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Sc-1 switch controller

F FfffredddOGR Forum Member
Bought two of these. Using them to control eight o-27 and o-42 low profile K-line turnouts with LED indicator lights. 
Turnouts are wired for fixed voltage.

Initially thought they were  bothdefective.
They would only switch once and then acted as if they were not connected.

Not until I plugged in a 12VAC wall pack that I had that it started functioning.
According to the instructions, it should only need external power supply when controlling  accessories without turnouts connected.

Instructions also reference the Sw, Acc and Rte commands but I am starting to think that it does not support the Rte command.

With so little info available on Lionel Website except the same incorrect manual that I have, I am starting to wonder if these were a major design mistake.
Even the Lionel TMCC videos act as if they never existed.

I have been attempting to wire them in parallel with the standard lighted controllers but they so not seem compatable .

The SC-2 seems to support both Rte command and also work in parallel with Standard controllers.
Anyone have any insight or advice?
Besides the often heard " use something else."
I am aware of the lack of adequate onboard protection and subsequent triac failure.
Looking for ways to improve or increase functionality.

Also curious if the two accessory functionality is really any combination two momentary and two on/off switches as long as the current rating is not exceeded.

Thanks
FMH
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ADCX RobADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The problem is with the switches, not the SC-1.  The SC-1 pre-dates the K-Line low profile switches, and the manual for the SC-1 is(was) correct for when it was printed.

 

The switches, and controllers, do not pass enough power through to power the SC-1.  The SC-1 depended on the current passed through the bulbs and solenoids of older, traditional hi-rail and O Gauge switches, and the new units with LEDs and motor drives do not pass this current through.  Using the AC adapter is the fix.  Additionally, K-Line lo-pro switches also have dedicated right & left controllers for proper route indication and selection.

 

The SC-1 does, in fact, support route(RTE) selection.  Once all switches are up & running, follow the steps in the TMCC manual(The Complete Guide To Command Control) pages 10-14 that accompanied the Command Set.

F FfffredddOGR Forum Member
Thanks for feedback. I am aware of the LH/RH controller differences as indicated in white lettering underneath. Also there are variations on the location of the Gr post. Usually it is closest to the switch motor. Next is the thru post, turn out post, fixed voltage and then track post. I have one that has thru post, gr in middle, and then post labelled with three white bars---, painted wire also. It triggers turnout. Odd but works. Some K-line instructions have stickers saying 10-12volts over the original 12-18volts printed. Are you saying that the controllers can be wire in parallel with the Sc-1? I will also check the RTE function again. I may have overlooked something. Definitely not in Sc-1 manual. I tried to program using Sc-2 instructions. Thanks again FMH
F FfffredddOGR Forum Member
Thanks Rob. Works just like you said. The irony is that the date on the TMCC guide 1995. My SC-1 guide is Rev. 10/96. And it totally ignores programming Routes. Thanks again for the Guide. I will want to read thoroughly. And since all my switches are K-line, low profile and older version, I would also appreciate any info or tips that you have about them. FMH FMH
F FfffredddOGR Forum Member

Rob,

After reading guide, I went back down stairs to do some testing.

The LED versions work fine with controller in parallel.

I assume that the older versions will also.

I havent tested yet but I am assuming that if I use just one of the older units, that I can do away with the wallpack. Not sure if it would hurt to use both wallpack and older switch. but will test.

Working the yard ladder, yard lead, and A/D track is a lot more fun and also less button pushing with Rte commands.

Thanks again.

Once again I am reminded that this forum is an invaluable source for real experience when  online research and fiddling does not come up with the answer.

GE Gary EOGR Forum Member

There were some major bugs with the SC-1. I contacted Lionel and one of their engineers fixed the bug and sent me new chips for my SC-1s. He was fired shortly thereafter for giving info to a competitor and the corrections never got put into subsequent SC-1s. Problem is it was so long ago I don't even recall what the original problem was and no I can't make copies of the chip as they were code protected.

F FfffredddOGR Forum Member
Hi Gary, Have not seen any evidence of major bug yet Only using them to a switch my yard ladders and yard lead. Two switches in yard. One to the yard lead and one to the wwA/D track. No accessories. 5 routes programmed. Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and A/D. So far so good. Has not glitches yet. And for short money used. That's the challenge in this hobby. Figuring out what works best for your particular needs. I am what's called a late adapter. I wait till something has been around long enough for others to have worked out the bugs. Can not see spending $100. for the upgrade. And with my low current LED switches, I could probably hook up at least three per terminal. Not that I have the need.
Pine Creek RailroadPine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

gunrunner & Rob,

  Rob is correct it takes the incandescent bulb to activate the high resistance switch motors, the old type switches work just fine, the newer low voltage switches

must be powered independently or they will not activate.  Now here is the kicker,

 the old 711 Lionel switches with the incondescent bulbs activate with no problem,

switch the bulbs to LED's and sometimes they activate, sometimes they do not, now you tell me what the heck is going on with that!

PCRR/Dave

 

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