A quick question about the M83 decoder. I´ve got a couple of them and just getting started with the automation. But do I have to connect them together with the side plug contact or can I spred them out?

The manual says:
Several m83/m84 decoders can be plugged together
with the side plug contacts. No extension or connecting
wire may be used for this. All of the decoders plugged
together are supplied with power from the power
connections (power supply or track connections) made
to the first turnout decoder. No other track connections
may be made

As I understand it, they can be spread out, but then each M83 needs track connection. But if I connect them as one "unit" I just need one track connection.

Thanks!

(More dumb questions to come later on..)

Strangely enough I have just encountered the same issue. I have documented elsewhere that my layout is a K Track original layout with a section of extension based on C track. I was operating the k track section with a circuit comprising a 6021 /two 6040's and six 6083 decoders not connected at all to the track, the first 6083 wired red and brown from the 6021 and the remainder daisy chained from the last red and brown. An MS2 controls the whole track C & K and on the C track section two decoders a Viessmann 5211 and a 60831 are connected to the track and then to five turnouts and three uncouplers. I was not happy with the turnout performance on the MS2 so decided to loop all the decoders onto the 6021 circuit and disconnect the track power. I then saw in the manual the paragraph in the OP which appears to omit the daisy chain idea in favour of track power or separate power supplies. This idea did not fill me with joy so I tried the daisy chain from the existing 6083's through the Viessman and terminating in the 60831 switched on crossed my fingers and awaited the smell of burning but no everything works perfectly and my theory that a 6021 is much better at thunking turnout motors is proved correct.