J Daddy,
You have a few misconceptions in your suggestions:
1) Fixed one channel ALWAYS needs to be on
Not true. The TIU can be powered via the Aux. Power port rather than Fixed #1 Input. In fact, doing so is preferred over always having Fixed #1 powered.
2) Do you see the red LED light? That is the watch Dog signal... this must be on at all times.
Half true. The TIU's red LED must be on at all times that you are running trains on any channel. However, it has nothing to do with the watchdog signal. That is issued any time the voltage on any TIU Output channel is changed from zero to any other voltage.
3) Before you run any trains hit the read function on the remote to confirm the remote is talking to the TIU
No, absolutely not a good idea, unless you want to send all of your engines that are on non-powered tracks to the Inactive Engine List.
4) If your engines are off on a block powered track, there is a good chance it will not see the watch dog signal or not be found. make sure you block powered track is powered up before the fixed one port is powered on.
That's true, however, if you turn on a siding's power and the engine comes up in conventional mode, just press either Startup to put it into DCS mode or Shut Down to make it go quietly into DCS "stealth' mode, with all lights off.
5) Make a programing track! You will be so happy you did.
Any track block is de facto a "programming track", as long as its center rail is insulated from adjacent center rails and no other engines are powered on when the DCS engine is added.
6) Always check your track signal strength. I wired my layout with bus powered wiring with 3 foot drops. 9s and 10s around the 40 x 40 layout.
A good idea, regardless of how you wired your layout.
7) Only error I noted is the Voltage read on the remote vs. track was not the voltage measured. My track is always 3-5 volts lower
That's not any kind of a DCS issue. It's typically a symptom of a large amp draw that causes voltage at the tracks to decease. (Voltage = Current X Impedance)
8) READ your manual, ask questions, go over all the functions. Own it. Once your confidence is up on using it you will be less confused.
Good suggestion! Even better, purchase a copy of one or both of the DCS Companion books! 
 | Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! |
 | Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" |
