DCS Wifi Control Panels

large control panels are an anachronism with DCS Wifi,  i have one because my layout predates DCS Wifi ,

i suggest smaller ones about the layout that control local areas like the yards or reversing loop.

With the control system & locos you have (doesn't sound like a conventional guy), most accessories can be controlled with DCS, though some still use control panels for things like uncouple tracks, lighting switches for buildings, street lamps, and structures instead. On my layout, I do have one control panel that I use for more of a map board of the layout which shows locations of switches (all 18 of them), uncouple tracks, and track power blocks which are referenced in the DCS, Also use the control panel for the millhouse turntable controller, and power switches to the roundhouse tracks. DCS can do most of this as well (with the exception of the millhouse controller), but I choose manual power toggles so the chrono's are always active on the locos. Don't know if this is of any help, but I took a computer generated layout map similar to what you show above, cleaned it up, added text & graphic references for items on the layout to make it more of a reference map, had it blown up into 11x17 and laminated. Bonded to a hardboard backer, hinged at the top with stainless trim, then punched holes to install the toggles. One reference I used before making the control panel was an OGR backshop video. Some use pin striping tape, but I felt the computer could make a nicer looking graphic. Good luck    

I'm using that control panel printout from rrtrack and will print via office depot to 24 x 36 laminated poster board so I can put switch controllers, siding power switches, and momentary switches for uncoupling tracks. I'll likely control everything from the app but the control panel will come in handy for the wife and great grandkids. Now if we could upload an rrtrack file to the app we'd really have something. 

If you use poster board it may not be strong enough; I use a sandwich of Plexiglas, the drawing and a piece of thin metal at the bottom. I drill thru all three layers to mount the switches.

Now a really cool thing  I have seen on Chugmans layout is to laminate a thin metal sheet with your drawing, wood frame it and drill just thru the metal. mounting the switches directly on the metal.

I have 2 WIUs, 4 remotes, 2 TIUs, and a full control panel with controllers for all 48 switches and toggle switches for all 76 blocks.  When I have many trains running on intersecting routes, only the control panel works fast enough.

I had it printed on 24 x 36 poster board and laminated. I'll mount it atop 1/4 inch particle board.

RJR, after using the remote, and the app, it just seems that having the control panel and then controllers also located close to the switches as well will provide the best coverage. Thanks for your observation. 

Maybe I wasn't clear.  The control panel contains a diagram (hand drawn with ruler) of the layout.  On it are the the toggle switches from the blocks, and for each track switch there is a DZ illuminated controller at its location.  Most of the track switches also are controlled by my 4 AIUs, as are accessories.  If post pix when I can find them

I am attaching a picture of my panel.  Each panel is the area controlled by a TIU channel (I actually have 2 areas on one of the panels).  Atop the panel are transformers, circuit breakers for each channel, and a small panel with buttons for uncoupling tracks.  TIUs, WIUs, and AIUs are out of the way.

Also on top is special control box for my rolling gantry crane (28-gauge wire used, with relays) and spare, charged remote batteries