testing for 24vac

I am currently writing software for an X10 capable sprinkler system.
The system has the ability to control 8 zones. Each zone has a
corresponding 24 vac output that connects to the manifold. When the
voltage is present the zone turns on.

I would like to be able to test that he sprinkler is turning on the
zones that I request. I was thinking that I could use 8 diodes
representing the 8 outputs. When voltage is detected on one of the
outputs the corresponding diode lights up.

Would someone please explain how I could accomplish this. I am open to
other ideas as well that may be simpler (or maybe more elegant
?segmented LED?)

-george economos

BTW - Please keep in mind that I am a software engineer with limited
electronics experience ;-)
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