Z-4000 OPERATION QUESTION

No. The handles can be in any position at startup or shutdown, but must be returned to "zero" position before you can deliver power to the rails. This feature is intended to prevent run-aways at startup, but does create a slight operational difficulty if you are not used to it.

That is the 1 thing I don't like about the Z4000... you have to return the handles to zero when powering up. You can't leave them "on" like any of the ZW handles or you'll get the red light and no power output.

Ken,

If you get the remote receivers for the Z-4000 transformers and set up Z4K tracks, you can turn them on with an ALL command with the remote without having to touch the transformers. If just using command engines, you can have the start voltage set at whatever voltage you run with a clink or two of the thumbwheel.

If you have Barry's book, I think it's on page 128 with the instructions for setting them up.

If you run conventional, you should look into the Z-1000 remotes.

One remote can control three Z-4000's and all six variable power outputs. Two form each transformer.

If you run conventional, you should look into the Z-1000 remotes.

One remote can control three Z-4000's and all six variable power outputs. Two form each transformer.

Charlie,

The DCS remote can be used the same as the old Z-4000 remote which I don't think is made any more. Ken already has the DCS remote. In some cases the DCS remote will work better in conventional as you can use the ALL command to vary the voltage with all the outputs of the Z-4000 transformers simultaneously.

Say you have separated two loops with a crossover and each loop run off different handles of a Z-4000. Using the All command for the Z4K tracks, you can regulate the voltage simultaneously with the DCS remote making the crossover, without having to switch the tracks as on the old Z-4000 remote to match the voltage for the crossing.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I do have Barry's book (first edition) and will read that section. I am a little confused with some of the nomenclature being used.

As I understand it, there is a Z4000 Remote Commander Receiver that allows you to contol up to 3 transformers, but they don't make that anymore. I have the DCS system so would only need the receiver half so I will look for this at some meets.

I am not sure what is a Z-1000 remote. I have an original Z-1000 transformer but don't think that is what is being referred to.

Kenjr,

There are several different "remotes" that MTH has made over the years.

1. The first was an IR device that sent conventional commands to an IR Lockon. This was packaged in some Ready to Run sets.
2. The next was the Z4000 Remote Commander set, which consisted of a remote and a receiver, The receiver plugged into the back of a Z4000 and allowed conventional, walk-around control of up to 3 Z4000s/MTH is producing one last run of the complete package of a remote and a receiver. After that, there ail be no more because parts are unavailable. However, MTH may at some point make a new product that does the same thing.
3. Next was the DCS system which came with the DCS Remote, allowing full command control of PS2 and PS3 engines, and conventional control of other engines. The DCS Remote also has the benefit of being able to use the Z4000 Remote Commander receiver to control the Z4000s remotely.
4. Most recently, there is the DCS Remote Commander which accompanies the newer Ready-to-Run sets and also is available separately.

What Joe is discussing is using the DCS Remote with the Z4000 Remote Commander receiver t.l.o. control the Z4000s remotely