SC-2

Yes, to the extent of the non-specified limit of current handling in the toggle on, toggle off positions.

The SC-2 has 15A rated relays, so I don't think blocks are a problem.

I'm not sure what the "non-specified limit" comment refers to, this is from page 4 of the SC-2 manual.

All SC-2 outputs are rated for 15 amps and can control most switches and accessories directly. Use the sheet of labels (included) to identify the SC-2 ID#’s on your switches and accessories.

Oh good. I couldn't find it scrolling around on a pad.

Thanks Guys

You should use a real computer for the forum.

To connect my  fastrack uncoupling track section to auxiliary power and use my SC-2 to operate it do I wire it according to page 5 of the manual and substitute the SC-2 for the controller button?

Thanks

Bob

Yes. Use one of the momentary contacts in the accessory mode.

Can an SC-2 be used to activate uncoupler track sections?

And, if so, to simplify wiring, can multiple uncoupler sections be tied together and just activated by one set of contacts on the SC-2? 

I would think so with a 15 amp rating on the SC-2, but I don't know what to think about many coils and the possible back emf generated by them when your activate pulse goes away.

Yes Chuck,

That back EMF pulse was topping my list of concerns as well.

what's a back EMF pulse???? 

Seriously, thanks guys for the quick responses.

graz are you talking about uncoupling track section #6-12020? If so there is a diagram that comes with the track to show you how to connect it to the SC-2.

It's what used to make your plugs spark. When the source current in a coil stops, the magnetic field in the coil tries to keep the current going. To do that, it developes a high voltage...in the case of an ignition coil in the last century, that voltage could reach 400 volts, even though the voltage that started the current in the first place was 12 volts. That high voltage can cause arcing of the points on a relay. If the initial current was dc, you could put a diode across the coil in the proper direction to absorb that arc. But in the case of AC, you can't use a diode that way. There are some techniques for that issue, but i'm not at present up on them.

How many uncouplers?

I'm thinking maybe one of those TVS "diodes" (Transient Voltage Suppressor) would work there. There have been several threads about them and you should have them across your track supply(s) to protect the electronics in this stuff from transient voltage spikes. That's a good thought I think.  I would hook up 4 of the uncouplers and see. I'm hooking up one to 18vac and pushing the uncouple button with an Amprobe attached. I get almost 2.5 amps AC. So I would not go over 4 in parallel. 6 might be pushing it. And if you want to install TVS diodes, the part number from Mouser is  1.5KE36CA. They cost about 60 cents each.

I'm just wondering if you could program accessories as a route the way you can do when you use the SC-2 for switches. Then one button would do them successively.

A TVS would be a good idea across the coil of the UCS track.