Hielsie: Email me, I can solve your problem.
Bud German
budgerman@bellsouth.net
You would need:
(1) A Z-4000 receiver and transmitter (Remote Commander Set) neither of which is readily available to my knowledge. You'll probably have to pick them up used unless you can find a dealer that has them in stock. MTH claims they are occasionally manufactured but no consumer has confirmed availability in recent years, to my knowledge.
(2) The same
(3) No, the maximum number of independent loops per Z-4000 is two.
Regarding the Z-4000 and remote(s).
I bought a used Z-4000. I run post-war Lionel conventional (1945 - 1969). I want to operate the Z-4000 remotely.
1. What equipment do I need to run 1 loop remotely for 1 engine for speed control, whistle and forward/neutral/reverse? Estimated cost?
2. What do I need for 2 loops each independent?
3. Can I run more than 2 loops independent, remotely with one Z-4000?
Thank you
Don't get rid of the remote. When you buy a Z4000 the remote will work with it. You can find the reciever on ebay if you don't already have one or I have a few spares I can work something out with you for. if you are gonna get rid of the remote, send me a message as i might be will ing to help out on that too, however i think it is a bad idea!
Seems to me I'd rather spend the money on a Z-4000 than buy DCS. I have only one PS-2 engine and the rest are PS-1 or conventional Lionel. I power with 2 Z-1000's and the layout is small, guess I'll get rid of the remote and save for a Z-4000. Super idea, thanks everyone.
I use four of the Z 4000 remotes on my layout so I may be able to help you out.
-They are no longer in production but can be found on ebay and the like for around 75-100 dollars.
- They only work with the Z 4000 transformer and use a plug-in reciever. They are not used for DCS.
- They are designed to be a wireless handheld control for the Z 4000 and control speed, direction, horn and bell.
- You can use up to 6 at a time ( 3 Z4000's with two remotes each).
I have had mine for about three or four years and have found them to be very reliaible units. I have no intention of switching to DSC or TMCC (legacy) and wish that MTH would have continued production of these as an alternative to going with either of the advanced systems out there. They work GREAT for standard cab control. as a side note, you can access a few of the fuctions of a PS2 engine like remote uncoupling and horn blasts, and station/ crew chatter using a combonation of the horn and bell buttons.
Unfortunately you need a Z-4000 to use it with, the Z-1000 has no built-in reciever.
If you have more than 3 MTH PS-2 engines you may want to buy the DCS system. DCS controls mainly PS-2 & PS-3 by MTH, there might be some features on TMCC that it may do but that is it. But if you have just one PS-2 engine don't buy the DCS system because it costs almost $300.00 new. Also DCS base can be updated to newer versions of DCS according to MTH.
DCS & Legacy are no where near compatible!!! Sorry Charlie but that's the way Lionel & MTH made the systems.
Lee F.
Pretty sure you need a Z4000 to make this work if it's a Remote Commander. MTH used to make
remotes that worked by infrared with a receiver built into a track section. That won't work with the Z4000, for the record. I'm not aware of any remote that communicates directly with a Z-1000. The Z4000 Remote Commander cannot be made to work with a Z-1000 as far as I know. Sorry.
I just acquired a MTH remote for controlling the Z-4000 unfortunately I only have Z-1000's. Does anyone know of a way to convert this remote to work on a Z-1000. I sure would like to have remote control over my railroad, but without having to buy a DCS system.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month