Is it wrong to do this with MTH DCS

If you wire the switches for Aux power, you'll eliminate the flickering lights.  I don't think the buzz can be eliminated, but by adjusting the voltage to the switch to the minimum for proper operation, it'll be greatly reduced, and any arcing will also be minimized.

To wire for Aux power, just remove the jumper between Aux Power and Track AC out and wire Aux power to your accessory/switch power supply.  Here's the spot in the manual that describes wiring for Aux power.

You're not doing any thing wrong at all. What's happening is that, when the switch track's automatic non derailing function throws the switch, it's using a little bit of track power to do so. That's why the lights on all the switches momentarily dim (flicker).

If you want to prevent this, instead of wiring the switch tracks to operate using track power, as they are set to do right out of the box, use a separate power source as is shown in the switch track instruction booklet.

If you do this, use a 14-16 volt AC transformer that is capable of providing 4 amps. Also, be sure to have it in-phase with your track power transformer in order to prevent a short-circuit when a switch track is activated. Further, connect a Common wire of each transformer together or the automatic non-derailing function will not operate. It works by completing a circuit via the Common control rail.

It would be best to do this for all of your switch tracks, as I believe that lights will also dim momentarily when you throw any of your switch tracks manually from the control panel.

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 HERE go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks! 

Thanks guys, I knew you would have a solution!

To Barry's comment about the 4 amps to throw the switch. Is that the amount of current needed to throw an o22?

The current spike to switch an 022 switch is very short, it may approach 4A for a few milliseconds, I've never measured it.

Steve,

...about the 4 amps to throw the switch. Is that the amount of current needed to throw an o22?

Not necessarily.

However, when hew puts all hiss switch tracks on a separate circuit, he'll need current to not only throw a switch, but also to light all the switch lanterns, all the time.

I have all of the o22 switches running off the aux power and not the track. What I am trying to figure out is the maximum amps going thru the controller that lets me switch the direction. The controller then has the red or green light lit to indicate the direction the switch is in.

Steve,

It's quite possible the motor draws as much, when you throw true switch, as does the bulb all the time.

The bigger amp consideration isn't what the draw is when you throw one switch, rather, it's what the switch lanterns draw altogether, all the same time.

Figure each bulb draws at least .1 amps, if you're running at 12 volts, that's 1.2 watts for each bulb.  Each switch with the standard 022 controller has two bulbs on all the time.  If you have 10 switches, that's 24 watts just lighting the bulbs.  It adds up fast.

The switch impulse current is almost surely a lot more, but it only happens briefly.

I think Barry has already told you this twice.