ZStuff DZ2500 switch machines and Legacy

[jmpmap]

I am working on my fourth train layout. The last was TMCC. This one is TMCCII Legacy.  This time, I chose to use Gargraves, Ross, and Zstuff switch machines.  The DZ 2500 does not seem to be compatable with TMCCII controls. They work fine with TMCC.  They are designed so that you hook up a data line to them from the TMCC base and no SC2 is needed.  I hooked them up with the old system and the machines work fine and program , but when I hook the interface to the new Legacy system, they do not seem to be receiving the data and I cannot program the switch.  The LED on the zstuff interface is lighting with each push of the button, but does not allow me to program.  Has anyone else had this problem?  Thanks.

Marc

[dave hikel]

Hi Mark,

Lionel changed the output current on the Legacy command base.  That has screwed up the Z-Stuff DZ-2001 data wire driver.  Dennis Zander of Z-stuff has figured out how to fix the problem by changing a resistor on the DZ-2001 board.  You can make the change yourself if your comfortable working on electronics, send the board to Dennis for upgrade, or purchase a new data wire driver with the update.  Here's a link to the Z-Stuff web site if you want to contact Dennis: Z-Stuff for trains

[Roger Bielen]

Since you already have the TMCC base, hook it up in parallel with the Legacy base using the supplied cord.  We've found it best to connect the common to the Legacy base rather than the TMCC.  This way you could use both CAB-1 & 2 and operate the switches with the signal being converted from Legacy to TMCC.

[jmpmap]

Thanks Dave and Roger.  I figured that something was changed.  I will give the guys at ZStuff a call to have them replace the resistor.   Thanks again.

[jmpmap]

Well, I have replaced the data controller now, and when I hooked it up, it still did not work. I connected the switch machine directly to the data controller, and it did work ok. This tells me that there is a data line problem. I am using 16 gauge wire.  Is that large enough to run a data line. Also, I hav approximately 50 feet run.  I am wondering if the length is too long for the data wire?  I am curious as to what everyone else is using?

Thanks again,
Marc

[Yog-Sothoth]

Wire gauge is definitely not the problem - you are pushing data, not power. I use 24 gauge wire without problems. I run it around the layout and tap into it with suitcase connectors for every switch. I don't know the maximum wire length though. Do be sure the data wire isn't connected to anything else, and probably making it into a loop is bad. Note that the data wire must not connect to anything being fed data directly from a command base, since the point of the DZ-2001 driver is to optically isolate the data wire from the command base ground. Possibly some sort of termination would help the signal, but the data wire is not a standard interface so who knows. You aren't supposed to hang multiple devices on an RS232 line, and I;m not sure if the DZ-2001 is even a canonical RS232 signal.

[Boxcar Bill]

Marc

I am using 2500 's  with Tmcc and  Legacy and it works fine. Can you post a picture or drawing of your wiring. Also if you are using any other components , TPC BPC Ect.

 

Bill