Need your opinion re ASC and SC2

I have both SCIIs and ASCs controlling my switches.  Mostly because I bought them years ago, I have my ASCs controlling only O22 Lionel switches. I have both both Lionel and DZ switch machines operating from the same SCII.  The only problem I have had is signal reception with the SCII.  Have installed a larger antenna and a wrap around earth ground wire to get reliable operation.

Thanks Taylorra.

I'll purchase a SC2 and give it a try with both Lionel022 and Z1000 switches.  Need 7 or 8 of these units and at an average of $95 each, not cheap

Again thanks

The SC2 will work fine for six 022 switches, however for other brands, you may have to cut the ground wire that runs from output #1 to the aux power connection.  After cutting that lead, you have to power the SC2 from the aux power connector.  With that ground connection intact, the SC2 is powered by the 022 (or compatible) switch on output #1.

Anthony,

Providing you do not require the LED's on the DZ-1000's to be illuminated (assuming you are not using the DZ-1000 pushbutton controllers simultaneously) then yes, you can use an SC-2 to control them all. The SC-2 does not have the constant voltage capability that the ASC has, hence the LED's will only illuminate when switch is activated, then turn off once the AUX1 / AUX2 button is released on the remote.

If use of the LED's on the DZ-1000's is critical to you then you should use the ASC, so you can program them to stay on when the switch is activated.

Hope that helps clear up the confusion.

Mike

I have been using SC-2"s for my DZ 1000's. The only problem that I have is the I can't use the 1st position on the SC-2.  When I use it, the DZ-1000 will creep back to the middle position and not hold the points closed.  Anybody have suggestions?  I would like to be able to use all 6 positions not just 5 on the SC-2's.

Doug

Sure, make the ground wire cut that I mentioned previously, that will make the first position identical to all the rest.

Here's the Lionel SC-2 Modification with pictures, it's just cutting that one wire.  I don't do it with a Dremel, too easy to slip.  I do it with an X-Acto knife.

John, after cutting this i can still use a wall wart to power the SC-2, correct?

Doug

Sure, or you can power it from track voltage if it's close to the tracks.

I first powered my SC2s with the warts and had somewhat iffy remote operation. When Ipowered them with the track voltage where the outside rail was connected to the SC2s, the operation became really solid.

You need to connect the outside rail to the SC2 in any case, but you can just connect that in parallel with the ground connection on the SC2.  The ground connection is one half the TMCC signal.

The SC-2 modification that gives you (6) relays to use switching common, which works with the non-derail wiring.  Note the trace scratched open to the two pole terminal. At this point you have to use the Aux power supply that comes with the SC-2. Note John's comment in the next post. 



I did a very nice work up with this SC-2 modified and (6) DZ 1000 with (12) DZ 1002 pushbutton switches, and non-derail wiring, per the DZ instructions and all the LED's worked with the momentary input of the SC-2.  It was even a bit more complex  (4) or the six DZ1000's switch loads were parallel switches used for (4) cross over sets. So there was (10) DZ 1000's in this (6) switch set. If you are counting there was a 7th pushbutton set/switch that obviously could not be handled by the SC-2.  Wasn't worth another SC-2 for the one switch that could be handled by two seperate DZ 1002 switches installed on either side of the module.

Lights on the DZ 1000's and lights on the push buttons. You have to re-arrange the diodes as instructed.




SC-2 installed switching commons. DZ1000's are wired as per instructions.

After I made that mod, I powered the SC2 from the separate power terminals from the track, it works fine that way.

To all who responded.

Really appreciate your advice!! This is a great forum with great people. (BTW this thread disappeared for several days until now???!!!!  Not sure what happened but was getting worried that only one person responded.)

Did run a test and got both Lionel and Z1000 switches.  Even used an LED (w diode and resistor) that replaced the old Lionel 022 controllers to indicate switch position on a control panel.  These Lionel switches are inside the subway.  The Z1000 worked great but will probably use the ASC to maintain constant lighting on the switch machine.

But do have a problem that I posted in a recent thread(as this one had disappeared) 

"Just received the SC2 and decided to test all functions using Legacy and TMCC.  The Cab2 communicates with the SC2 when throwing switches.  However, when building a route, the Cab2 will not send a signal to the SC2 when hitting the set button (no red light).  I decided to use my Cab 1 to build a route and it worked. I can "fire" a route with the Cab2 (and Cab1) but not build a route with the Cab2. "

Any idea what the problem may be.

Thanks

Got my answer from the previous post

Again thanks