Operating Z4000 remote on DCS fixed voltage

There is a device called a Z4000 receiver which gets plugged into the Z4000 and enables the Z4000 output voltage to be varied via the DCS remote control.  The result is a variable output voltage from the TIU fixed circuits that is excellent for controlling conventional--in fact, it's better than using the variable circuits.

Gerry,

As RJR posted, what you need is a #40-4002 Z4000 Remote Commander receiver. That will allow you to set up DCS Z4K Tracks which allow remote control of the Z4000's handles.

Use the link below to see the product on MTH's web site:

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/40-4002

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 on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

I'm thinking that if you do this on TIU fixed channel 1, you will want to power your TIU independently.

Definitely.  Which is a good idea in any event, in any layout.

Before I posted I tried running a PS2 engine on a track wired through the fixed 1 output with my Z4000 remote receiver connected to my Z4000 transformer. The Z4000 remote brought the track voltage up over 15 volts but the engine didn't respond. I do have my TIU powered through fixed 1 and not independently. Will this wiring cause the scenario I created? can someone post the radio shack part I need to wire TIU independently?

Thanks for the replies!

Gerry,

If you're operating a PS2 engine under DCS, after you run up the voltage you must have the engine added to the DCS Remote and then start it up using the DCS Remote in order to operate it.

If DCS is connected to the layout and the engine sees the DCS watchdog signal, the engine cannot be operated conventionally.

Ok it all worked. Got the DCS engine to operate through DCS remote and then ran the conventional engine on the same fixed 1 track through the Z4000 remote.

thanks for your help!

I thought Radio Shack made a cable to go from a wall outlet directly to a port on the TIU.

There is a Radio Shack plug-in transformer which has 18 & 24 volt outputs (or something like that, and can be had with an adapter that fits the TIU auxiliary power jack.  I don;t have the R-S numbers at hand & I'm sure someone who does will post them soon for you.

Gerry,

AS far as I know, the latest incarnation of the Radio Shack power supply that will power the TIU through its Aux. Power Supply is #273-331 "Enercell­™ Switchable 18/24VAC 1 AMP Power Adapter with #273-344 Enercell™ Adaptaplug™ M.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition lists the power supply that was available when the book was written, #273-1690 18/24 VAC 1000 ma Power Adapter with #273-1716 Adaptaplug M. Same basic unit with a different product number and a higher price.