Z4K breaker tripping

Tell him to disconnect all of the wires ay the back of the Z400, rather than at the layout, and see if the problem persists.

He did.  There is nothing connected to the transformer at all.  Still trips.  

Überstationmeister posted:

Which breaker? (there are 4) Also, keep in mind you need to zero the throttles.

Don't know exactly which one, but the red light is being activated.  Throttles are off when the Z is being turned on.  As soon as the power is flipped on the red light comes on.

He assures me they are in the full off position.  I don't know if there is an actual breaker tripping.  I know little to nothing about MTH transformers.  He will have to take it to the local train shop.

Did he try unplugging the AC power and wait about 10 seconds and plug it in.

Anything fall on the track somewhere?

He unplugged it and waited a few minutes.  Nothing on thr track.  

lshark21 posted:

He unplugged it and waited a few minutes.  Nothing on thr track.  

He did disconnect all wires at the transformer correct?

That is correct. 

It could be just the gears on the handle and the potentiometer jumped time causing the problem. Or a defective potentiometer.

Inside the Z4K is a multi wire ribbon cable that can find it's way over a hot component and slowly the insulation gets burned into then contact is made with the wire then a direct short.  I have several of these transformers that I buy cheap and fix.  The cable is inexpensive.  I have two of these repaired transformers on the layour and they have been working well.  The cable has no keepers and just flops about.  If you are brave enough to go inside a Z4K, do what I do and photo the hell out of it before you start digging in.

Joe is right on as that does happen.

One last thing to throw at you.  On the right handle due to the way it is made, over time the pot will skip a tooth on the pot as Joe pointed out.   This usually is a product of rough use or un disciplined kids who do not know "do not touch".   The gear on the pot and the gear it turns are plastic.

Thank you Marty.  I told him not to open it up until I get more info.  I think I will head over there this weekend and see what I can see.  Hopefully it is a simple fix.

Just in case it is the ribbon cable, do you happen to have the pn #?

I have it.  If only a few are burned through, trim back to good material and put in a jumper wire if need be.

There are black marks on the gears that have to be lined up if the gears jumped. I also had one that had the pot shaft bent and I was able to straighten it so it didn't wobble. I believe that the shaft was bent from being shipped without the original box and foam packing to protect the handles as it rolled around in the box with just paper threw on top.

LSHARK21,

   Good luck I hope you get the Z4K back up and running correctly, I do like these Z4K Transformers.

PCRR/Dave

Couple of extra pointers.  Check the serial # of the transformer.  The early 0398 version had the handle bracket that can bend easily.  It also matters when ordering parts as the boards were different on the first version.

Second, with all wiring disconnected and handles in off position, turn on transformer.  Record what happens with red light.  Straight on, blink once then on?  Also what does screen do.  These indications can help id issue before you even open.

The Red light on constant, does not always mean a short.  So if breakers did not actually trip, it is an indication of an electronic issue.  Of which one can be the voltage pot out of adjustment.  G

Thank you for the advice everyone!  This weekend I will head over to my dad's place and see what is going on for myself.  

GGG I know it's a very early version.  He ordered it as soon as MTH announced the Z in 98 or whenever it was.

Well, I went over and took a look at the Z Saturday.  

When the transformer is turned on it acts normal.  No instant red light.  Turn on the right handle and nothing happens.  Not out put, not red light.  Turn on the left handle and there is a buzzing sound and the red light starts blinking.  

My dad is going to take it to his local shop and have then take a look.

Thank you for the help guys!

Sounds like you will need a power board.  G

If local shop is not going to fix it in house, he oughtn't leave it.  Better to ship it to MTH himself or to a qualified tech, such as GGG.

LSHARK21,

  Tell your father to just Ship it to George now, and forget going to the the Hobby Shop!  Why mess with the unknown when George, Marty, Guns and several others are right here and they do the best work around.

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

LSHARK21,

  Tell your father to just Ship it to George now, and forget going to the the Hobby Shop!  Why mess with the unknown when George, Marty, Guns and several others are right here and they do the best work around.

PCRR/Dave

Agree, send it to GGG (George), or Marty or GRJ.  These guys are the best and they regularly help us all out on the forum.  They are artists with soldering irons, and you will know exactly where your Z4000 is.

Thank you for the advice everyone!  I emailed GGG.