SC-1 vs SC-2

I would never recommend using the SC-1 personally.  The SC-1 used tiny TO-92 triacs for switching, and it's very common to find them with one or more of the triacs smoked.  While it's not particularly difficult to swap the parts, you obviously have to have a the tools, parts, and skill to work on PCB repairs.  There's a reason that the SC-1 is selling for peanuts as a rule, it was a bad idea!   The SC-2 has 15 amp relays, and it's rare to have a problem with those.

As far as when to cut the connection to the first relay on the SC-2, as I explained in the other thread.  If you aren't using O22 (or similar) switches, the connection can only cause you issues.  Personally, I cut it on every SC-2 I own or will own as I'd rather have full flexibility of using all the relays and not have the common of one tied to system ground!

Thank you

SC-1:

SC-2 (pre-2013):

SC-2 (≥2013):

To amplify what John said, there's a reason the SC-1 was only cataloged for a couple of years before Lionel replaced it with the SC-2, and there's a reason the SC-2 stayed in the catalog for nearly 20 years. Unless you already have a number of SC-1's and you're determined to make use of them, don't bother with the SC-1. The SC-2, on the other hand, is a very capable and robust device.

As I've stated in some of your previous threads on this subject, if you are or might in the future use the LCS iPad app, then only use the SC-2's that were produced from 2013 onwards. The older SC-2's will respond to commands most of the time--but not every time. The newer SC-2's will respond every time. The newer SC-2's can be identified by their GREEN terminal blocks, as shown in the bottom photo.

I have a few SC-2 (older black terminals) and will need additional ones.  Would you advise the new LCS ASC2 over the SC-2 ?

Do you have a source for the older SC-2 with the green terminals?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I would never recommend using the SC-1 personally.  The SC-1 used tiny TO-92 triacs for switching, and it's very common to find them with one or more of the triacs smoked.  While it's not particularly difficult to swap the parts, you obviously have to have a the tools, parts, and skill to work on PCB repairs.  There's a reason that the SC-1 is selling for peanuts as a rule, it was a bad idea!   The SC-2 has 15 amp relays, and it's rare to have a problem with those.

As far as when to cut the connection to the first relay on the SC-2, as I explained in the other thread.  If you aren't using O22 (or similar) switches, the connection can only cause you issues.  Personally, I cut it on every SC-2 I own or will own as I'd rather have full flexibility of using all the relays and not have the common of one tied to system ground!

In the late 90s, I lost a few SC-1s......and I was just operating switches at 15 volts from a Z (I guess they just couldn't handle momentary voltage). They were all off warranty and I just switched to ICC controls units (which Lionel eventually bought out and then marketed).

Since I was such a good customer, my local shop gave me an SC-2 to try and never had a problem......but I only used it for Lionel switches.....I never tried to run any accessories with either the SC-1 or SC-2.....

Peter

The LCS ASC2 is a good choice. For me, personally, I prefer the SC-2 because it has more functionality and flexibility:

The ASC2 will control 4 switches OR 8 accessories;

The SC-2 will control 4 switches AND 4 accessories, OR 6 switches, OR 12 accessories.

Unlike the ASC2, the SC-2 receives its commands from the base over the air and is not part of the LCS bus, so it doesn't communicate back to the LCS system. I can't speak definitively on this, but I myself haven't experienced any drawbacks as a result.

I believe many of the large online dealers still have the newer SC-2 with the green terminal blocks. On the top of the box of the most recent SC-2's, it says "©2015." Ask the dealer to check for that.

gunrunnerjohn said, "As far as when to cut the connection to the first relay on the SC-2, as I explained in the other thread. "

Could you possibly direct me to that thread?

Steve

Steve,

Here:

https://ogrforum.com/...8#153463017469379538

Mike

Thank you Mike, much appreciated.

Steve

Funny I’ve had 3 SC1’s for 15 years and they’re still going strong but I do use them only for accessories. I have kept waiting for them to fail but they refuse.

@Roman posted:

Funny I’ve had 3 SC1’s for 15 years and they’re still going strong but I do use them only for accessories. I have kept waiting for them to fail but they refuse.

You are in an exclusive club.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You are in an exclusive club.

I’m sure I have now jinxed it!