Your first electrical task is to drive the relay boards that control the various track sections known as blocks. We'll also show how to set up the main electrical relays for choosing the two power packs' off/on status. Then, for each block, we'll set up a set of three relays: one each single pole, double throw (SPDT) relay to choose power off/on status and power pack choice, plus a double pole, double throw (DP/DT) relay for direction. My layout is limited to eight of these blocks by the available number of relays. There are spare SPDT relays, several of which get used for electrically connecting sidings to the blocks they are joined to. ...clear as mud, huh? You'll see. It's pretty straightforward, once you "get down in the weeds" and look at the details.

Click here to see the details about adding, setting up, and testing relay boards.

From there, move on to Layout Design, Electrical Design, Connections, and Testing details.

For the next major topic, the Graphical Interface, click here.