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The SYC2 solves the basic bugaboo of running trains into and out of hidden staging yards when the trains can't be seen. It does three things:
- Aligns the turnouts to select the correct track, so train crews don't have to throw multiple toggle switches.
- Monitors the train's progress through the yard throat, and signals the crew. The LOC2 dual laser occupancy detector connects directly to the SYC2 and monitors two independent yard throats.
- Turns on track power to the designated track only when a train is supposed to be moving on it. This prevents runaway trains should a crew not set the speed to zero after staging a train. (The TPR2 track power relay board kit and RLY relays are needed to switch track power.)
Controls and Operation
This photo shows the SYC2 controls. There are also red, yellow, and green LEDs (not shown) that you may install on a control panel or in a trackside signal for more realism. You also could have two sets of lights – one trackside and the other in the control panel. Select a track with the rotary switch, then push the black button to start the process. When the turnouts are aligned, the green light comes on, telling you to proceed into or out of the yard.
The yellow light turns on when your train enters the yard throat. After the train clears the throat, the red light turns on (green and yellow turn off), and power to the selected track is shut off - the movement is complete.
How to Order
Order the items you want by clicking the Add To Cart buttons on this page. To buy more than one of an item, click that item's Add To Cart button multiple times.
Each SYC2 controller uses a custom-programmed microprocessor to control your staging yard. Follow these instructions to configure each SYC2 you order.
1. Open and print this form(PDF file, right-click, save link as) to draw the staging yard and determine turnout alignment for each track.
2. Go to the Web Configuration page to enter the configuration information and send it to me.
Please Note
The original SYC2 written-up in May 1999 Model Railroader had a "thumbwheel" switch, where you dialed the track number with your thumb. This type of switch has become very expensive and difficult to find, so it's no longer included with the kit.
Instead, I supply a rotary switch that has 12 positions, the SYC2's capacity. It comes with its own circuit board and microprocessor to encode the 12 switch positions into binary code. You get a small kit of parts with the PC board, switch, and knob shown here. Complete instructions are included, and assembly is quick and easy.
Since the microprocessor was needed anyway, I added some "smarts" that help you lay out your control panel. If your staging yard has fewer than 12 tracks, you can "offset" the switch numbering to get a balanced design.
For example, the Roanoke panel photo above shows an eight-track setup with Track 1 offset two switch positions to the 8:30 clock position (normally #1 would be located at the 6:30 position). This allows a symmetrical layout. You can use this same strategy with smaller yards (4-6 tracks) to put all the numbers on the left or right side of the switch, or at the top. The assembly instructions include a few sample switch dials.
Double-end and Reverse-loop YardsSome people have asked if the SYC2 can handle double-end or reverse-loop staging yards. The answer is "possibly."
With its 12-track capacity, a single SYC2 can control both throats in a double-end yard of up to six tracks. You assign two numbers to each track and use one set of numbers for movements on one end of the yard and the other set for movements on the other end. If your yard has more than six tracks, you'll need two SYC2s, one for each end.
The same scheme can be used on a reverse-loop yard of up to six tracks. Again, each track gets two numbers, with one set being used for inbound movements and the other set for outbound movements. However, since both ends of the yard tracks feed the same throat, the SYC2's 12-track capacity limits a reverse-loop yard to six tracks.
I put together a document that shows how to use the SYC2 with double-end and reverse-loop yards, and includes other useful information on wiring the switch machines and track power. It's in Adobe Acrobat format, so you'll need the Acrobat reader to open the file. Click to download the SYC2 tips (97KB PDF, right-click, save link as)