I have 12 Atlas O Switches with Atlas switch machines on my layout and soon will be hooking them up to my AIU in anticipation for the new MTH app and wifi system. I need your opinion....should I forego wiring the switch machine to the manual switch controller "button" or just go directly into the AIU bypassing the "button"? If anyone can share their personal experiences with this situation would be helpful.
Rob
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I like having my switches in the remote but also having them with a toggle switch is better
Clem
Either way of moving the switch is fine, both will work separately or wire as parallel inputs.
Addition of the Atlas 6924 switch relay boards may be an advantage.
All 100+ of my switch tracks are wired to both console controls, for rapid access, and the AIU, for use in Routes.
This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!
I also have Atlas switches. Started out wanting all my switches on an AIU, but I didn't have an AIU, so I used the Atlas #56 switch controllers. I found that I actually like using the switch controllers and still have not added an AIU, although I still plan to add it to the system eventually. So, I would definitely do both AIU and switch controller.
I located the switch controllers near the switches they control and have found I prefer that to having them in one central location. This is all personal preferences and you really need to do what is best for you and how you operate your layout. I would use both the AIU and switch controller though, no matter where you locate them.
Thanks for the responses guys..i have been trying to get these switches hooked up for over 10 years now...pathetic I know...well this is going to be the year because I am very excited with the new MTH app....looking forward to sitting back with an iPad that is clear, easy to read, and most importantly bright and routing the trains. I would also like to tinker with priming some routes with DCS. I have an 8 x 16 layout with Atlas O track. 072 curves on the outer loop and O54 on the interior loop with a reversing figure eight. I don't know what your experience is with switches but to me they are the one part of this hobby that is very tedious indeed. But, they are what makes running the trains a lot of fun as well. So ...wish me luck! :-)
I forgot to ask...Mike CT ...what is the advantage with the Atlas relay?
Thanks.
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