Correct way to wire up culvert loader/unloader to an ASC2?

I don't have the answer for you but DON'T hook them up until you get a clear, correct answer from someone as the boards in the loader/unloader are very delicate and sensitive to being connected incorrectly. I fried both of mine when hooking them up to my SC-2 a few years ago. Had to pay for replacement boards.

Lionel should be able to provide an answer via. email if the forum doesn't respond.

Thanks Graz, I'm hoping someone has some insight I was shocked when I went through countless manuals and couldn't find anything on it 

Good luck. I'm pretty sure that I tried connecting the loader's "on-off" pair of binding posts to the SC-2's outputs and that toasted the boards. However, again, I'd want someone to give a definitive answer before you try. 

Well, here's one word of caution on the unloader(see attached) Maybe why you toasted yours, Graz.

I don't see an example in either manual that shows how to operate an on/off switch only. Don't pass any transformer power to the activation switch terminals.

I would suggest that you email Lionel customer service, unless someone chimes in that has done it.

I only use SC-2's. A lot simpler for me.

I did a video of it on how to hookup Lionel accessories that only use a closed ground contact to trigger operation to an ASC2.   Basically you use one bank on the ASC2 and instead of putting power to the common terminal in the bank you put the ground.  So the relay is just closing a ground.  Link below.

https://youtu.be/GtBaAje7gLQ

O GAUGE LAYOUT BUILD - START OF A CHILDHOOD DREAM -UPDATED 12-26-15 - LAYOUT UPDATE

If you search under my user for this post Above I did a lot of videos on the LCS system and special setups like the culvert accessories.

Sean, thanks so much.  I knew there had to be a way that wasn't very complicated. Wish Lionel would have some documentation on this. But a topic for another day I suppose ��

Sean,

Thanks for making it clear how to use the ASC2 for switching only. The manual doesn't even go there. It should be an example on one page.

Moonman posted:

Sean,

Thanks for making it clear how to use the ASC2 for switching only. The manual doesn't even go there. It should be an example on one page.

Probably because the ASC2 was only designed to power things, not just close a circuit. 

What I did was set it up the way I thought it worked and then used a voltmeter to make sure no voltage was coming out of the terminals when I wired it up that way.  Then I tested to verify continuity when opening and closing the circuit with the cab2. 

So it works for me, but since Lionel doesn't document it, they probably don't support it.  But the BPC2 and ASC2 boxes are basically just a bunch of relays that open and close circuits. 

great video explaining how to use the ASC2 with these special accessories!  As you point out, you have to give up a whole bank of 4, which in your case was no issue as you have enough accessories.  I think another option, to not have to give up all 4 in the bank, would be to build a small circuit with another relay.  When the ASC2 relay is powered, it could close another relay.  That second relay could be the switch for the Culvert accessory with no power going to it, so as not to fry the board.  that would also free up the other ASC2 ports to be used by more traditional style accessories.