Need help with MTH Z-4000 Remote Control System

[Anonymous]

I am currently building a 30'x12' layout. If you look into my past post you can see the backdrop and layout plan. I plan on having multilevels to this layout. This is something I have never tried before and is a challenge.  But I taking it slowly and working out the details as I go. I designed the layout with the RR track design software which was a big help. I kept my grade track to a max of 2.5% Which when layed out  on the table seems steep but I can always change it if I need to if I'm unhappy with the way the trains run. I hope to post some new pictures soon. I need to either borrow a digital camera or buy one.

[Deputy]

For this Christmas I will just have a 4x8 oval with a Christmas tree in the middle. After Christmas I plan on a permanent setup in my rec room. Most likely it will be a "stretched "U" shape. I had Lionel back in the early 80s but had to sell it all off. Now I have mostly MTH with a sprinkling of Lionel.

Dep

[Anonymous]

Most of my engines are Ps2 engines I do have a few conventional but I like the Ps2 the best. I am new to the hobby and have bin buying mostly new locos. What size layout are you building or do you have one built?

[Deputy]

Yep...so far 100% PS2 locos

Dep

 

[Anonymous]

If your going to run mostly conventional locos Then don't spend the money on the Dcs system. But if you want the most out of your PS2 engines then go with the Dcs system.

[chuck]

The DCS stuff is mainly of use in controlling MTH's PS-2 locomotives.  While the system does offer control of conventional locomtives, this is probably it's weakest point.  There are fairly high starting voltages and only 32 speed steps.

[Anonymous]

Good choice! thats the way I would have gone. I am very happy with my DCS system. I use mostly PS2 engines with my system and I love it. If you need any help or advice getting it set up there is an article in one of the rescent CTT. That give info on the set up. (I forget which month)

[Deputy]

Well GOOD NEWS! I was able to cancel the order for the Z-4000 remote control system and get the DCS setup that uses the TIU interface. Got a pretty good price on it too. I bought the 50-1001 DCS combo (handheld and TIU) for $269. I joined the MTH Railroaders Club as a Premier Member and they sent a video describing the DCS system. Wow!!! Awesome!!!

Dep

[chuck]

The MTH system is called DCS.  Be careful, there is an IR remote device that was shipped with some of the lower end RailKing sets.   DCS and TMCC are the systems that allow for control of a layout, not just the engines running around on the layout.

[Deputy]

Well, here I am finally emerging from the great State of Confusion.

I thought the Z-4000 setup was the NEWEST thing from MTH. Evidently that isn't the case. From what I gather from your helpful posts, the Z-4000 Remote System is JUST for operating the throttle and other loco controls from a remote location and isn't compatible with the TIU/AIU components for switch and other accessory operation. I would have to buy the RailKing remote control to use them. I guess that will be okay for now. It does give me the option of choosing between the MTH RailKing or the Lionel TMCC setup for the future.

Thanks again for all your helpful replies!!!

Dep...semi-permanent resident of the State of Confusion

 

[chuck]

It's called a remote commander.  You can control up to three Z-4000's with a singal remote.  There is a black box that plugs into the phone jack port on the side of the transformer and a remote control that lets you do anything you could from the console by way of the remote.  The units communicate at 900mhz.  Early versions had a firmware issue and were susceptible to noise problems from some brands of 900mhz phones.  The only way to fix this was to send unit back to MTH for a firmware update.   It allows walk around throttle capability for the Z-4000.

[willpick]

#1 I used the Z4000 remote control system before I got DCS. When I started back in O, I was conventional operation only. PS2 was not out yet, I had 2 conventonal engines. The Z4000 remote worked very well with the size layout I had at the time. It was a good thing to be able to follow the trains around the layout and not be tied to one spot.

#2 You won't need the DCS components(TIU/AIU) yet until you want to go to full command control-- the remote commander will run your trains in conventional.

#3 The wiring harness is used to connect from the Z4000 to the Realtrax Lockon- If you are using a different track system, then your best bet is to use the 16 ga wire to connect to the track. The Z4000 has what are called 5 way binding posts-- (5 ways to connect wires/banana plugs/ spade lugs,etc.

#4 any more questions? Just ask! Always remember: the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked!

[Deputy]

csmnlm: Here is a picture of the Remote Control unit and Handheld Control I will be using:

http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=40-4001

What you are using is the InfraRed RailKing setup. The unit I am talking about transmits radio signals on the 900Mhz frequency from the handheld to the base receiver. It was made specifically for the Z-4000 Transformer and won't work on any other transformer because of the way it is connected.

I guess I will wait on what MTH has to say or maybe give them a call. I still have a feeling I am going to need to buy a TIU and AIU. I wish MTH was a bit more descriptive of what this unit can and can't do. If you go to their website

http://www.mth-railking.com/

and at the top click on "Our Technology", then click on Proto Sound 2, then click on "Legacy System" on the left of the screen, then click on "Remote Control" on the left side of the screen, you will see the choice between "Z-4000® Remote Control System" and "RailKing Remote Control System". Click on the Z-4000 Remote Control Sustem and it will describe what I am talking about.

Thanks a ton for the replies. I really appreciate it.

 

Dep

[dgraham]

I have used this system for several years and it has been absoleutly trouble free, other than replacement of batteries, probably three or four sets in that time.  You have to go thru the brief start up sequence again each time you change batteries.  It  has a range of 30 plus feet (can't get any further away)  and is easy to use.  I'm real pleased with mine.

[Frank in Steam]

Dep, the conventional operators (there are still a few of us) use it on our Flower City Tinplate Trackers modular layout.  The instructions warn of a range limitation, but I have not run into a problem even when the layout is 40x60.  It's just like at the transformer = no noticecable lag.  As I remember, you just plug in the module into the Z4000 and use the handheld to operate.  There is a start up sequence the first time that you use it, but it's simple.

[Anonymous]

I am using the DCS remote (50-1002) and an AIU with a z-4000 transformer. I am unsure of the system you are using? I can't find your item numbers on the mth sight. If the DCS remote is the system your are looking to use I may be able to help.

[Deputy]

Before I start asking questions and confusing everyone, let me clarify that this is NOT the MTS RailKing remote control system I am talking about. This system is a dedicated Z-4000 sytem for the Z-4000 transformer ONLY. There is a special plug on the Z-4000 transformer that connects to this remote system. Looks a lot like a phone jack plug. Anyway...the questions:

#1 Does anyone have/use this system and what is their opinion of it? I know this is a radio frequency system and not like the infra-red RailKing setup, so does it offer quicker communication performance?

#2 What EXACTLY are the components necessary to hook this system up? I have the Z-4000 transformer on order. I also ordered the 40-4001 Remote System. Do I need to order the TIU and AIU units that the RailKing system uses, or is everything contained in the Remote System hardware? I suspect I do have to order those 2 items, but I don't want to shell out the cash until I am 100% certain.

#3 I have the MTH 40-1015 Wiring harness on order. Are there other wiring harnesses I need to buy or can I do the rest of the wiring using regular 16 gauge wire?

Okay....that's about it. I also sent these questions to MTH, but if they are real busy, it may be a while before they answer them. Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. All this remote control stuff is pretty new to me. Last O-gauge stuff I had was Lionel/Williams stuff from the 80s and post-war.

Thanks in advance,

Dep