product a few years ago.
There is only a completely manual version or a Remote/Command version.
Can I control the totally manual switches with an ASC2 with a Legacy/LCS set up?
Dan
No, Lionel Fastrack manual switches are manual for life. Now I suppose a creative person could attach a 3rd party or self built motor externally to a manual switch and make it "controlled", but I'm pretty sure that's out of the scope of the intent. It's not a thing where a manual switch can be upgraded by buying the motor parts. The plastic base of the track is different and not "upgradeable". Again, the cheaper manual switches are cheaper for a reason- they cannot be upgraded- at least not in the normal sense.
If you meant a Fastrack remote switch or even a command switch, then yes, the control wiring is the same, you could command it with an ASC2. That's because the simple wiring scheme of shorting either turn or thru terminal to ground is all that it takes to "command" the switch.
Jetguy posted:geepboy posted:SandJam posted:The latest CC Fastrack switches all have the remote control with the lever included.
Lionel consolidated the product a few years ago.
There is only a completely manual version or a Remote/Command version.
Can I control the totally manual switches with an ASC2 with a Legacy/LCS set up?
Dan
If you meant a Fastrack remote switch or even a command switch, then yes, the control wiring is the same, you could command it with an ASC2. That's because the simple wiring scheme of shorting either turn or thru terminal to ground is all that it takes to "command" the switch.
Thanks for your response.
But... Is there a difference between the remote switch and the command switch? I assume (always a risk) that the command switch can be commanded through the track by a Legacy station and the remote switch needs a LCS/ASC2 setup.
Or... I've got this all wrong and it's the same switch just operated in two different modes, i.e., command or remote.
Please advise,
Dan
A command switch has all the modes, manual operation, switch operation, or command operation. The remote switch doesn't have command operation.
If you wire the remote switch to something like the ASC, you can use it with command operation.
By remote, Lionel meant you could move the switch points by pushing a lever on a wired controller several or more feet away. Command means that you can do that by the handheld CAB2 or computer (iPad/iPhone and others) control.
In addition, note that Lionel Fastrack Command Control switches also come with a wired remote controller attached, so that you can operate the switch both by the wired remote controller and by command control via the Cab2 wireless remote.
Richie C. posted:In addition, note that Lionel Fastrack Command Control switches also come with a wired remote controller attached, so that you can operate the switch both by the wired remote controller and by command control via the Cab2 wireless remote.
...or by an iPad through a LCS Wi-Fi/ASC2 setup - right?
Dan
geepboy posted:Richie C. posted:In addition, note that Lionel Fastrack Command Control switches also come with a wired remote controller attached, so that you can operate the switch both by the wired remote controller and by command control via the Cab2 wireless remote.
...or by an iPad through a LCS Wi-Fi/ASC2 setup - right?
Dan
I'm not personally familiar with that operational mode but based on the below link, I believe that is correct.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:A command switch has all the modes, manual operation, switch operation, or command operation. The remote switch doesn't have command operation.
If you wire the remote switch to something like the ASC, you can use it with command operation.
I have 19 switches some are RC and some are CC. I would like to run the thru one DCC system or SCADA/PLC system rather than using the RC switch control supplied. Any suggestions are appreciated.
@Frankhpns posted:What do I need to use standard FT remote control switches in a DCC configuration? I would like to control all my switches from a computer or a DCC system. Is there SCADA software available for model trains? What PLC do folks normally use?
The latest Fastrack switches can either be controlled by wire, just as their ancestors have been for 80 years, or now by radio control. Either way success is only guaranteed when they're powered by A.C., from the track or from an external source wired to the switch machine's terminals. This means that R/C doesn't save many wires if you don't power them from the track. If you do then the A.C. on the track, if I understand DCC correctly, is incompatible with DCC.
Furthermore, once you select DCC as your control you can't use either of the popular 3-Rail command control solutions, DCS or TMCC/Legacy, with DCC simultaneously, although there are a handful of folks on this forum who claim to have done it successfully.
As far as control, you could use a professional SCADA or PLC system for control, which some have done. Most others use a lower budget generic model-railroad focused equivalent such as JMRI, either with standard wiring connections or over CBUS. An additional choice would be Lionel's LCS, for a subset of that sort of functionality.
Be aware that there are several methods to do want you want to do, but very few of us here are using any of these approaches.
You might want to start here, to see two very different extremes:
- Visit the Scaled Automation website
- Follow this link: Microsoft Excel Based Layout Control Software (10/09/22) | Burl
Good luck, and let us know which way you proceed.
Mike
@RoyBoy posted:The remote control switches operate by moving the switch handle that connects with a cord.
The command control switches can be switched with the hand held remote, CAB-1, the CAB-2, or the CAB-1L, if you have some sort of command base hooked to your layout.
The remote control switches can be converted to command control by adding a circuit board available at Electric Railroad.
Broken link.
@Frankhpns posted:Broken link.
Many, many things have changed in six years. Electric Railroad is now owned by Sunset 3rd Rail and only offers a subset of its former product line.
Mike
I am trying to figure out a way to control FT remote control switches with a DCC system. I built the layout not realizing that not all switches are Command control style. I could use a PLC/SCADA system but I think it would get cost prohibitive and take way to much time. I do not have a DCC system yet.
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:The latest Fastrack switches can either be controlled by wire, just as their ancestors have been for 80 years, or now by radio control. Either way success is only guaranteed when they're powered by A.C., from the track or from an external source wired to the switch machine's terminals. This means that R/C doesn't save many wires if you don't power them from the track. If you do then the A.C. on the track, if I understand DCC correctly, is incompatible with DCC.
Furthermore, once you select DCC as your control you can't use either of the popular 3-Rail command control solutions, DCS or TMCC/Legacy, with DCC simultaneously, although there are a handful of folks on this forum who claim to have done it successfully.
As far as control, you could use a professional SCADA or PLC system for control, which some have done. Most others use a lower budget generic model-railroad focused equivalent such as JMRI, either with standard wiring connections or over CBUS. An additional choice would be Lionel's LCS, for a subset of that sort of functionality.
Be aware that there are several methods to do want you want to do, but very few of us here are using any of these approaches.
You might want to start here, to see two very different extremes:
- Visit the Scaled Automation website
- Follow this link: Microsoft Excel Based Layout Control Software (10/09/22) | Burl
Good luck, and let us know which way you proceed.
Mike
Thank you for your advice. I will check it out.
