z4000, how many loops

[bigsargeusmc]

  Hi guys, new guy.  I have the mth z4000 and waiting for my dcs system to get here.  I have 4 independent loops, the biggest is 20 feet in circumference.  Can I run all four on one z4000 or do I need two.  thnanks

[Flintlock76]

  aboard!

A Z-4000 will only run two conventional loops.  With a DCS system I don't know, I'd assume two loops as well but I may be assuming wrong.  

[Penny Trains]

aboard!

Becky

[tarheeltracks]

I have ran 3 TMCC locomotives with my z4000 without any problem. I would think locomotive size number cars etc. plays a part in what it can handle?? I only run trains with mine everything else that needs power comes from other sources. I will say this from experience if the "z4000" feels something it don't like as in a overload it will let you know. I bought mine when they first came out and have had good service from this transformer. I don't run DCS so not sure how much power it uses.

Good luck and have fun!!

[BigAl 956]

Is your question how many trains can the 4000 run at once?

There are two methods of operation. If you are running conventionally where a train runs around a loop by it'self and you control it by cranking the handle up and down then there are 2 handles thus 2 trains.

If your talking a raw power source for multiple trains running with DCS and you control them remotely from a remote thats a bit trickier. In this method it's about watts. The z4k has enough wattage to power up to 4 trains at once but thats pushing it. I would limit it to 2-3 concurrent trains max. Number of loops and length does not matter. You should be wiring your layout with 14 gauge power bus lines and 18 gauge feeds ever 5-10 feet to eliminate power loss.

[lionelsoni]

I think you will have trouble noticing any effect from 24 AWG or 28 AWG wire.  Those wires have diameters of .02" and .012" respectively.  I suggest 14 AWG as a minimum.

[bigsargeusmc]

BigAl 956

Is your question how many trains can the 4000 run at once?

There are two methods of operation. If you are running conventionally where a train runs around a loop by it'self and you control it by cranking the handle up and down then there are 2 handles thus 2 trains.

If your talking a raw power source for multiple trains running with DCS and you control them remotely from a remote thats a bit trickier. In this method it's about watts. The z4k has enough wattage to power up to 4 trains at once but thats pushing it. I would limit it to 2-3 concurrent trains max. Number of loops and length does not matter. You should be wiring your layour with 24 gauge power bus lines and 28 gauge feeds ever 5-10 feet to eliminate power loss.

 

BigAl 956

Is your question how many trains can the 4000 run at once?

There are two methods of operation. If you are running conventionally where a train runs around a loop by it'self and you control it by cranking the handle up and down then there are 2 handles thus 2 trains.

If your talking a raw power source for multiple trains running with DCS and you control them remotely from a remote thats a bit trickier. In this method it's about watts. The z4k has enough wattage to power up to 4 trains at once but thats pushing it. I would limit it to 2-3 concurrent trains max. Number of loops and length does not matter. You should be wiring your layour with 24 gauge power bus lines and 28 gauge feeds ever 5-10 feet to eliminate power loss.

  yes sir; just a raw power supply as all engines are dcs and or tmcc, all wiring including jumpers or feeds are 24.

[BigAl 956]

BigAl 956

You should be wiring your layout with 14 gauge power bus lines and 18 gauge feeds ever 5-10 feet to eliminate power loss.

My bad, i had some wire size typos in my response now corrected above.

I choose 14 gauge stranded wire for the main power bus line. For feeds 18 guage wire is good. Bi-color speaker wire if you can get it. These are standard sizes and easy to find at discount prices. 14 can be found in the home wiring section of the store. Home depot sells it on rolls and/or by the foot in 10 standard colors. I like the bi-color speaker wire for feeds because it makes it easier to tell leads apart. Some use lamp cord but that is very hard to work with when you are lying on your back under the layout and need to tell one conductor from another.

[lionelsoni]

If one is using zip cord, it might be useful to know that the conductors are identified, even if not by color.  There is a little ridge that you can feel if not see, on what the NEC calls the "identified" conductor, which is usually the one that is grounded and connects to the white conductor in American wiring.