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BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make sure the two large throttle handles located on either side of the
transformer are in the fully lowered (or OFF) position.

2. Turn the Z-4000 on by pressing the Power On button located on the lower right
front side of the transformer case.

3. Displays should illuminate and read approximately 0.0 VOLTS and 0.0 AMPS as
no power to the track will be applied when the throttle handles are in the OFF
position. When the handles are in their fully raised or HI position, approximately
22 volts of power will be applied to the track.

4. Move a throttle handle slightly from the OFF position toward the HI position.
You will see the VOLTS display for the track you are operating show a starting
voltage of approximately 5 volts applied to the track. In other words, the Z-4000
has an effective start-up voltage setting of approximately 5 volts, rather than 1, 2,
3, or 4 volts. This convention follows the design of the Proto-Sound® system and
does not effect the operation of any other manufacturer’s locomotive or accessory.

5. When you are ready to run the locomotive, raise the throttle handle to increase
voltage to the track until the train begins to move. Proto-Sound-equipped and
some other recent locomotives are programmed to begin in neutral, so you will
need to push the Direction button to put these engines into forward. Older
locomotives ma

Note:: If no load is present on the track when power is first applied (by moving the throttle up
from the fully lowered position), the voltage meter will jump to approximately 10 volts. A load is
created if any accessory, lighted car or locomotive is present on the track when power is applied.
No Accidental Startups will occur with the Z-4000 because the variable outputs are protected
from accidental high-power startup. If the throttle handles are not in the OFF position when the
Z-4000 is first turned on, no power will be applied to the track and the red OVERLOAD
light will illuminate.

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Z-4000 Transformer Operating Manual

Summary of Contents for Z-4000

Page 1: ...control system such as the M T H Z 4000 Remote Control System or the M T H DCS Remote Control System Operators of any AC powered O S or Standard Gauge locomotive regardless of manufacturer will appreciate the power and control features found in the Z 4000 transformer For your own safety and that of your equipment please read the following pages before beginning to use your Z 4000 Transformer CAUTI...

Page 2: ...throttle setting will control the track voltage which is shown on the VOLTS display Pressing the DIRECTION WHISTLE HORN and BELL buttons should cause the locomotive to change direction blow its whistle or horn and ring its bell if the engine is so equipped respectively It is important to wire up the Z 4000 to your track correctly in order for the button function to perform properly If the horn or ...

Page 3: ...or positive terminal to the center rail of the track Wiring the constant voltage outputs used for accessories follows the same convention Once the track and or accessories have been wired up to the Z 4000 plug the AC power cord into any 110V household plug and follow the remaining operating instructions Note The owner should not at any time attempt to connect or short any of the voltage outputs to...

Page 4: ...This convention follows the design of the Proto Sound system and does not effect the operation of any other manufacturer s locomotive or accessory 5 When you are ready to run the locomotive raise the throttle handle to increase voltage to the track until the train begins to move Proto Sound equipped and some other recent locomotives are programmed to begin in neutral so you will need to push the D...

Page 5: ...dropping and restoring power with the throttle handles as you do with other transformers With the reverse units used in M T H and most other model trains the direction will not go directly from forward to reverse If a train has been going forward the first press will put the train from forward into neutral the second press into reverse the third press back into neutral and the fourth back into for...

Page 6: ...he next time power is applied to the track your engine will be back in RESET 1 While the engine is off firmly press the Program button to enter Program Mode The amps display will read PG to indicate that you have entered PROGRAM When in PROGRAM the transformer s Bell Whistle Horn and Direction buttons assume secondary programming responsibilities that make accessing the RESET features easy The whi...

Page 7: ...ng instructions for directions how to program each feature Note your locomotive s operating instructions may indicate that you should use the Whistle Horn Button to change feature settings However in PROGRAM the Bell Select Button does this The Whistle Horn and Direction buttons continue to allow you to scroll up and down between feature numbers 6 If you wish to program other RESET features repeat...

Page 8: ...age at the throttle 1 While the transformer is applying voltage to the track firmly press and release the Program button The Volts display will flash off then read 52 and the Amps display will flash off then read PG 2 Firmly press and hold the Bell Button The Volts display will change from 52 to read the actual track voltage The track voltage will increase for as long as the Bell button is depress...

Page 9: ...G 2 Depress the Direction Button and scroll to feature 50 3 Firmly press and release the Bell button to start the Lock Out Macro At this point the Z 4000 will blow the locomotive horn or whistle while reducing the track voltage to 0 0 Within two seconds of the track voltage dropping your locomotive will sound a short blast of its whistle or horn and track power will be restored At this point the l...

Page 10: ...Macro At this point the Z 4000 will blow the locomotive horn or whistle while reducing the track voltage to 0 0 Within three seconds of the track voltage dropping your locomotive will sound a ding of its bell and track power will be restored At this point the locomotive will be in RESET Turning the transformer off and then on again will allow the locomotive to move forward Operate using the direct...

Page 11: ...ckout function in Neutral causes the Bell to ring All the wires are properly attached but no power outputs from either Track 1 Track 2 or the Auxiliary outputs Press PROGRAM then turn throttle to the OFF position Press PROGRAM verify that readout is PG 52 and resume Boost operation Push deliberately in the middle of the button Do not press more than one button at a time Make sure that both throttl...

Page 12: ...amage to the primary cord plug blades housing output jacks or other parts In the event such conditions exist the transformer should not be used until properly repaired This Z 4000 is intended for indoor use Do not use if water is present Serious injury or fatality may result Do not operate the Z 4000 with damaged cord plug switches buttons or case The Z 4000 was designed to operate on 120 volt 50 ...

Page 13: ... particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures reorient or relocate the receiving antenna increase the separation between the equipment and receiver connect the equipment into an...

Page 14: ...ction carefully before returning any merchandise for service All M T H products purchased from an Authorized M T H Train Merchant are covered by this warranty a copy of the original sales receipt from an Authorized M T H Train Merchant See our website at or call 410 381 2580 to identify an Authorized M T H Train Merchant near you M T H products are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase...

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