Explorer shuts down????

Kenny,

Is the breaker tripped on the Z1000? Is there power coming out of the Z1000?

If the Z1000’s breaker is tripped or there’s no power coming out of the Z1000, the Z1000 is what’s shutting down. Otherwise, it’s the Explorer’s internal circuit breaker tripping because you exceeded 6 amps draw from the layout.

What’s the power being drawn through the Explorer?

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry thanks for the reply. The Z-1000 breaker is never tripped, the fuse in the explorer is never blown. Sorry, I don't know how to check the power being drawn through the explorer.

PS. I just down loaded your 3rd edition DCS companion web book. Haven't been able to go through it yet.

Kenny,

You check power output from the Z1000 by using a voltmeter on the Z1000’s output plug.

   PS. I just down loaded your 3rd edition DCS companion web book. Haven't been able to go through it yet.

Regarding the Explorer, that’s discussed in The DCS WiFi Companion, 2nd Edition. 

Thanks again! Sorry I'm new to this. I did get the DCS 2nd edition this time. Look forward to reading and learning.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

You check power output from the Z1000 by using a voltmeter on the Z1000’s output plug.

Well, it's a little more complicated that that.   What he really need to know is the current being drawn by the layout, that's going to require an ammeter.  My choice is usually a clamp-on meter as that doesn't require changing wiring to accommodate the series meter for the current measurement.  While I have a few meters, including at least three clamp-on models, I typically reach for this nice cheap Harbor Freight model.  6 Function Mini Clamp Meter.  It checks out to be within a couple percent of my fluke bench meter for AC current, more than sufficient for layout measurements.  It's cheap and easy to use.

John,

What he neeeds to know first is if theExplorer is losing power itself or if it’s losing it’s power source.

Well, other than over-current through the transformer, I kinda' doubt that it's the issue.  The fact that he mentions three trains pretty strongly suggests that it's an over-current situation.

However, a voltage reading isn't a bad thing, and conveniently the HF clamp-on also measures AC and DC voltage.

The software in the Explorer is limiting the current to a level below the fuse.  There may be a software update in the future.  In fact, using turnouts on the layout may cause the Explorer to shut down due to the surge of the switch machine coil.

Gentleman thanks for the great imput,

   I did get the meter John suggested, and I'm gonna try again to run all 3 o scale Proto 3 MTH trains at once. When it shuts down I will try to determine if it's the Z-1000 or Explorer. I'll let you know.

Thanks again Kenny

BTW, there’s an update for the Explorer, firmware 1.1. That’s just an FYI and most likely has no bearing on this problem.

I ran the 3 trains again for about 9 minutes till it shut down again. Checked the transformer, which still had  19 volts coming out the end where it plugs into the explorer. I assume that the explorer is internally shutting down without the fuse blowing, because all I have to do is turn power off and on again and it starts up again fine for another run. ( Will run two trains all day without shutting down)

What is my options to run 3 o scale Proto 3 trains on nearly 140 feet of track around the ceiling of a large room???? Would the TIU track interface unit & Dcs WIU WiFI unit work with my Z-1000???? 

Thanks for the help!

Kenny

I have a TIU with a Z1000 running wifi and can say I have no problems. I run a lashup of 3 911 engines pulling 36 cars for a complete 911 train and love it.

The full TIU would certainly work, the Explorer is limited to around 5 or 6 amps, the manual doesn't say.  Clearly, you're exceeding whatever current limit the explorer has.

Did you try measuring the current to the track when all of them are running?  You just have to clamp around one of the leads with the meter, either the outside rail or center rail, just not both.  Let us know what reading you get for current.  It's not voltage that's the problem here, it seems pretty clear it's the current.

John, I didn't put the clamp on the track with everything running. I bought the meter you suggested from Harbor Freight. Did check to see if the transfomer had current ( voltage) coming out after the shut down.

John, am I checking amps on the center rail with everything running, and what position shoud the meter be set to??? I saw a 20A on the meter.

Thanks, Kenny

20A is the correct setting, that's the full scale reading.  I'm guessing you're getting at least 5-6 amps and it's shutting down the Explorer.

I think MTH made a mistake by having the Explorer putting out 6amps only. They should've made it up to 8 amps. This way we know it would run up to three trains without any problems. I wonder if MTH could upgrade the explorer to eliminate this obstacle. Or they should clarify how big three trains should be on one's train layout. Come on, Mth, be clear on product info with a new product. It's your product, is it not?

I have the same problem with P2 and P3 engines with just 4 (!) of the Kline Bombardier commuter cars and the Explorer - runs a few feet and stops. Remove the Explorer for conventional ZController and it runs fine.