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Todd,

My understanding is your understanding with the fixed channels. The variables can be turned down, but not fixed. Many of us even change the variable to fixed.

Greg

AFAIK, there is no way to turn off the fixed channels.  I measure a dead short from the common and hot inputs terminals to the output terminals on both fixed channels.  Sounds like they're just wired together.

Todd,

There is a way to vary the power through the fixed channels if, and only if, they are powered by a Z4000 transformer that's equipped with a Z4000 Remote Commander receiver.

You would use the Z4000 with its receiver to create DCS Z4K Tracks that would allow the Z4000's voltage to be adjusted by the DCS Remote.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Lighthouse,

   Todd if you own a Z4K the side receiver Barry is talking about is a great addition to your control set up, it allows for the complete power control via the hand held remote, of your tracks for both DCS and Conventional trains even running them together on the same tracks, if you so desire.  As Barry indicated there is a way to due what you want using the Z4K transfomer with the side receiver and DCS.

The 1st time I set this up, I had a hard time believing it would actually work, which ever engineer designed this little trick with the side receiver, knew what he was doing. There is a sequence you must use to set the transformer up, to use the side receiver,  Barry has exacting instructions in his book for accomplishing the set up.

PCRR/Dave 

If you have an AIU I'd think you could have an output control a suitably sized double-pole relay to disconnect both leads under remote control.

If you don't have a Z4K and just want remote on/off AC power switching the multi-channel holiday light remotes are a good value from Home Depot or wherever.  For $10-20 you get a small RF remote that independently switches 1 to 3 AC outlet receivers so you could remotely switch power to fixed-output AC bricks. 

And if you're a member of the Rube Goldberg fan club, if you have an AIU you can wire up an output in the momentary (pulsed) output mode to electrically "push" the button of any arbitrary remote controller.  In this way the DCS remote can trigger another remote to control just about anything - including the Home Depot remote AC outlets.

Todd,

All 4 of my channels are powered separately. The 2 variables are on each handle of the Z4000. Each fixed is on a Z1000 brick. If I want to shut off the fixed channels( yard or upper level ) while running the variables, I just unplug the positive for the channel I want to shut down where it exits the TIU. My TIU is readily available and I find it easier than unplugging the brick. I power the TIU with auxilliary power.

Ed

OGaugeDreamer,

   I highly recommend you purcahse Barry's DCS O Guage Companion 2nd addition and

the OGR DCS Video Guide, before you start to build your layout.  Especially if you are going to run both DCS & Legacy together.

Have fun

PCRR/Dave

You can also use all 4 channels of the TIU in variable mode if you have a modern ZW and use it in command mode.

Any updates on when the Z4000 Commander Remote will be available?

You can also use all 4 channels of the TIU in variable mode if you have a modern ZW and use it in command mode.

I don't believe that's possible without using a Cab-1 to control the ZW's power. A DCS Remote cannot do so.

Of course Barry, sorry I didn't state that. Using a ZW in command mode would require the Cab1 or Cab2 to control the voltage in each channel.