LCS and Fastrack Operating Track Controller

SC2, assign an acc id # to it. Then TMCC/Legacy and LCS see the id# accessory. Configure it to momentary on the SC2.  You can add 5 other items.

The SC2 is a box of relays to control whatever.

An ASC2 for LCS will work, but I like the SC2 because it has a hardwired momentary configuration for accessory use.

Thanks, very good.  I'll do that.   I wonder why Lionel has not produced a LCS-OTC?  

Not standard or used enough - too many personalized ways to operate it - with an ERR board, you can operate a car via the remote and not use the track.

Mini-commander, I believe. I don't know if you can fit it in a log dumper...

Ed, I use the SC-2 to operate my switches. It works great. I still have to try it with accessories as soon as I get some.

Denny,

Thanks for the response.  I've gone a different route and installed all command switches so  I don't need a separate controller.  It works great.  I  have installed an ASC2 for accessories and it works great. For example, I've wired a postwar switch tower to the ASC2.  I address it's ID# and hit AUX2 (continuos) and the light in  the tower comes on.  I also wired it to an IR153 controller which then activates the guy running down the steps when a train passes by.  (I  have the  same set up for a postwar gateman). Another example is  the MTH Firehouse. AUX1 activates the Firehouse sending the fireman down the pole and the engine  leaves the garage and pushing AUX1 again activates the engine to return to the garage. If I push  AUX2 it runs constantly... I would recommend using the ASC2 if you're controlling your layout using LCS to operate your accessories.  I looked at Mike Reagan's tutorial video on using the OTC  to control the operating track, and my head hurts...

I believe I've got a way forward using the ASC2.  As MOONMAN explained how he uses the SC2, I believe I can use the ASC2 as  well, with each output assigned  an ID#  for each function. For example, ID#1, AUX 1 is momentary to the uncoupling magnet.   ID#2 AUX2 for constant voltage wired to the inside  operating rails (sliding shoes rails).  I suspect I'll have to rewire the Uncoupling/Operating track as Mike Reagan describes in his tutorial video for wiring the OTC.  Let the games begin!

MOONMAN, please let me know if I'm wrong here...thanks.

Another option would be to upgrade the switches to command using the ERR Switch Commander.

This fits right into a Fastrack remote switch and upgrades it to command.

Take GRJ's advice - the ERR switch commander is great - and you don't need miles of wire.

Gentlemen,

   Remember however as Guns taught me this is only for upgrading an original FT Switch, you can not repair a Command Control FT Switch with the ERR Switch Commander.  Bummer!

PCRR/Dave

Has anyone paired the ERR switch upgrade to the LCS STM2 -- the LCS switch monitor (so that the wifi app knows the switch positions).

For example it says on the STM2 explainer webpage:  "If your track switches have built-in command control capability, such as the Lionel 6-16827 O-72 FasTrack Command Control Right-Hand Switch, connect one wire from the STM2 module to the RSC Lights terminal on the switch"

So that's the same then for ERR switch upgrade?

I don't see any reason it won't work, the ERR switch upgrade drives the Fastrack controllers lights, it outputs the same +/- 5V signal for switch position.

I'd be interested in revisiting this discussion and whether there's a general consensus about the best way to accomplish remote control of an operating track with LCS.  It would seem a TMCC  pre-LCS era 6-14185 OTC would be the most straightforward in that wiring both a tubular operating track or a FasTrack operating track to a 6-14185 OTC is well detailed both written and video.  I haven't seen anything outside of this thread mentioning alternatives such as an SC2.  

I have the CAB1 and original TMCC base connected to a Legacy base with CAB2 and also incorporating LCS wi-fi.  I'd like to ensure I can remotely control the operating track from CAB1, CAB2 and the LCS app/iCab.  It appears 6-14185 is still available but might be on the "old school" tech as there doesn't appear to be a "OTC2" for LCS in the pipeline.  My setup already has TPCs and SER2 module so the old style OTC wouldn't require me to get any additional components to incorporate it.  But if it will limit my options in some way - like not able to access it from the iCab - then I'd prefer to avoid any limitations.  

Okay, so I have Gargraves track and I use OTC boxes to control my oper track.  The advantage to the OTC box is that you can control the electromagnet and the operating rails with a single ID; Aux1 and Aux2 are BOTH momentary.  There is no LCS equivalent to this setup so I don't have iPad control of my oper track.  Have to use CAB2/CAB1.

So OTC2 is on the list of items to do but not a priority for LCS.  Bug your friendly Lionel Rep to get this done and we'll all be happy.

Another item to bug Lionel about is just adding straight OTC to the possible items controlled on an iPad, much like the ASC.