Fastrack Switches and SC-2

• Fastrack Switches and SC-2
  Posted by ehkempf on 16 Apr, 2015 15:39
• I am confused as to how to use the SC-2 with Fastrack switches. The manual for the SC-2 says it can control up to 6 switches. I watched Mike Regan on the Lionel SC-2 page wire a Fastrack switch to the first position on the SC-2.  I then read in the manual for a Fastrack O-60 switch and it said the SC-2 can only control 5 switches and to "NOT" use position 1.  I am confused
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 16 Apr, 2015 17:36
• You can use terminal #1 on the SC-2 for switches, but you cannot power the SC-2 with the wallpack. The SC-2 must be powered from the switches power.
  See page 6 of the SC-2 owners' manual for the explanation.
  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/72-2980-250.pdf
  
  Larry
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by ehkempf on 16 Apr, 2015 17:48
• Quote from: TrainLarry on 16 Apr, 2015 17:36

  You can use terminal #1 on the SC-2 for switches, but you cannot power the SC-2 with the wallpack. The SC-2 must be powered from the switches power.
  See page 6 of the SC-2 owners' manual for the explanation.
  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/72-2980-250.pdf
  
  Larry
  

  
  Thank you for the reply.  The problem is that is in direct conflict with the following:
  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/5949570267120572501.pdf
  On page 10 of that manual it says not to use position 1
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 16 Apr, 2015 19:02
• I previously read the owners' manual for the '060' switches that you referenced above, and the reference to not using terminal #1 is not explained.
  
  I believe the reference to not using terminal #1 is meant IF the SC-2 is powered by the wallpack. Hooking a switch to terminal #1 with the SC-2 powered by the wallpack will probably damage either the SC-2 or the switch, or possibly both.
  
  Page 22 of the SC-2 manual explains how to operate up to 6 switches.
  
  If you are unsure of this, please feel free to call Lionel customer service and get an answer directly from them, along with their explanation. Kindly post their response here as an education to others who may have the same question.
  
  Larry
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by ehkempf on 18 Apr, 2015 15:36
• Here is the response from Lionel:
  
  Edward,
  
   
  
  If you send the SC-2 to us we can fix it so that you can use 6 switches.  Otherwise the manual is correct because port 1 cannot be used for switches.
  
   
  
  Thank You,
  
  Angela S
  
  Lionel Customer Service
  
  6000 Victory Lane | Concord, NC 28027
  
  586-949-4100 ext 2 (o) | (704)-455-8940 (f)
  
  By the manual being correct I assume they mean the O-90 switch manual, because that is not what is in the SC-2 manual, and it sure is not what is shown in the Mike R. video.
  
  Ed
  
   
  
  
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 18 Apr, 2015 16:51
• Thanks for the reply.
  Research indicates that other users of the SC-2 with switches have modified their own units, and that is probably what Lionel will do.
  
  Reading through the manuals of both the switches and the SC-2, it seems the issue affects those that wish to power the SC-2 with the EXTERNAL wallpack power supply when using it for switches. It seems THAT is the only time that port #1 can not be used for a switch, because the SC-2 power is in conflict with the switch power in port#1. When powering the SC-2 from switch power, you MUST use port #1 , or the SC-2 will be DEAD.
  
  I would not hesitate to power 6 switches through the SC-2 as it is unmodified, as long as you DO NOT use the wallpack to power the SC-2.
  
  I would contact Lionel service again, and ask them about the scenario I just described, and if it would work without modifying the SC-2.
  
  Larry
  
  Larry
  
  
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