Anybody put DC or AC amp meters on their control panels.

Likely an automotive gauge. 

The dc aspect of your plan can use it after the Bridge Rect, but before the directional dpdt.  

Your meter sounds really cool. I, however, had to look a bit to find an AC one.  I thought that that would be more in line (no pun intended) with the track current I use.  Of course, there are DC systems, but not much in the  3 rail world. 
Alan

I plan to use these with my ZW.

Pete

I love the retro analog look of these meters. 
Alan

@Norton posted:

I plan to use these with my ZW.

Pete

Boris Karlov would have approved! 

Rod

Great picture!

Here are a few pictures of my control panel build where I included ammeters and voltmeters for each ZW output.  It is still a work in progress, but the meters are all operational.  I like being able to see how much amperage is drawn by different engines and accessories.  The meters also help in fine tuning the voltage for accessories.  In my opinion, they also look cool!  I only wish mine were lighted, but the price was right.

JD, good to see the addition of circuit breakers for each ZW output!

Also your meter panel is a brilliant way to minimize the footprint required for 8 meters. Well done! 

Don't forget that your common return to the U strip will carry the combined load of all 4 outputs; size that wire accordingly! 

Rod

Rod, thanks for the complement and good eye picking up the circuit breakers as well.  Those are Airpax PP11-0-10.0A-OB-V  10amp magnetic circuit breakers.  They are quick and I have been happy with them so far.  I also have TVS diodes on the back of the ZW for our Lionchief Plus A5.

You make a good point about the wire carrying the common load of all 4 outputs back to the ZW.  I am using 16 gauge wire there, which is probably a little small (?) given the ZW's internal thermal breaker is 15amps.  Granted, we don't usually use that much power, but we should be prepared.

Do you think 14 gauge wire there, or double up with two 16 gauge wires?

JD, either ground wire alternative should be fine. Twin 16 gauge if that's easier, will give you the equivalent of 13 gauge wire, so it's actually better.

In a worst case scenario with heavily loaded outputs pulling a little less than 15 amps total, that #16 will likely get a lttle warm. It's a judgement call, personally I would twin it or use #14. The stock internal ZW breaker is notoriously slow to pop, and unreliable.

Rod

Here's a pic of my 16VDC and 12VDC accessory voltmeter-ammeters. They work great. I have yet to find a suitable digital meter for my 12VAC supply, but still looking.

Track voltages and amperages are indicated by Z-4000 built in meters, so no need to duplicate that.

Rod