Has MTH changed the Z4000 during its 14 year lifespan

I expect that there have been internal changes, as electronics parts do have a certain life cycle. eventually the manufacturers stop making specific parts, so a substitute must be found. The parts that may deteriorate over time(electrolytic capacitors) are usually replaceable. Solid state parts(transistors/diodes/IC's) usually will work "forever". The led  readouts should last "forever"--- 40-50 thousand hours. There are date codes imprinted on the case.  The warranty is as far as I know, just one year, just like the engine warranty.

I have two Z4000. One is an early one and was is very recent. I don't know about the insides but on the new ones there is a tension adjustment screw on the  base for each handle  that is not present on the older one. They both are excellent performing transformers and I highly recommend.

I noticed that a very early one and a fairly recent Z-4000 had holes for the screws on the bottom in different places and numbers.  So I know the casing atleast went thru a revision.  However that doesn't really change functionality.

AN unqualified YES!!!  The original one were designed with the assumption that a "lighted lockon" would in fact be uses.  These units will not ZERO the voltage without the lighted lockons or equivalent load.  IN the day MTH would "repair" actually exchange them for revised design.  I had been there, done it, and got the T-shirt related to a fellow O-gaugers Z-4000.  He knew many at MTH so he called and handed the phone to me.  Had an interesting conversation.

The old ones show on the output plate something like 160 or 165 VA where as new design shows 180 VA per handle.

Ron

The displays apparently do indicate some different versions (or so it would seem).

I noted something different on the display than a previous poster in the thread here.

While we were using different ways of describing what we saw, I think his indicated:

40    00

00    23

While mine indicates:

40    00

01    24

-Dave

The "EARLY" Z4K has the voltage spike problem. When a person turns the unit on a voltage surge to the tracks (50+ VOLTS!!) DOES occur. YES!!, I own one of the "EARLY" models. And "YES" IT DOES do the voltage thing. Would MTH fix the problem? A simple, "NO!!". I had to learn to live with it by installing a few protective measures that I had to pay for. At the time these were rather expensive. My only other complaint would be about the horn buttons. They do stick from time to time. As I run prewar only (no horns) I do not use the blasted thing on a piece of crap transformer. Am I happy with my Z4K? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I buy another? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I tell someone else to buy one? My answer would be,

"H**L NO!!" and 2X "H**L NO!!"

**Please Note: I bought my Z4K when they were first released. The same attitude at MTH applies today. Accept no real responsibility, deny everything, admit nothing.

I have an early one and have no issues other than the handles work to easy. Just keeps hummming along

**Please Note: I bought my Z4K when they were first released. The same attitude at MTH applies today. Accept no real responsibility, deny everything, admit nothing.

Seems to be the case.  

I have two Z-4000s (early) and they have worked OK (except for some of the issues above) but I always wish I had invested in P/W ZWs with some heavy-duty re-conditioning.  The Z-4000s were bought to run Proto 1 locs.  Mistake.

I've gone the PW ZW route.  Made sure they were reconditioned, added appropriate fuse and TVS protection.  I'm very happy.

Well, Happy Pappy obviously ain't!   Probably ought to consider a screen name change.

But I'll provide an opposite perspective.  The Z4000 is the best transformer I have ever owned, and it appears to rank among the most-preferred transformers in this segment of the hobby (based on what I see submitted for the magazine and on this forum).

I don't know about the earliest versions and always try to avoid buying first-generation electronic stuff, but I am perfectly happy with the performance of the current generation versions.  And keep in mind that the Z4000 is UL-approved.

Allan,

In all my many, many years in the hobby, this is the ONLY item I regret buying. Other than this I'm as happy as happy can be. This hobby has been very nice to me. I was alive in the "Good Times" of the hobby. I saw the decline of Lionel. And now the few reminders of the, "Good Times" (LHS) are dying. Yes, I'm still a "Happy Pappy" because I'm alive enjoying this great hobby. Who knows, I might even buy another, Z4K. 

That's the spirit, Pappy! 

i got one the first year they were available ,to this day i have never got any "50 volt spike". for the small  changes the new ones have and the amount of z-4000's around,i would say mth  got it right the first time. count me happy with mine-jim

I have an early model, from the second year or so and I love it.  It never failed to do what MTH said it would.

I also have a post-war ZW with modren electronics on it  and I have no problems with it at all. That said when I consider the total cost diference; PW-ZW, pluss meter boards and such a second Z4K would of been a better investment due to the extra power I would have.

I'm sorry you had two bad ones, Pappy. I was wondering was the units losers from day one, if so did you bring them back to the dealer?

The Z-4000 is a dependable transformer. I do employ Scott's Odds and Ends Spike Protectors OR QSI Power Guards with both of my Z-4000's and my two Z-1000's.

I have one of the first generation Z4000's that had the throttle problem which was an easy fix.The remaining seven are newer and made in Thailand.The overall fit and finish is superior,the handles are tighter and smoother.I am very happy with my Z4000's and highly recommend them.

I have seen the new ZW-L and it is impressive,it will be interesting to see how it performs in the long run.

I still run 2 of the first run ttransformers.  No problems.  I run trains every day. 

My Z4000 is four years in service on my layout, and it has been trouble free. I really like this big hunk of watts, and I will be getting another as my railroad grows.