DZ-1000 Experiences

The DZ-1000 is a very reliable switch machine.  I'm using the DZ-2500's as they're TMCC compatible directly, but they're a lot more "finicky" than the DZ-1000.  You can indeed parallel controls to the switches and have a control right at the switch location and another on a panel, or connected to the MTH AIU if desired.

You can connect up to 10 switches to an AIU, the accessory terminals have different behavior and will not work well for switches.

Gotcha. It sounds like you have had better luck with the 2500s than the people I found through the search function. I found a couple newer replies saying the 2500s had come a long way and just required some patience to get working well. But that was it. They didn't have much detail.

Given the trackplan and my experience level, I'm going to start with the DZ1000.

I saw your reply about the Micromark machines. They were enticing because of their simplicity. I wasn't sure if they could be hooked up to an AIU or anything though.

If you're going for ultimate reliability, things like the under table Tortoise or the stall machines from Micromark are great, those are practically bulletproof.  They're also a lot more work to install!   They do depend on a continuous flow to hold the points in position, and I've only wired them to toggle switches.

I'll give the DZ1000 a shot. I'm not ordering everything at once so I'll get some time to test it out and see if I want to stick with it. Thanks!!!

The DZ-1000 are quite reliable, I think you'll have no problem with those.  The only objection I have is they're quite a bit larger than the DZ-2500, occasionally that's an issue.  However, the DZ-1000 has the little manual switch lever on top so you can change the switch position with no power on the switch machine, the DZ-2500 can only be switched under power.  Not a problem once I get the layout wired, but right now it's a bit of a PITA as I just want to roll something over the tracks as a test and I have to carry a transformer around to momentarily power the switch to change positions.

A couple of issues DZ1000

(1.) The attach wires will break-off, where the solder ends, in the small insulated leads. Yellow wire is missing.

(2.) There is a limit switch, often the limit switch does not complete the throw.  Green switch, bottom center of picture.

Hm. I can solder wires on all day but the limit switch part is concerning.

For under the table mounting, the gold standard switch machine in model railroading of all scales is the Tortoise and it has been that way for decades.  There's a reason.  I have many that have been in trouble-free service for over 20 years.

I remember Tortoise being the best when I had a layout back in the day.

All these options sure can be overwhelming haha I got my reading cut out for me.