Novice electrical question - train tech SC400

[Out Of Puff1707822593]

Dear all,

I'm interested in the train tech SC400 to control and power dapol semaphore signals. However I can't tell from the instructions on the website how to connect the SC400 to power. I wondered if anyone knew? I have no experience of soldering so was looking for something very simple. I have a Hornby Select controller. Thanks!

[Rog RJ]

If you download the manual from the Train Tech site you will find full wiring instructions and diagrams. For DCC control, power is taken from the tracks or directly from the DCC output (Track A & B) of the controller.

[96RAF]

From the user manual, connect to your DCC track output from the Select.

[Out Of Puff1707822593]

Thanks both. I had a look at this. On my Select I use the A+B outputs for the track. Is there any problem with using the Aux output from the Select?

Also, when taking power direct from the track - how exactly do you do this if not soldering direct? Can you use a hornby clip to do this?

Thanks again, sorry if this is rather basic stuff.

[Jupiter 1707822591]

Yes you could use a power clip but use a digital power clip or connect two fresh wires from a + b

Check your select manual for the aux voltage output .

Using this aux supply you will need to use the additional switching mimic functions .

[Rog RJ]

You cannot use the Aux output to power the SC400 as this is a 15volt dc supply and not a digital output.

[Out Of Puff1707822593]

Thanks everyone, I think I get this, in that I will lose the DCC commands if using Aux or another power input. So this is what I don't understand; I'm already using A+B outputs to power the track. How do I also power the SC400 from A+B? Thanks

[Rog RJ]

Connect a pair of wires from the SC400 to the track A & B connections on the back of the Select AS WELL AS the track connection wires.

There are other alternative options available too.

[Fishmanoz]

Twist together the two wires from SC400 and track to go in A, then do similarly with B. Easier to insert twisted together than individually. And having two wires into each of A and B is not a problem electrically, it’s known as a parallel connection.

[Out Of Puff1707822593]

Ah, I see. Thanks a lot for this. Now I should be able to get the whole thing working.