i have the sc-2 switch controller i don understand the owner’s manual it say on page 6 NOTE do not use the wall pack or the separate power terminal on the SC-2 if using it to operate switches i dont understand what the wall pack that came with the SC-2 switch controller is used for can any one plese help me by explaining it to me [?]
The “Wall Wart” AC adaptor, or power pack, is only used if you are powering accessories only & no switches. The reason is that the non-derailing feature of O gauge switches typically includes a bleed current path through a bulb or switch machine coil sufficient enough & of a steady, higher fixed voltage to power the SC-2 without the wall wart… with switches there is always something “on”.
Rob
does the wall power pack connect to the SC-2 there a plug on on the SC-2
To use the wall pack, simply plug the cord into the socket in the back of the SC-2, then plug the wall pack into the wall.
Page 7 of the manual has a diagram showing the socket.
Rob
i am using lionel O36 fastrack switches with the SC-2 switch there is Auxiliary or track power is ths use to power the SC-2 switch controller if yes can i use the CW - 80 80 - Watt transformer i an new at this[?]
In a nutshell, if you are using a CW-80 with a “G” date code prefix(stamped on bottom), then you can use it for auxiliary switch power in the Fastrack-only environment, with a minor caveat… the SC-2 must be powered with the wall pack, or the fixed-voltage transformer posts B-U of the CW-80(as per option 3 in the SC-2 manual) to the terminals labeled “3” in Figure 3 page 6 of the SC-2 manual. This means that the switches & the SC-2 will be powered from the B-U posts of the CW-80.
The reason for this extra connection is that the Fastrack switches & controllers do not pass through enough bleed current to power the SC-2(no bulbs - LED’s only).
All bets are off if you are using the older, non-“G” versions of the CW-80 - their internal wiring makes it difficult to power switches & accessories with commonly accepted “common-ground” wiring without making wiring changes & operational compromises. A search of the archives here at the CTT forum using “CW-80” or “CW80” will stir up many discussions & explanations on this issue over the years.
Rob
i did not see any g on the bottom of the transformer is there any transformer that will work to power the switches and the SC-2 i have the TrainMaster Command Control equipped sets
With a TrainMaster Command Control equipped locomotive and a powerful CW-80 Transformer, these train sets are on the cutting edge of model railroad technology. The CW-80 Transformer allows you to change directions and activate the bell and whistle. The steam chuffing and diesel RPM sounds automatically vary with the speed of the locomotive.
To unlock all the advanced features of your TrainMaster Command Control equipped locomotive–including CrewTalk communication and TowerCom announcements–purchase the TrainMaster Command Set (6-12969). With the TrainMaster Command Control system, you get digital control with a simple one-wire connection. You are able to operate your entire layout using a CAB-1 Remote Controller, freeing you
With a TrainMaster Command Control equipped locomotive and a powerful CW-80 Transformer, these train sets are on the cutting edge of model railroad technology. The CW-80 Transformer allows you to change directions and activate the bell and whistle. The steam chuffing and diesel RPM sounds automatically vary with the speed of the locomotive.
To unlock all the advanced features of your TrainMaster Command Control equipped locomotive–including CrewTalk communication and TowerCom announcements–purchase the TrainMaster Command Set (6-12969). With the TrainMaster Command Control system, you get digital control with a simple one-wire connection. You are able to operate your entire layout using a CAB-1 Remote Controller, freeing you
Check for a stamp, or white printing, on the bottom “Gxxxx” where XXXX is a julian date code. If the date code is “xxxx” w/ no “G”, it is an older version.
Almost any other transformer of 90 watts or higher will work, the ZW of any vintage is ideal, an LW or better is fine for the power demands of your outfit.
Rob
What is the AUX terminal on the SC-2 use for is this to use to power the SC-2 when using a transformer
Page 5, Figure 1 in the manual says yes.
Rob
so i can use the wall pack that came with the SC-2 to power the accessories and a separate tranformer to power the SC-2 and switches connected to the switch conntroller and a transformer
No.
You could.
Read the manual. If you have Fastrack switches, use the wall pack & forget about powering the SC-2 any other way.
Rob
what if i want to add accessories along with switches to the SC-2 how are they powered
You have to read the manual for the accessory - some are track powered, some are run by accessory posts on the transformer, or from another transformer.
You MUST read the SC-2 manual - it is all detailed in there.
Rob
do i just use the SC-2 wall pack to power my 2 switches and accessories or do i need a separate transformer connected to the one 2 pole terminal on the left to power the switches and accessories
NEVER.
NEVER.
You have to read the manuals for the accessories & the switches - some are track powered, some are run by accessory posts on the transformer, or from another transformer, & NONE from the wall pack.
Read the SC-2 manual. If you have Fastrack switches, use the wall pack to power it, & only it, & forget about powering the SC-2 any other way.
The SC-2 is a switch/relay box for controlling track switches & turning on/turning off accessories, nothing more, there is no voltage source in it or from it for trains or accessories which all need power sources independent of the SC-2.
You MUST read the SC-2 manual - it is all detailed in there, including answers to your last several questions.
Rob
The SC-2 is just a replacement for a manual button to throw a switch or to activate/control an accessory. The device to be controlled needs whatever power it needs to run whether it’s a switch or an accessory.
The SC-2 also needs power to work, aka the radio reciever and the internal relays need electricity. You can power the SC-2 via the dedicated wall wart power pack or by means of an auxiliary power source.
If you refer to the manual you can see examples of many specific devices however not every accessory made by every vendor is in the manual. You need to find one that is close and then match up the wiring appropriately.
BTW, if you intend to use a single SC-2 to run both switches and accessories make sure you program it to work this way and pay attention to which terminals are used to each type of device.
When using Lionel fastrack switches along with the SC-2 switch controller do they run on track power or do i need a separate transformer
Track power. Separate transformer is optonal.
Rob
is that the same when adding accessories Separate transformer