Hello Dcs users and experts
i was wondering if the aiu is worth the time money and hassle and wat do you think about the aiu any responses are appreciated

Hassle ?!?

It's a box of relays. Neatly packaged, pre-wired, powered, interfaced, flexible, easliy accessable by remote control. What hassle?? Seems like a big time saver.

If your operational scheme needs relays it's a no-brainer.

I am currently running 2 AIU's on my layout for switches and accessories. They work great and really clean up the control area of 20 switch controllers and accessory buttons.

Absolutely worth it! I am running 5 switches off the AIU and it is wonderful to have complete control on the remote not of just the trains but the switches and accessories. Wiring is relatively easy.

Should be your next purchase, about the price of two boxcars.

Also you can't do much in Record/Playback without an AIU

Cheapest way to get control of switches and accessories onto youyr handheld.
I have 5

Honestly, I love the fact that I can throw switches from my handheld. Also, if you like to run scenarios or record/playback a session this is the only way to go. Now, an AIU is excellent for switches, but I could go both ways regarding the use of the AIU for accessories. In some cases, it is nice, but sometimes it is just as easy to put a switch near the accessory to turn it on/off. Personal taste perhaps.

They're a no brainer on a DCS layout....you'll be glad you used them!

--Greg

I have 3 AIU's and will soon buy a 4th one. They are great - especially if you want to record an operating session for future playback. I have a couple of passenger trains set up so that they automatically make a pre-recorded "run" every 15 minutes.

I also have switch push buttons installed for the grandkids. The switches work just as well using the buttons or the AIU's. One other comment about grandkids .... be sure to wire your switches for non-derail operation.

It would be nice if MTH also made an AIU that was designed just for 15 or 20 switches versus the current 10 switches & 10 accessories.

I never considered 3-rail until I saw a DCS system in operation. Now I'm into 3-rail neck deep. I like it.

I'm not a big fan of the AIU except for the record /playback feature. I don't know about you guys but I find it much easier to walk over to the push button controller located near the switch and push the button.. fumbling through the remote looking for switch 26 under the SW and the switching back to engine is a bit of a pain. I suppose hooking up both methods is the way to go.

I

I see two big advantages to throwing switched through the TIU (in addition to using the control panel.)

The first is the ability to include switch track operations in Record/Playback sessions and the second is the use of Routes.

quote:

fumbling through the remote looking for switch 26 under the SW and the switching back to engine is a bit of a pain.

Graig
You do know after pressing the sw button on the remote you only have to enter the switch number on the keypad and it will automatically go to the switch you select without scrolling through all the switches.

If you did know this I apologize. It wasn't clear in your post.

Tracy

I think an AIU is a godsend, makes wiring in switches simpler and easier to operate. Plus if you use the route feature, you can set up your route and at the press of the button...all the required switches are thrown and you are set to run your route(s). A very big help IMO.

Thanks everybody All your feedback helped me alot i bought the aiu and i am really happy i did