Peter,
1 - I want the ability to independently power down all loops and the yard so I don’t keep electrifying stuff not being used. As a practical matter, the two mains would both either be on/off at same time. Ideally, would like the ability to power down mains but keep yard electrified (for playing solitaire). You’ll note in my schematic that I have assumed toggles AFTER the DCS unit, but perhaps the toggles should be between the Z-4000 and the DCS?
If you place the toggles after the TIU outputs, then each time that you power up before turning on the toggle switch for a TIU channel, all of your PS2/PS3 engines will miss the watchdog signal and come up in conventional mode.
2 – You’ll note that I have a DPDT toggle for the inner main to allow me to power down the inner main but keep power to yard. But, this still doesn’t allow me to ever turn both off when the Z-4000 is powered up (I came up with an alternate, where I had one toggle coming from DCS and then another toggle immediately after the terminal block that connects to all lines except the yard line – but this seems incredibly complicated).
The yard power is problematical. It's never a good idea to split the DCS signal twice, however, in this case you may have to do so. Have the Inner MAin/Yard power split at the output of the channel into two tangles. One goes on to the terminal block and the other to the yard.
3 - I may be overly complicating things with having a toggle to each of the mains, as they will both either be on or off. But I did this on the assumption that this is probably “cleaner,” because each main would be powered by a separate DCS channel and would be carrying the DCS signal to different terminal blocks going to different loops. But have no idea if this “separation” is necessary?
If it weren't for the Yard split from the Inner Main, you could just use one Z4K handle for both mains and avoid toggles for the Mains altogether.
2 – Would I use SPST toggles for everything other than the inner loop/yard?
You could.
3 – Just confirming that I should wire all turnouts for each loop to a loop-specific separate power source? So, I’d have one power source for turnouts, lights and accessories for Main #1 (and maybe #2?), another for the EL and another for the upper line (or one to cover both of these?)?
Thats not necessary, since turnouts throw sequentially, not all at once.
4 - I want to put the toggles and the terminal blocks right on the control panel. Recommendations would be most appreciated.
Terminal blocks take up a lot of room. They're best placed under the layout.
