I bought a new Z4000 in May 2012, to supplement more power requirements. After about a month of infrequent use I was running trains for a few hours and when I shut all the trains down at the end of the session, one train happened to have the engine on one "block" of the transformer and the caboose on the other "block" of the transformer. Each having a roller touching the center rail. That's not a problem that I've ever seen cause any issues. I never really always had a specific parking of trains location that was a rule.
About an hour later, as I went to power up the Z4000 with the right throttle, the voltmeter ready only half of the normal 18 volts? Normally when I have a train spanning two blocks, each on a different throttle, when powering either throttle up to 18 volts, the other meter will go up to 18 volts in sync. also, without even having to move the other throttle. I always just move the other throttle up to match the first throttle setting. I was a little surprised at just half voltage so I went around the layout and any train that was on two blocks, I manually moved the train to a single block. The problem went away as I powered up to 18 volts.
Then one day, about a month ago, when powering up the right throttle, no voltage increased above zero. I checked everything and then swapped the leads on the back of the transformer to make sure I didn't have a track problem. No matter what I put on the right side made the any difference as the voltage would not increase. I used another outlet on a different 20 amp breaker and it made no difference. All extension cords are 14 gauge wire and I have multiple power supplies on four different 20 amp breakers. So, I believed the transformer was going to have to go back to MTH for repair. After unplugging the transformer and putting it in another room, I plugged it in and the right side now had power from still another 20 amp breaker circuit. I believed that I had a receptacle and 20 amp breaker problem. The next day I went to power up the transformer again and back to zero voltage?
After sincerely having a belief that the transformer was not going to work on the right throttle, no matter what load or leads were plugged into the back of the right side, I continued to use the Z4000 on the left side only without any problems. I operated it for many cycles over the next two weeks and the right side was still inop. I couldn't believe the location and receptacles wasn't part of the problem. I moved the transformer to a couple of other receptacles and 20 amp circuits and still no change.
Then the next morning, knowing that I was wasting my time, I powered up the right throttle and it gave me full voltage, or so I thought. After putting the appropriate leads back on the right throttle, as I powered up, the transformer handle had to be moved as far as it would rotate to give me 19 volts. All this time and the left throttle never had a problem and gives an easy 22 volts if rotated that far. Changing the leads on the back made no difference as the problem stays with the right throttle.
I'm looking for another possible solution before having to send the Z4000 to MTH.
Thanks, Moke Mike
