Bought the Z4000 remote to turn the power on and off my Z4000 transformer. Can I use both handles of the transformer at the same time on the same loop of track? Didn't work for me so far.
Clem
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Clem,
Can I use both handles of the transformer at the same time on the same loop of track?
No, you cannot. However, you can use all of the left handles of multiple Z4000s as one Z4K Track and all of the right handles as another.
It is my understanding that for electrical safety, the Z4000 will shut off if you connect 2 outputs together, as by hooking them to the same loop.
When you say "Z4000 remote," are you referring to the small box that plugs into the Z4000, or to the remote control that comes with it? The small box is intended to vary the output voltage without using the handles--leave them off.
When used with a TIU, the effect is to have all 4 channels variable from the DCS remote, and the remote that comes with the small box is not used. That remote is used if you don't have DCS, to permit walk-around control.
Thanks Barry
Clem
OK I guess my trusty Z4000 transformer will not work for me is this application. What is the best way to power my layout and have one switch to turn on or at least not have to reset everything every time I shut off the transformer. I have to rewire my layout anyway, I want to move all the power, tiu,and aiu's to center of layout. They will be assessable only by going underneath. I have one of those remotes to control outlets,I use it for three hidden transformers. Layout is an island (22X36) with interior peninsula, 3 scale miles of mainline all one loop, a good size yard and a good size industrial area. I run long trains , and three to four trains operating.Up to 10 locomotives at one time. DCS and TMCC.
The Z4000 handles power just fine until I put passenger cars on.
Clem
Clem,
Hate to tell you this but you have way under powered your layout if you intend to run a lot of those trains at the same time, especially with lighted operating cars.
Pick up Barry's DCS O Guage Companion and the OGR Video guide, break everything down into blocks and make sure your transformers are in Phase.
PCRR/Dave
You are going to need something like this power station below, or a couple of Z4K's and a couple ZW's.
Dave your right, that's why I need power to come on with a push of a button. I know I need more than one power supply, I was thinking of going with lionel bricks for track power, Probably four of them, and three Z1000s for accessory power, unless someone has a better plan? Right now I use both sides of the Z4000 to power all track with no blocks.
Clem
Clem,
In another thread we talked about the Stanley Wireless Indoor Remote System and a few others also. You can set all your transformers to 18 and use the Wireles remote to turn your transformers on and off from the remote control, works great. Review the
thread I started on the Stanley Indoor Remote System, Barry even found a different remote package that can be programmed, for even better control.
When you review the other thread you will see what I am talking about.
PCRR/Dave
Dave,
You can set all your transformers to 18 and use the Wireles remote to turn your transformers on and off from the remote control, works great.
That won't work with a Z4000. If you have the handles up at power-on, the transformer will not pass power until the handles are lowered
Barry,
You are correct I still am required to reset the Z4K handles, however my ZW's and KW
opperate instantly via the remote. The Z4K does need to be reset. Remember if you own original Williams engines they start up in forward, so if you leave the handles up
on your KW or ZW, and use your on/off remote system, the Williams Engine will initiate at what ever speed the handles are left at when the remote turned everything off.
PCRR/Dave
