I'm getting down to the final stages of wiring my layout. Waiting for SCII purchased on EBAY. Already have SCI.
Have received tech message from Lionel with wiring for SCII to control DZ1000
switches. Tech said SCI cannot control DZ1000. Is that true? What's the problem?
Also, I found a post with the modification necessary for the SCII. What problem does this modification solve?

The main problem with the SC1 is that it can handle only 1 amp of current draw whereas the SC2 can handle up to 10 amps. You can use the SC1, but you will need to do a LOT of extra wiring including adding a relay per channel that you want to control.

Joe

Have you considered the Accessory Switch Controller (ASC) by Lionel or IC controls. RW Green

OK I see the SCI problem, but noone has addressed the question about the SCII.
What is the problem which requires a modification to the printed board circuitry,
and what exactly is the fix?

I can't see why the SC-1 wouldn't work with the DZ-1000; I find it hard to believe the DZ-1000 draws more than 1 amp!

In fact, Dennis has a specific reference to using the SC-1 so it ought to work:
DZ-1000 used with SC-1

quote:

OK I see the SCI problem, but noone has addressed the question about the SCII.
What is the problem which requires a modification to the printed board circuitry,
and what exactly is the fix?

There are (at least) three ways to power your SC2. You can use the plug-in transformer (wall wart) that came with the unit. You can use an auxiliary power source like a spare transformer and connect it to the two terminals on the SC2. Or you can connect a powered switch to the first position on the SC2.
The circuit board of the SC2 has a pathway built in to tap into the switch power connected to position one.

SC2's seem to be somewhat finicky and it is often recommended that position one be left open and the SC2 be powered by the wall wart or auxiliary power supply. I believe the instructions say that a constant (nonfluctuating) power source must be used for the SC2. Since many switch machines cause a significant voltage drop, there may be a problem if this source is used to power the SC2.

The "fix" referred to involves opening up the SC2 and cutting the pathway on the circuit board that taps into the first switch position. Afterwards, all six positions can be used and the SC2 powered by auxilliary power.

For details of the "fix" see the Oct 12 post by MartyE "SC2 Question". There used to be a thread on this forum with photos and instruction about this, but apparently it has been deleted. MartyE's post should enable you to get complete details,