Nevertheless, the Z-1000 is a proven transformer. I have owned three over the last ten years with no problems.
I have one as well Art, that doesn't mean it won't cause issues with some versions of the ProtoSound 1 boards, because that would be incorrect. 
I use one on my test bench, and occasionally I grab the old 1033 for problem ProtoSound 1 boards to finish testing them.
@Tinplate Art posted:Nevertheless, the Z-1000 is a proven transformer. I have owned three over the last ten years with no problems.
Thanks Art. I'm willing to give it another shot, as it appears the Z-1000 controller died. I like the way the Z-1000 handles trains, so will be ordering another controller. I'm not so keen on the CW-80 as I see constant surges and slow-downs on a level layout.
I have run both standard and O with mine with smooth results.
I just grab a 1033 square one, lol.
(I understand why John, the luddite in me just couldn't resist)
When I had a "noisy fan" in one of my CW-80s, I took it apart just put a drop of oil on the fan bearing and that was over 10 years ago and it's still quiet and works every Christmas. It's an entry level transformer, but i have had no issues with it other than a noisy fan a drop of oil fixed. I did have to buy a cheap triangle "delta" screw driver to do it. You may want to ditch the original screws once you get them off so if you are ever in there again, a normal screw driver will work.
