I want to connect all my fastrack switches and uncouplers to AIUs, as well as keep the manual analogue controls. In order to connect these devices in parallel, to the AIU, do I have to run a second set of wires from the switches and uncoupler track connections to the AIU, or can I run the second set of wires from the analogue controls at my local control pannels to the AIU. I am going to use 4-color solid copper telephone cable wire.
For some of the switches, I have already connected the AIU wires to the switch conection point on the underside of the switch, so that each connection under the switch has two wires held down by the screw (one to the AIU and one to the analogue switch machine controller). This is somewhat difficult, as the switch controller wire is quite small, and the telephone wire is larger. Also, I will have to disconnect all the other switches and uncoupler track sections in order to gain access to the underside of the track. This will also require a lot of wire runs to be added to difficult to access areas of the layout. Not impossible, just hard on my back.
Can I simply connect the AIU wires to the uncoupler pushbutton box, rather than running a second set of wires directly to the uncoupler track? This type of parallel connection should work for the uncoupler, however I would like to know if others have tried this.
I am not sure if the switch control is easily accessed to connect a second set of wires, or if this method would work for the switches. I am not really sure what goes on inside the switch contoller box.
I would like to know what others have done, as the complexity and amount of wiring work will increase if I have to make all the AIU wire connections directly to the switch and uncoupler tracks.
Thanks any input an ideas: Joe K
