Is this normal for a Z4000?

If I recall, with the Z4k, the throttles must be turned all the way down when power is turned on, otherwise it will not work correctly and flash the light as you've described.  Here's from page 4 of the instruction manual:  

BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make sure the two large throttle handles located on either side of the transformer are in the fully lowered (or OFF) position.

2. Turn the Z-4000 on by pressing the Power On button located on the lower right front side of the transformer case.

As far as I know there is no way around this when using the Z4000.  May be better off sticking with the KW to run your accessories, and invest in some panel meters if that's what you're looking for.  

JGL

that is normal for az4000 it will always do that it is a built in self test to turn on all the alarms and lights and then shut down until you advance the throttles, then it will function normally and respond to your control setting.

Alan

John is correct. You must reset the throttles to zero when powering up. I don't think this happens if you use the accessory posts.

your answer is in the operaters owner manual that comes with every z-4000......

Thanks guys, I bought it used and no manual. I will download and read it. Sounds like I have a normal unit and I may rethink the KW. Is there a limit on the load the 14v accessories tap will take?

Here's the manual:  

http://mthtrains.com/sites/def...ction/20as15530i.pdf

Unfortunately it gives no indication of how much current the 10v and 14v accessory outputs will supply.  I can assume it is quite a lot, and that they are simple taps off the transformer's windings, but I do not know this as a fact.  If this is the case they will supply whatever current their circuit breakers will allow. 10 amps?  The two variable outputs, so says the manual, are each limited to 180 watts (about 13 amps at 14 VAC).

JGL

Thanks all and JGL for the manual link. I plan to run a test on the 14v accessories tap tonight.

JohnGaltLine posted:

Here's the manual:  

http://mthtrains.com/sites/def...ction/20as15530i.pdf

Unfortunately it gives no indication of how much current the 10v and 14v accessory outputs will supply.  I can assume it is quite a lot, and that they are simple taps off the transformer's windings, but I do not know this as a fact.  If this is the case they will supply whatever current their circuit breakers will allow. 10 amps?  The two variable outputs, so says the manual, are each limited to 180 watts (about 13 amps at 14 VAC).

JGL

The 10 and 14 volt ports have a 3 amp capacity.  It is written on the transformer and must be in the manual.

A Z-4000 is 4 separate transformers in one case. 2 180 watt and 2 smaller ones for the accessories.

Thanks Jim, one would think that information would be in the manual but I don't see it.  Your update saves me some fooling around tonight: 400 watts total, 2x180 for the two tracks, not a ton for two small accessories transformers, i would overload them easily.

Why do folks make assumptions in the unsafe direction when giving advice?  If you do not know the answer don't answer.  Jim's answer is correct for the rating of the Accessory outputs. G

I was guilty, like JGL, I had assumed a 400 watt transformer would have a more robust accessories tap. Instead the capacity is small. Seems to be an important factor for the manual.

hokie71 posted:

I was guilty, like JGL, I had assumed a 400 watt transformer would have a more robust accessories tap. Instead the capacity is small. Seems to be an important factor for the manual.

It's actually quite high for the 400 watt rating using the simplified P=IV.  180 watts each for the 2 handles gives us :  360 watts+ 3amps*10volts+3amps*14volts = 432 watts. 

Why would you expect it to be much higher?

Right but Apparently the windings in this transformer segment the capacity. 360 on the handles but the load capacity on the 10 and 14v accessories taps are only what is left. Not much really.