@RSJB18 posted:John- I would use local switches for the yard and roundhouse tracks. GunRunner John makes a nice watchdog generator that will properly wake up DCS engines when power is applied. IIRC- he used one TIU channel for the whole 10-track yard, and just toggles power as needed. Check out his build thread.
Mark has them installed on his layout too and can share some pix.
Bob
John,
I installed John's watchdogs on each of my 2 TIU outputs and 3 AIUs. I am using 21 AIU outputs to control track power. I bought toggle switches, but didn't install them. Turning track power on and off with the handheld remote has worked well for me. On the other hand, I wired the AIUs to operate 13 DZ1000 turnout controllers, but have found it easier to use the fascia mounted push buttons. I have not set up routes in the remote to select more than one switch at a time. once I do that, I may find it useful to use the remote.
I wasn't quite done wiring when I took this photograph, but you can see the layout.
