Everytime I add a variable track i always see the Z4K option and am just curious what it is?
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Landon,
From page 94 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition:
2. Z4K Tracks
What are Z4K Tracks?
Z4K Tracks allow remote, touch-free control of the power output of up to three Z4000 transformers. By creating Z4K Tracks on a DCS O gauge layout, the operator has complete control of the power of all tracks connected through the TIU to these Z4000 transformers. In order to create and use Z4K Tracks, it's necessary to connect an MTH Z4000 Remote Commander receiver to each Z4000 to be controlled.
Not long after the Z4000 was introduced by MTH and well before the introduction of DCS, MTH also introduced an accessory product that allowed the Z4000 to be operated from a hand held remote control, the Z4000 Remote Commander. The Z4000 Remote Commander consisted of a small receiver that plugged into the back of the Z4000 and a hand held remote control. The remote control communicated wirelessly with the receiver and allowed control of all of the Z4000's functions, including voltage, direction, PS1 engine programming, bell, and whistle/horn controls for both Z4000 handles. Three Z4000s could be controlled in conventional mode. The remote mimicked the controls and readouts on the Z4000, allowed the operator to select from 3 different Z4000s, and allowed power to be controlled via a thumbwheel.
When MTH designed DCS, a feature known as Z4K Tracks was built-in. This allowed the receiver half of the Z4000 Remote Commander, MTH item number 40-4002 (available for sale separately from the complete Remote Commander package) to provide a link between the Z4000 and the DCS Remote. In effect, the DCS Remote now had the capability to control the Z4000 in both conventional and DCS command modes. This opened up new possibilities for DCS operators through the use of Z4K Tracks.
The Z4000 Remote Commander is packaged either as a set with a receiver and a handheld remote control, or as one piece or the other. To use Z4K Tracks under DCS it is only required to have the receiver. The handheld is not used at all.
How Z4K Tracks Work
Z4K Tracks are selected from the Track Control Screen in the same way that a TIU Track is selected. When a Z4K Track is selected, the resulting screen looks just like a TIU Track screen except for the (Z) displayed on the screen. This indicates that the track is a Z4K Track rather than a TIU Track. However, both types of tracks are operated in the same way.
When the thumbwheel is rolled up, the voltage display goes up to show the voltage being provided to the TIU channel from the Z4000, and then through the TIU to the tracks connected to the output of that TIU channel. At the same time, the voltage display on the Z4000 for the handle providing power also increases - without the handle moving. Rolling the thumbwheel down has the opposite effect. Rather than controlling the voltage that is output by the TIU channel, as is the case with a TIU Track, the input voltage to the TIU channel is regulated by the Z4000 itself.
The book goes on to further discuss setup and operation of Z4K Tracks, and how they're different from the variable channel's TIU Tracks.
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 HERE go to MTH's web page for the book!
Thanks! 
Thanks Barry, I learned a lot from that, I still have yet to purchase your book! Is your book an e-book as well?
Landon,
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 HERE go to MTH's web page for the book!
At a price of $12.95 for the eBook, it's inexpensive enough that the price shouldn't be a deterrent.
I also wondered does the DCS remote take the place of the older remote used to control the Z-4000, or do you still need that remote to operate the Z-4000?
Landon,
I also wondered does the DCS remote take the place of the older remote used to control the Z-4000, or do you still need that remote to operate the Z-4000?
Yes, it does. You don't need the Z4000 Remote Commander hand held to control Z4K Tracks. Also, you can define Z4K Tracks and use them conventionally without a TIU.
In case it wasn't clear, you still do need the remote box for the Z4000, you just don't need the handheld controller as the DCS remote will do the trick as well.
Thanks guys! I'll look into it, it can be a pain when your on the other side of the layout and you have to turn on a track.
