We are new to the hobby. I have a dumb question. I checked out the Z4000 transformer and the DC Remote Control system. My question is why would someone want the Z4000 transformer over the remote? According to the documentation the controller will run everything under the sun and the transformer seems to only run a couple of trains. What am I missing?
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Not sure I am clear on the question??? Normally the remote controls the transformer output which in turn powers the engines/train.
The DCS System will not work without a transformer to power it, thus the Z4k or some other transformer[s]are wired to the DCS systems's Track Interface Unit[TIU].
The Z-4000 has two 10 amp[180 watt] throttles that will power a bunch of engines plus 40 watts of accessory power thus 400 watts total.
OK, that may answer my question. I thought the DCS Remote Control System came with a transformer. Thus, my confusion. Thank You.
Panther
The MTH 50-1001 set comes with the DCS hand held remote control and the Track Interface Unit. Just like Dewey said, you still need a power source to go with the TIU.
The TIU has four channels. Each can handle 10 amps of power. Each channel transmits the DCS signal to the track and normally is used to send power to the track as well. Two of the channels are referred to as fixed channels, the voltage put into the TIU equals the voltage sent out of the TIU to the track. Two channels are variable channels, in addition to full voltage DCS operation they allow you to use your remote to control the voltage put to the track through those channels for conventional control.
Each side of a Z-4000 can put out ten amps. One TIU can handle the power of two Z-4000s with ten amps of power available through each channel. If you do not have any conventional locomotives or only want to run conventionally with the variable channels of your TIU you do not need to buy a traditional transformer. A power "brick" like the Z-1000 one hundred watt 40-1000A can be used. The Z-1000 brick will put out up to 6 amps.
Ten amps is enough to handle three powered diesels with smoke units pulling a heavy freight train. Passenger cars with incandescent lights can eat up amps quickly. Ten car passenger trains with two powered diesels can push the ten amp limit. The TIU can be used in "passive mode" if you have power needs above 10 amps. With good layout design and especially with LED passenger car lighting most of us can stay below 10 amps without difficulty.
If you are thinking about building a layout I highly recommend the OGR DCS forum. There is expert advice available on the DCS Forum that can help you to get the right hardware to accomplish what you want on the first try along with the best know how for electrical design for reliable digital communication on a model railroad.
DCS can make running trains will all the latest features very simple. Like so many things today there is some pretty amazing technology inside that makes it easy to use. When building a layout we can do things that can help or hinder the performance or reliability of the technology. In addition to the DCS forum I also recommend getting a copy of the DCS Companion by Barry Broskowitz. Following Barry's tips will help you build a smoothly functioning layout and to successfully trouble shoot any problems you are likely to encounter.
Just a bit to add, Lionel sells a pair of bricks that are a bit more powerful than the Z-1000 brick.
The 135 watt one will put out 7.5 amps and the 180 watt one will give you 10 amps for those really hungry passenger trains.
A DCS TIU can take 4 of the 180 watt bricks (one per channel) to max it out.
Personally I'm running 2 MTH Z-1000 bricks and have plenty of power to run my 11' X 25' layout. I have run a MTH Big Boy (with smoke on) pulling 58 cars (some lighted passenger cars) with no problems other than couplers popping open. This is a purely mechanical issue with the couplers not taking the stress of the pull.
I also had 4 other PS-2 engines sitting with power on but not active at the time.
All that is simply to point out that you don't need a ton of power to start with.
You can add bricks as needed and when needed.
In the interim, daisy chain the power into the TIU inputs and use as many channels as you can for signal strength.
I also recommend Barry's Book. It's the best thing you can buy in the world of DCS.
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