SC-2 vs ASC2

graz posted:

In a Legacy environment using the CAB-2 as well as the wifi interface and iPad and iphone apps, is there any benefit to the ASC-2 over the SC-2? I ask as I'll be needing to buy some for accessory control and I already have one SC-2. 

Thanks 

Mike

I feel the ACS2 is more reliable. It is on a wired network vs using the radio signal. In my testing the SC 2 would sometime miss the command. 

Only observation, the SC-2 is more flexible than an ASC. 

I have four SC-2 & never had a problem.

Ken M

The SC-2 will have an advantage if you are contemplating a large number of devices, they are not subject to degradation of the data signal in the wire.

The SC-2 is more flexible in that it can be user to control 6 switches, 12 accessories,  or 4 of each.  if you have trouble with the track signal on your layout, you may have similar trouble with the SC-2 as they get their commands via the radio connection.  

It is unlikely to be a big concern unless you are powering track blocks, but the sc-2 is rated for 15 amps where as the ASC/ASC2 is rated for 20 amps per circuit.  

The ASC/ASC2 use the serial port connection and should receive data flawlessly in most cases.  As mentioned the Legacy base is known for having a weak signal that can be a problem when driving many devices.  In the original post it was mentioned that a LCS Wifi device is already installed, so this won't be a problem in Graz/mike's case.  For others not using the LCS Wifi here are a few ways to solve this problem, including the Manco signal booster by Dale Manquen, installing a SER2, building your own signal booster, or, as mentioned, using an LCS Wifi unit.  

The ASC2 does have a nice feature for running uncoupling tracks that is fairly well described on Lionel's website. http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/ASC2/index.html

I tend to like the SC-2 better, but that is just personal preference.  Mostly I would choose based on which option will be most cost effective for your layout.  Keep in mind that the ASC/ASC2 must be set to run 4 switches or 8 accessories, but can not control both, where as the SC-2 can do 6 switches, or 12 accessories, or 4 of each.  

JGL

Thanks Gents. We previously had reliability issues with the sc-2 but an earth ground wire placed near it resolved the issue.

Thanks for pointing out the uncoupler feature of the asc2 John. I wasn't aware.

Correct me if I am wrong...

The sc2 has six connectors. Each connector has two possible connections for an accessory.  you can have a on/off or a monetary on.  this is achieved by connecting the center contact with one of the outer two contacts.  This allows the user to use the sc2 as a switch. You can also connect common to the center and control the flow of ground to your accessory.

For the acs2 can you just use the connections as a switch or does it always control the flow of ground? if it only controls the flow of ground then the sc2 is better cause you can use it either way.

I use my sc2 for the swing bridge and also the culvert loaders where I need a switch and not the flow of ground. Simple accessories like the barrel ramp work fine with the flow of ground.

JohnGaltLine posted:

It is unlikely to be a big concern unless you are powering track blocks, but the sc-2 is rated for 15 amps where as the ASC/ASC2 is rated for 20 amps per circuit.  

JGL

 

You need to look for it, but the manual for the SC-2 does state that each of the six circuits can be up to 15 amps.  The manual for the ASC indicates that, while each of the 4 circuits can take an input up to 20 amps, the ASC itself is capable of only a maximum total output of 20 amps (specifications chart), not 80 amps.   This makes the SC-2 a better choice for controlling track power unless you are using a TPC putting out more than 15 amps.

Actually, I hope I'm wrong about the ASC.  Right now I'm using a Rube Goldberg setup with relays to turn on/off track power from my TPCs.  It would be great to just use the ASC.

Joe, you are mostly correct but not entirely, AND there are simple ways around the problem for the ASC/2.  Each of the 6 connectors on the SC-2 share  one supply with two outputs Think of them like a SPDT switch (with the added ability to turn on both sides as well).    The ASC/ASC2 have 2 banks of 4 contacts.  these allow you to share an input source with 4 of the 8 contacts.  something like a SP4T switch would. (again, with the added ability to turn on any combination of contacts as well

I find the SC-2 more convenient if you are using it to mimic push buttons or toggle switches, but there is no need to use either product just on "ground"  They are just relays inside and behave like a switch, connecting whatever two wires are attached.  

If you want to use the ASC to work to replace several toggle switches or push buttons, you can always wire each of it's outputs to fire a relay and use that additional relay to act as your button.   

I would guess the change was made simply to save money, and because most users would not notice the difference when operating switches or simply applying power to accessories.  

JGL

Edit: rather than make another post I'm just going to add this on, as the comment was made while I was typing up what's above.  

Cappilot,  

Thanks for that Info, I did catch that fact when I was looking over the differences in the devices.  So it seems I have it backwards as to which is 'better' for track blocks.  It seems you already have it solved with additional relays.  

This is the first time I've really looked into the capabilities of the SC-2 or ASC/ASC2 as I found the costs of any of these units to be out of what I was willing to pay, and have built my own devices for my layout's use, costing about $30 for a 16accessory/8 switch controller with relays rated for 20 amps each.