Z4K Operation

Are they set up as tracks Mike? 

 https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20as14017i.pdf

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Hi Bob, I'm new to all this stuff, so I am learning as I go. Right now I am trying to understand the instructions. I switched the output from my TIU from fixed to Variable. Now I am trying to figure out track set up, as nothing moves now.

If you are using this remote device I'd use the Fixed TIU terminals.

You need to select the Z4K tracks rather than the TIU tracks during set up. How far have you gotten? It's really a pretty slick device if you have multiple Z4000's powering a layout.

You must remember to press the "E-Stop" at the end when the "PG PG" appears on the Z4000.

Ok I will switch back to fixed TIU output, and try to add Z track again. I did push the e stop at the end.

I get A.C. on my transformer next to amps.

Did you have the Z4000 turned off while entering all the information into the DCS remote?

Yep.

I used the MTH instructions and it went well Mike. How did you name the tracks? (My first time IIRC I missed the "D" for done:-)

Hi Bob, I named the track as inside track and outside track. When I put power to the track in regular operation all works fine, I try the Z4K tracks and nothing. Also how you might know how do I find the engine that is conventional?

Mike, if you have not gotten it resolved yet, email me your number and I'll call to see if I can help you out.

Hi Bob, I got it to the point where I can run a conventional engine, but I thought you spose to be able to run DCS and Conventional on the same track at the same time. If I try to run my DCS engine on the Z4K track it does nothing.

Mike, if you're running a conventional locomotive on the tracks, the voltage may well be too low for the DCS to run properly.  It's really a juggling act to attempt to run conventional and command on the same track at the same time.  While folks will say it's possible, it's an exercise in futility IMO.

I recommend sticking to either command or conventional on a single track at any given time.

Thanks John, I think I will take your advice and I cant take to many more head aches trying to figure this out right now. I just wanted to make sure I could run my conventional engines with my DCS Remote! 

I am so slow with all the electrical stuff it takes me awhile to get it. But the funny thing is once I get it I am like Duh! LOL

If you connect the variable channels to the track for the conventional locomotive, you don't need the Z4K tracks, you can do it with the TIU variable voltage control directly.  If you have other tracks connected to the fixed channels, those can be made variable with the Z4K track capability.

Thanks for the thought John. I will have to see what I have going on under the table to see what I have going on. Everything right now is fixed channel .

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you connect the variable channels to the track for the conventional locomotive, you don't need the Z4K tracks, you can do it with the TIU variable voltage control directly.  If you have other tracks connected to the fixed channels, those can be made variable with the Z4K track capability.

If you use the TIU fixed channels, can't you just adjust the voltage for running conventional by modulating the Z4k throttle ?

Richie C. posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you connect the variable channels to the track for the conventional locomotive, you don't need the Z4K tracks, you can do it with the TIU variable voltage control directly.  If you have other tracks connected to the fixed channels, those can be made variable with the Z4K track capability.

If you use the TIU fixed channels, can't you just adjust the voltage for running conventional by modulating the Z4k throttle ?

Yes.