MTH 4000 transformer and DCS

How big is your layout, how much track?

Personally, I think the Z4000 is overkill.  I expect you can get great results if you used a Lionel Powerhouse PH-180 and save some cash:

Z4000:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com...er-p/mth-40-4000.htm

PH-180:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com...ly-p/lio-6-22983.htm

(out of stock at MB Klein)

The good thing about the PH-180 is you won't be applying too much voltage if you run any TMCC engines (18VAC max recommended), not sure what the Z4000 output voltage is (I only have the Z750, it's 21VAC and I no longer use it).

Hope this helps!

Layout is 8 x 13' 3 independent tracks running only MTH engines. 

How many amps does the Lionel 180 transformer supply.

The PH is 10 amps, you would want 3 so factor that in.  The advantage of the Z-4000 is robust transformer, room to grow, digital amperage and voltage read out for troubleshooting or seeing issues with engines.  Conventional operations from the transformer. 

Yes fully compatible with TIU, has the same banana connector style as your Z-750.   G

I agree with G.  Also, when you plug in a remote receiver into the Z-4000, you can control conventional engines remotely using the DCS remote.

GGG and Joe Allen, thanks for your input. GGG thanks for telling me I would 3 units. Joe I wasn't aware you could plug in the remote into the transformer. Instruction from MTH are lacking. Looks like on their website they are still using the 1999 instruction sheet. DCS came out in 2002.

I appreciate your help.

Bob,

The Z4000 is 10 amps per handle at 5-22 volts. Additionally, it has 4 amp 14 volt, and 4 amp 10 volt accessory outputs.

Instruction from MTH are lacking

What you need is a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition!  

Everything you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry, thanks for your help again. You are right I have to buy your book. is there going to be an update 3 digital?

Bob,

 is there going to be an update 3 digital?

At some point, yes.

http://mthtrains.com/content/40-4002

Bob,

Yes, it plugs into the transformer. It originally can with its own remote, but when DCS came out, the DCS remote was programmed to use it also.

Using this allows you to use the remote to run conventional engines with FIXED channels using the DCS remote. It actually controls the transformer remotely. I have my Variable channels set to FIXED and I can run all the TIU channels conventionally with this system. I think my Post-War engines actually perform better using this system.

Joe, when I ran engines conventionally without speed control on the hills, I Found that the remote was not responsive enough to decelerate down hill. Do you find the remote more responsive thru the MTH 4000? Again thanks for your input.

Jersey bob,

    1st I recommend you invest in Barry's book The DCS O Gauge Companion and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, both great educational material for running DCS.  You will find that running your conventionals thru the DCS hand held remote gives you exacting control, if you use the side receiver to the Z4K, Barry spells this out nicely in his book. He also gives exacting info on proper wiring and and block building for constructing your DCS layout.  Take the time to read Barry's book and also watch Rich on the OGR Video Guide to DCS, this will eliminate most all of your running frustration.

PCRR/Dave

 IMO it is always better to over power your layout so you can expand your layout as time goes on. If you happen to have the ZW & KW type transformers in your train inventory remember to use the 10 Amp Scott type Breakers between your transformers and your DCS TIU.  Further I highly recommend the use of a Raido Shack 24/18V AC power supply for powering your TIU, the advantages are also spelled out in the DCS O Gauge Companion.

Dave, advice well taken. I have the DVD but will invest in the book. Am going to the mth 4000 transformer. Thanks

Jersey Bob:  You may have a misunderstanding.  The remote does not plug into the Z4000.  There is a device called a Z4k receiver (I don't have part number) that plugs in, and is controlled by the DCS remote, permitting you to vary Z4000 output voltage from the remote.

I remember when the Z4k receiver first came out!! WooHoo!! Living the good life being able to remote control the Z4k

RJR & CRH, you are both correct I misunderstood the connection of the remote to transformer. Now I understand it has to go thru Z4k receiver. 

Is the Z4k something I should invest in? Or is this something I will have very little use for. Thanks for input.

If you are not going to be running conventional, I wouldn't bother.  If you are, it's essential if you are using the FIXED circuits of the TIU.

Gentlemen,

    If you own a Z4K I highly recommend the purchase of the side receiver,

it works very very well for controlling conventional engines with the DCS.

It's another great option for remote control of your older conventional engines.

PCRR/Dave