Where can you get a power supply for Lionel's Sc-1 controller?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Ed,
Take the 4 Phillips screws out of the back, open it up and solder in two wires. Red is the A (hot) and black is the U (ground). Now you can power them with any transformer! I trim a little plastic away to get the wires past the original plug. All of mine are powered this way. I use a 1033 transformer with around 12 volts.
Attachments
Just use a 2.5mm ID 5.5mm ID barrel connector or pigtail and use any transformer. The sleeve is common/ground.
I don't have one to test right now, but I'm betting you could also use a common 12V DC wallwart on these.
@Ed Powers posted:Where can you get a power supply for Lionel's Sc-1 controller?
According to the SC-1 (6-12914) User's Manual it's Lionel part no. 610-2860-020 (see below), although Lionel online doesn't list it as currently available. More importantly, the manual implies that if you use your SC-1 to control switches, as opposed to accessories, you don't need a power supply because it's powered by the connections to the switches, as long as you follow the connection diagrams in the User's Manual.
You can find the entire manual here:
SC-1 (6-12914) User's Manual | lionelsupport.com
Mike
Attachments
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:More importantly, the manual implies that if you use your SC-1 to control switches, as opposed to accessories, you don't need a power supply because it's powered by the connections to the switches, as long as you follow the connection diagrams in the User's Manual.
That's only true for tubular track switches like the O22 and it's cousins. For other types of switches, I suspect the P/S is needed.
Truthfully, the SC-1 is somewhat limited as it uses the tiny TO-92 triac as it's control element. The 1A rating amuses me, no way that triac handles 1A for more than about a second or two. Fine for switches perhaps, but not for accessories.
I use all my SC-1s to throw my DZ 1000 switch machines. I’ve got them wired up to throw with the button or the SC-1. I power all SC-1s with my 1033 transformers. I’ve had no issues for 20+ years. Had to replace a throw bar on a Ross Switch the other day but that wasn’t electrically related.
Thank you guys for all your help on this topic. Ed