Powering DZ2500 switch motors in blocks?

I couldn't get the derailing feature to work when I powered the DZ2500C switch motors under separate transformer. But, I may have a batch of bad motors. So far only two out of twelve have thrown consistently. I sent three back to Dennis at zstuff so far.

thanks for the advice! Yes Dale, each powerhouse will be located within its block...thanks for the tip.

TNRandy;
Make sure you have a common ground between your power source(s) for the track nad the source for the DZ switchmotors. The non derailing system won't work without it.

Also hook the data wire in groups. With the DZ 2500's If one machine goes down it takes all the machines down. If you put the data wire in groups you can seperate the groups the help in the troubleshoot.
Jim D.

Good advice! Thanks! This seams to apply even when data wire is not used.

There are far more knowledgable people than me on this but,\

FWIW,

This is what i did with good success 44 switches so far.

Plain and simple.
Run 1 blue ,1 Red ,1Black wire all the way around the layout 14 gauge wire to underneath where the switches will go.Keep the three together in the same hole so you know never to connect anything but the 2500s to them.(I do have 2 switch towers connected just to know the switches are powered up)

Use the same transformer for Data driver and Switch power.

The data driver and the 2500s Ground wire hooked to common.(MUST share same common ground)

Data driver hot hooked to 14 volt(same transformer)
2500s hot hooked to 18 volt (same transformer)

Connect Data driver white wire to Blue 14 gauge wire.

When hooking your 2500s from underneath put them in groups of 5 before running them to buss , keep blue wire(data) direct.
As with any seperate circuit -Do not use same transformer that the ground has TMCC running through it.Keep it isolated or the signal will be traveling everywhere theres a ground wire. (My experience may causes TMCC Ground plane issues)

Patrick I assume you aren't using the non-derailing wiring on your layout as the dz-2500's common must be tied to the track common. I have essentially the same system but my layout is smaller (Around the room 16 x 27). I used a cat3 telephone wire buss around the layout starting at the bridge and ending at the bridge with the data driver tied to the middle of the buss so that the data feeds both ways to the end. I have a 12 volt outdoor lighting transformer feeding the buss at one end fused at 3 amps for the cat3 wire. The system works fine but I'm considering breaking the buss at every 5 switches with a dpst switch for any future troubleshooting. I think the cat3 wire might help with data on the buss as it is twisted wire.
Ron

Ron you are correct, sorry.

I do have the ground from the Legacy and Data driver linked, and yes i use the white wire for a cut in the rail to activate the non derail.