Z 4000 MTH Transformer

When turning on transformer red light will come on and stay on as you said that is normal operation for this transformer.

Yes, the Z 4000 does show that it's providing power to the TIU however the duration of the red lite I would say should be off unless there's a short on the tracks or connection. These two mishaps are not the problem, it's the fact why when turned on that this lite blinks and stay on for 30 seconds or more and cuts off, almost like it's has a mind of its own, on whether or not to work. Com on that's crazy

Chuck,  The two handles need to be in the off position when you turn on the transformer.  Are they?  G

If either handle is in any position other than completely OFF when you turn the transformer switch ON, the red light will stay lit as if the transformer is in a short circuit situation.

Please, allow me to add my two-cents. The Z4K is one of the better transformers on the market. The only ones who fully understand are those like, GGG. I own one of the earliest examples marketed. It has always since new had the "power surge" when powered up.

The point I'm trying to address is this. Only those trained like, GGG can answer any questions of this type. I'll go back to my corner now.

Chuck,

For awhile, without realizing it, I was accidentally bumping one of the handles (into a slightly ON position) on my Z4000 when turning the ON/OFF switch on.  I couldn't understand why the red light came on and the transformer wouldn't operate.  I finally figured it out and I moved the Z4000 to a more unobstructed location.  No more accidental bumping, and problem solved.  That was my reason for the statement regarding both handles being completely off when turning on the ON/OFF switch.  Perhaps someone with more intimate knowledge of the Z4000 can provide some help here.    

So both handles are down and the switch is turned on an all is well at first?  The red light comes on briefly than goes out?

If you raise the A handle the transformer operates properly and the red light stays out? 

If you raise the B handle the redlight comes on, but goes out after 30 seconds and you get power from the B side?  If so, there sounds like some problem on the B side.   G 

Hello again,

as I mentioned before the procedure I use to operate this Z4000 is that I first Z4000 it's switch is off and I flip it on and move the handles upward , both handles at the same time slowly I notice that trk #1 handle is what control the TIU I have noticed that, but that's not what my problem is that when I've lifted the left handle the red light is immediately on and stays lite for a long while than shuts off and I can feel to operate my remote and run trains.The red light being on for long period of time at the beginning is the problem.

Chuck,

You should not raise either handle until the transformer completes its startup process. When you see numbers in all 4 LED readouts, then you can raise the transformer arms, not before.

slow down chuck these need time to set up.

do what Barry says.

every thing is normal, based on your explanation.

Chuck, I agree.  That is why I gave those specific steps.  G

GGG

I reread what wrote and the latter inquiry is what my problem, I have tried to flip the switch of Transformer and waited for the system to configure itself and then I raise both of the handles.

Chuck, on the back of the Z4000 there is a plate listing power outputs.  What is stated on this plate 180VA or 165VA per handle outputs?

Ron

Chuck,  Move up one handle at a time.  After moving the right handle up see if it acts up or works properly.  Than move the left handle up.   G

180VA a side is good this assures you do not have one of the earliest Z4000s with 165VA a side that had a design quirk.  So that quirk does not relate to your problems. And yes the later Z4000s can output 180 watts a side.  Ten amps at 18 volts would be 180VA.  The Z4000 is capable.

Ron,

When stated that earlier models did have more VA than today's Z4000 just has 180 VA, so I still have my problem with having my left handle red light, lite. For the duration of half minute - some say I other problems and some say to ignore it its okay. 

   Chuck

No Chuck the earlier model was rated at only 165VA per side where as the later/current model is rated at 180VA per side.  Since your Z4000 is 180VA per side it is a newer one.  So the design assumption used on the original does NOT come into play here.