Model Train Journal

This is a first for me. I have never had any problem with my Z 4000 transformer. It worked fine last Saturday.
Today the fixed voltage posts work but neither variable side works. The red and green lights are on dim.
They are NOT blinking. Both handles are down all the way. None of the breakers seem to be open.
Any suggestions? I'm at a loss.

There is a short somewhere Disconnect the track connections and see if it disappears Then connect one at a time If there is a short on one handle it affects both sides on the Z4000 There isnt much inside the Z4k that can cause that Its only one board

bluelinec4 wrote:There is a short somewhere Disconnect the track connections and see if it disappears Then connect one at a time If there is a short on one handle it affects both sides on the Z4000 There isnt much inside the Z4k that can cause that Its only one board

Thank you. ( Ben if I remember ). I'll check that tomorrow.

I disconnected all wires to the transformer and the red and green lights stayed on, Unplugged it and replugged is. No change.
The fixed voltage connections still work. Is it kaput?
Nearest dealer/repair person is @3 hours away.
Any other suggestions?

This may sound silly, but is there a circuit-breaker reset button on that thing? My Z-1000 has a small reset button on one side.

Four breakers, two for each side. One 10 amp and one 4 amp. They SHOULD pop out when tripped. If they didn't, the breaker(s) could be bad or the problem is on the board.

chuck wrote:Four breakers, two for each side. One 10 amp and one 4 amp. They SHOULD pop out when tripped. If they didn't, the breaker(s) could be bad or the problem is on the board.

The breakers were the second thing I checked after making sure the handles were down.

Tried looking for parts/diagrams. No luck.

I can see if I can find my old Z-1000 that's stashed in the basement. If I can find it, you are more than welcome to it.

chuck wrote:Tried looking for parts/diagrams. No luck.

I can see if I can find my old Z-1000 that's stashed in the basement. If I can find it, you are more than welcome to it.

Thanks, Chuck but I do have others but would rather keep tying to get this one going again.
I am hoping someone can let me know a test I can try to see what is wrong.
Haven't given up yet.

There is only one board in the unit. I'll keep trying to find the service manual and see if there are any tests you can perform to at least identify what's wrong. If it is the board, getting a replacement may be problematic with MTH shutting down.

chuck wrote:There is only one board in the unit. I'll keep trying to find the service manual and see if there are any tests you can perform to at least identify what's wrong. If it is the board, getting a replacement may be problematic with MTH shutting down.

I realize that could be a problem so if that is it I will probably buy something else.
I don't think I am quite ready to just shut the whole layout done yet but I am selling off stuff.

Part number is AD-5100001 but the MH web site indicates that MTH won't ship that out to anyone but an authorized service center.

The number in the back has the month and year it was made. If it was made before 2002 you won't find the main board. Its NLA. If after that you have a chance. What kills a lot of these transformers is the fan wears out, quits, and the power devices fail. There are actually two boards inside, one for power and one for control located under the meter panel. I have worked on these but not a MTH tech so can't help getting parts.

Pete

If the power board went out wouldn't that kill both 4 amp and 10 amp outputs?

I admit to being fairly ignorant of the circuit but would expect the 4 amp circuit would have its own power devices.

Pete