MTH Z-4000 remote activation of proto couplers

This assumes you do not have DCS.

If you have DCS I suspect you are meant to use that:

Running in Conventional with PS2 or PS3 you have to do a sequence of bell and whistle pushes to activate the coupler. Front and rear have difference sequences.

Timing must be maintained at 1/2 second on, 1/2 second before next button.

You will have to do the timed sequence of the bell whistle series for the engine in question.  See your manual for the sequences your engine supports.

If you're running Proto-1 engines:

The three simple steps below are required to operate the coupler.

1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (You will hear a “Clank").
3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to open the coupler.

• When the knuckle fires open you will hear the buzzing of the coil energizing and the sound of the air lines coming apart. It can best be described as a CHA-CHUSHHH sound. The coupler doesn’t have to be fired in NEUTRAL. Once the coupler is armed it can be fired in Forward, Neutral or Reverse.  However, you may find that the coupler doesn’t open when firing the coupler at high speeds. Reduce the voltage setting on your transformer if this occurs and run your engine at a slower speed before firing the coupler. If the coupler continues to open erratically, try lubricating the knuckle withlight oil.
• For multiple heading purposes, only one of the two ProtoCouplers™ will function at any one time. Use the coupler direction switch. Simply slide the switch toward the direction of the coupler you want to make active.

Thanks, I do not have DCS.  I have no problems firing the couplers or using other protosound features using the transformer buttons,   I just haven't had any luck using the remote buttons to do this.  I suspect it is likely,  as suggested a timing issue that is compounded by using the remote.