Many thanks Graham for the lesson you have made a very old man happy, I now understand the workings of the z21 and I use it to control my new N gauge layout 'Moorside'.
Thank you very much David and that's exactly the reason for making this, just to show how simple it is to set up and operate. Cheers. ..............Graham
Hello Graham. Well I bit the bullet and got myself the black Z21. It’s every bit as good as you video explained. Very quickly I was up and running. The +4 is not really an issue once you know about. All my point motors are in digital with most of them already having addresses assigned. Can I ask you a question. Programming new DCC ip motors , do you assign the motor address -4 from what you will set in the ipad app. Do you just set the motor to “set” assign the motor a number. Then change to run in the normal way. Then change the number +4 from that assigned.
Hi Graham, thank you loads for your video. It was really helpful, as no one else has explained the point set up like you have. I have also saved your video to my favorites for reference. I've had a Z21 for a little while now and love it, but working overseas has slowed down my layout development (in UK), but I do have a small test track and my Z21 system with some locos in the Netherlands. This allows me to buy DCC locos and set them up. I also continue to buy new Colbalt point motors as I need a few more yet. Best regards Ian Brunssum NL.
Hi Graham Thanks for this but I am missing something how do you connect the point motors to the controller and let that particular motor know it’s address?
As ever Graham a very helpful video. You must be one of the greatest Modelers out there a great all rounder. I’ve just finished my baseboard for a TT120 layout. Being as I want to be able to fully automate it. I’m thinking of getting Itrain and a Z21. Have you ever used Itrain Thanks Steve
Hi Graham, just watched both your videos regarding the Z21 and you seem to have a good understanding of it. Even more to the point it appears to offer you everything you want plus you are enjoying using it which I guess the point of any hobby. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing. Robin
As you say Robin, it does everything that I want plus it's a joy to operate too, obviously this won't be for everyone but it suits me down to the ground. Cheers. ...............Graham
Hi Graham I appreciate this video is a few years old, what point motors are you using for this and are you using an accessory decoder too? if so which one. Many thanks if you take the time to reply.
Hi Dave, I’m using the DCC Concept cobalt point motors on all points which are powered by motors. They work seamlessly with the Z21. Hope that helps. Cheers. …………..Graham
This is really awesome stuff Graham. it looks simplicity itself to set up and the control it gives you is amazing! Well explained as always. Thanks again for the video :)
Hi Graham two great video's it looks so easy to use so if I do eventually change to DCC I think I will be looking at the Z21 and I agree us blokes don't do manuals my wife is always saying have you read the Instruction for that and I say what are they. Cheers George..
LOL. Yep, very true George. The time to look at the manual is when it doesn't work after spending the first two hours trying to get it to work without the manual - only to find that you haven't plugged it in!! lol. ...........Graham
So pleased you like the Z21, I absolutely love mine, its simply amazing. I used to have the gaugemaster prodigy advance 2.The Z21, makes that look like pure rubbish. No numbers to remember, levers to pull. Its all on the screen with pics. Can you imagine trying to remember all the loco addresses for all your locos? Nightmare... The best bit is there is so much more to discover, I haven’t, as yet, gone anywhere close to running it at its full potential. Exciting times.
Exciting times indeed John, I have obviously only scratched the surface of mine and I'm in a steep learning curve but just using it at this level is brilliant. You're right about the fact of having so many locos and remembering all the addresses - that would be impossible for me now - just swipe and choose the loco, it couldn't be easier. ............Graham
Super Graham, I paid £135 including postage from Germany for the white z21 (could not afford the black Z21). I can now look forward to using it soon (this weekend if I am not cutting trees back at the Colne Valley Railway).
I'm sure the white version will be absolutely fine Vince and I have no hesitation in saying that you will thoroughly enjoy yourself - as long as you don't have to cut back those trees of course! ;-) .............Graham
Nice helpful pair of videos Graham, thanks! I do think the those points are quite slow though, two seconds or so for the pointmotors to change seems a long while especially considering scaled down time.. Thanks again, Joachim
Hi Joachim, the speed of the points is to do with the point motor though rather than the controller and don't forget that the Cobalt motors are advertised as 'slow acting'. I have never considered time as being scaled but glad you enjoyed the video though. ...........Graham
Well as you would say Graham, Bish-Bash-Done..! Another smashing video blog on the Z21 doing the point setting up and switching program them tutorial. Wonderful to have the image of the track overlayed with the point icons, moving, placing, and addressing to set it all up and without reading the manual... simples. Then seeing it all being put into action while driving the Class 68 from the TMD to platform #1. Next time in a return blog to see this loco movement, done under a route program setting to be shown in the future. I am sure the Z21 might give you the ability when setting a route, you can select the loco from stand still. Go through the points into Platform #1 automatically. That it be able to stop the loco for a timed limit, to allow the route settings to change the points to the next line. Then set the loco into motion to move it into the opposite direction to continue its journey to the next stopping area and a timed stop again. Followed by the points changing and the loco to move again in the right direction down the track to come to a stop at Platform #1. All at the touch of an icon button while you sit back and watch the action. Now that will be very cool to see, in a future blog, when you get to delve more into the Z21 controllers system abilities. Well done Graham for this informative video of setting up the points and operation. As for me, I will wait with anticipation for the next installment of the Z21 and for now.....Bish-Bash I am done - lol.
Hi John, to be honest I'm not a huge fan of automated systems where you set a route and time and let the train do it's own thing, it's great to watch at exhibitions and no doubt saves a lot of time for people operating it but on my layout I prefer to 'drive' them but each to their own I gues. I have since found out that the Z21 is capable of doing the automated route though so should I change my mind in the future then I have no doubt that I could set that uo somehow. Bish-bosh and cheers for now mate. ;-) ............Graham
I must agree if you use and automated system like that at home, then it would take the fun out of running a layout. I was just thinking out loud and wondered if the Z21 was capable of doing an automated route. Though it is good to know that it can. Somewhere like the fixed layout marvel of the Miniatur Wunderland, is the best example use of such a layout. For any viewers that haven't seen this system running here is the official website link below and worth watching: www.miniatur-wunderland.com/
Graham, nice job on the video! I am thinking about purchasing DigikeijsR5000 command station, 4018 for controlling turnouts and downloading the z21 app. I'm just started building a layout. I may not build the layout in a linear fashion. Does it matter if the turnout numbers are out of order? For example, assume I build three sections. The first section is actually in the middle and has turnouts 1 through 8. The second section attaches to the north end and has turnouts 9 through 16. The third section attaches to south end and has turnouts 17 to 24. Is that a issue? Also, is it possible to reorder the layout pictures as needed? Hope that is clear... Thanks!
Thanks Graham for 2 fantastic videos your explanation of the item is superb, I shall keep this unit in mind when I have finished my layout and start to change and upgrade thanks a lot phil
HI Graham great video. Please can you tel me the type of point motors you use with Z21?? Also i have a ?? on N Gauage Kato track which there points come with motors fitted will the Z21 black work with kato points. May be there should be a Z21 forum started just an i dear many thanks Dave.
@@trains3501 Hi and thanks for the question. I only use DCC Concept Colbalt motors which seem to work very well and are also easy to set up too. Hope that helps. Cheers for now. ……….Graham
Brilliant video Graham. I’m seriously thinking of getting on of these systems. Do you just literally need the bus wire as currently I have a bus wire for my track and an accessory bus for my points.
Cool. Works on Mac. So how do you set up the actual switch control then? I'm running a tram layut so I'd like to set up tram stops as well. Tram stops, waits 5 seconds and proceeds. Have you got a video on wiring all this up?
Thanks for a great video that helped me decide after a tedious while as a newbie searching info on different controllers, this is so awesome, can you use theRoco/fleischman mouse as well combined w a tablet or laptop?
Hi Graham. Just came across your Fantastic layout and a great video on the z21. I have just got one of these. Was just wondering what point decoders you are using? As I am just looking at which ones to get. 🤔
Hi Mark and many thanks for those kind words, they’re greatly appreciated. I use DC Concepts IP point motors, they are quite expensive but are great, they have their own decoder built in so all you have to do is assign an address to them, wire them up and away you go - dead easy and of course once they are done then that’s it. I use electro frog points now which means putting in isolation rail joiners on the frog so I also put an additional feed in to the motor too to power them. Hope that all helps. .............Graham
Graham Foulston Thank you for a prompt reply.. I am using isolated frogs and still use the isolated fishplates. I will look at the decoders suggested. But have to use a mixture of under and surface mount.
Hi Graham, I had been toying with the idea of getting the Z21 for a while, then Lo and Behold ‘Yours Truly’ gets one, again kickstarting my interest again. However web browsing for decent price, and availability I came across a dealer with a good price, but they have put a temporary hold on this item “Quote” .... ** Please note we have had to put a temporary hold on selling the latest version of the back Z21 as a hardware upgrade has introduced a fault with some of the decoder reading. As soon as ROCO fix the issue, we will put these back on sale. Sorry for any inconvenience. **** Do you know anything about this? Keep up the fantastic job your doing Mark / Isle of Wight
Hi Mark and yes I do know about this company not stocking the Z21 until they are happy that the issue has been resolved, I spoke to Gaugemaster about this and they said that they didn't understand why they weren't selling them as the latest update solves the issue (which I explained about the accessory decoders are read incorrectly and have to be upped by 4). Personally I don't understand this as other retailers are selling the Z21 albeit at a higher price. It will be interesting to see if this company will still offer the Z21 at their remarkable low price compared to others when they do decide to sell them. Maybe I'm just a cynic. Hope that helps a little. .............Graham
Thank you very much for explaining the Z21 Graham. I don't know why Roco doesn't make such tutorial videos. They only have those short commercials without anything explained. And the Z21 is really amazing. I am looking for a replacement of my Hornby Select. And this could be the one. Guido
Hi Guido, I think Gaugemaster have a small website explaining it a little but you're right, a professionally made "How to" video would be really helpful. It is a great controller though and easy to operate. ............Graham
Have you done a video on what Z21 stuff you need to be able to have it completely working like if you need the wifi package, digital control centre or just the code
Hi Phillip and no I haven't, the Z21 comes complete with it's own wifi router, digital, control, plugs to connect track to the Z21 so everything is included to get you up and running, you don't need to use your own home wifi router. I hope that is what you meant. ............Graham
Hi, Did you try the multimaus yet. I am going to Berlin next week and thinking of getting one there. Then I get the best of both worlds: a screen to play with and a hardware controller with a real knob. The only question then is, wired or wireless?
Hi Andrew, I've not tried the multimaus yet, it is the wired version which is probably why I've not tried it, I would like to have the wireless version if I can. ...........Graham
You can see the power consumption by going into z21 settings and at the top of the screen it shows your current consumption. I've had 5 locos complete with carriages running at the same time pulling less than 90ma
Hi, you could try using a tripod. If you haven't already you may be best to update the app, you shouldn't loose any settings. Thank you for your time to do a video on the Z21, how to setup points. the Z21 website and manual doesn't show enough or explain in detail enough. Regards Gary
This system just looks better and better every time you do another video Graham. One question regarding point motors....how do you assign an address to a new/replacement motor? Cheers Paul
Hi Paul, in exactly the same way but you need to make the point motor learn the new address so you set the motor to "Set" and programme it to the address you want. You then switch the point motor back to "Run". That's how I do it on my DCC Concept Cobalt motors, I'm not sure about other makes but they should be similar. ........Graham
Hi received my new Z21 today and all is working correctly, I wanted to ask if you could do a short video showing how to import and export as I have tried but I must be doing something wrong.
Hi Rob, well I know that Mark over on Western Centurion is about to do a video on his new Z21and he may well cover this aspect and I don't really want to put a video of mine up while he is doing his but if he doesn't cover this aspect then yes, I will put a video up showing how it's done but it is very simple to do and will only take a couple of minutes - hope that helps. ...........Graham
Hi Graham great video I just have a quick question on point control as I am considering this system. I noticed your crossover in the station. On DC I have points in crossovers throw together so one switch controls a pair. You seem to have 2 separate icons on your crossover so do you have to tap each separately or can you set up crossover points to throw in pairs on the Z21?
Hi Vincent, as long as the two point motors have the same address (as those in the station have) then you only need to touch either of the two icons and they both change at the same time - they must have the same address though. I hope that is of help to you Vincent. Cheers. ...........Graham
Hehe, there are a few other things that I haven't shown yet but I think I will leave it now for a while and get some more usage out of it and to stop my subscribers getting bored to death over the Z21 !! ;-) .............Graham
Thanks for showing this; it does make it look simple (as long as you remember the +4) Did you have any points where the direction of the actual point did not match the image (normal/reverse) and how easy was it to swap one to match the other? And at power on, does the Z21 drive all the points to the default, or the last used, or something else? Regards, Tom
I had one point which didn't match up for some reason but all I had to do was set the Bit to 0 instead of 1 and that sorted it out. When powered up it sets them to whatever is on the display which should (unless it's been played with whilst off line) be when last used. Hope that helps. ..........Graham
Graham Foulston Excellent, Graham, thanks for the info. This certainly seems to be the controller of choice, including its ability to do track detection and routes. Regards, Tom
Hi Graham, first of all amazing layout!!! I also own a z21 and i am in the process of setting up the point motors.i was thinking of cobalt ip.what motors are you running and how do you connect them to the z21?
Hiya Graham, this'll maybe make you laugh as you're into your scooter Way back in 79 or maybe 1980, i was helping my dad with his decorating business during my then school summer holidays In a large garage there was a scooter. mustard coloured is what i'd term the paint scheme Dang thing had mirrors/badges allover it, anyways, Mr Phillips the dad of the house came in and said, Anthony, would you like that as my sons are moving out and they are clearing everything before they go, as it was the eldest son was off to study and the young one was going around the world before his studies took place !! Like a fool, and to this day i regret so much i said, ohh thanks for the offer Mr Phillips but i'm into motorbikes, at that time my 'motorbike' was a Honda C90 that mates and i thraped around a farmers field lol Ohh if i could turn back time !!!! What kind of fool am i (so the song goes hehe) Have Fun Tony
Next leven would be having the app show a video feed as background image, and setup cameras in the ceiling. That way you would get a live feed of what going on with the layout, and you could be relaxing on the beach...
Hi Graham, thanks for your reply, so that was what the issue was, referring to the +4 add on. I too have the Ecos, albeit it has no issues, but like you say, it’s not mobile. The feature I like about the Z21 is the points overlain on top of your actual layout, which makes it quicker and more identifiable. Regards Mark Sent from my iPad
Well I assume that was the reason Mark, I can't think of anything else it can be and nor can Gaugemaster. As mentioned in the video, I haven'r updated mine to include the revised software which gives you (apparently) the option for adding the '4' automatically to accessories address although once again I can't be 100% sure on that as I haven't seen it. All I know is that mine operates just fine by adding 4 to each accessory address. I understand what you mean about the ECoS, it can be made mobile of course by adding the MC2 controller but that doesn't come without it's own issues either - mine will not zero out now for some reason, I'm not sure if it's the MC2 or the ECoS which it talks to. Decisions, decisions! Cheers for now. ..............Graham
Graham Foulston Well what was it you said? Decisions! Decisions! It wasn’t a hard one to make, found it at £284.95 inc delivery, should be with me at the end of next week or there about. No more neck ache from turning round lol. Have a good weekend Mark / Clay Lane Cut
That's brilliant Mark and I'm really pleased for you, a great price too - I bet you can't wait now!! lol. Have a good weekend too mate. ;-) .............Graham
Absolutely Mark, there is no reason why you can't configure most of the locos and accessories of your layout (especially if you know the addresses) before getting the actual Z21, the Z21 just makes it all work from the device you have configured. Cheers for now mate and enjoy!! ..............Graham
Hi Graham.. Great videos ! I couldn't have said that any better... good tutorials... I think the system is far superior to the ecos for the 'walkabout' possibility...I use my telephone most of the time but also have my tablet too... Have you tried double heading yet?.. Regards... Nigel
Hi Nigel and thank you, yes I have tried double heading on a few of my locos as they need to always run together and they are fine, no problems at all. I am going to try my iPhone instead of my iPad tomorrow if I get the time as that is obviously a lot smaller, I just want to see how it handles the layout on a small device although I don't foresee any problems with it. Cheers. .............Graham
Graham, You appear to be having difficulty operating in your videos while shooting your videos? As a professional Videographer may I recommend your acquiring either a GoPRO camera attached to a sports style headband (at eye level) or Google Glasses? Either can be found online, in the gray market E-Bay types, for about what you would pay for a decent Loco. If you are using you phone or laptop as your recording device it would be well worth also purchasing the tether cable linkage with extra long cables. So you can remain portable and not yank the recording device to the floor or yank the camera off your head. Taking your head with. All in all quite well done V-Logs.
I have had mine (the white one) for 18 months now and it's brilliant, though I can't compare with other systems as it's the only one I've used. I was 71 when I bought mine but mastering it was a doodle .
Hi Graham, Instructions are only for people who don't know what they're doing. Fantastic piece of kit, it just gets better and better. You have cobalt Points. I presume it would work with other DCC accessory decoder's........................John.
Hi John and thanks, as long as you can get a digital signal to the accessory decoder such as signals or lights with an address then I don't see why it shouldn't be able to operate them no matter the make. Hope that helps. ............Graham
Thank you very much Chuck but it wasn't me making it look easy - it was the system making it easy for me to show!! ;-) It's truly a brilliant system and I am only touching the surface of it, there is so much more to it than what I have shown so far but hopefully the more I learn then the more I will show. Cheers for now buddy. .............Graham
Very interesting - I really like the UI on that app. The turnout control overlay on a photo especially. I think they've really put some thought into that, which is not always the case with DCC control interfaces I tend to find! I also like that it's very clear which direction the turnout is pointing in. I've gone for the old fashioned switch board type affair and I did it without any LEDs, so I spend much of my time crashing trains into each other. Thanks Graham!
Thanks for the comment, it's just another way of controlling a layout with a UI that suits me down to the ground as I use the iOS every day on my iPad or iPhone, this was the main attraction for me. I know my way around this OS and so combining this was a natural (for me) way to go. Plus the 'get it out the box and away you go' scenario was the second most important thing. I really am not into configuring computers to do a similar job although I fully understand and appreciate that for people who know how to do that then this may not be the route they would wish to go down. I have just seen your video on your control system and I bow down to your knowledge in setting that up but that would be way above my computer skills but in the end we both have the same end result - our trains run on the track. I'm glad you like the look of this controller though, it is very intuitive which for a computer numpty like me then I really need that !! lol. Cheers for now. ............Graham
NS3644 Hi and yes, it is just one operation, the point decoders have the same address so if I were to touch one of the points then both change. Hope that helps. .........Graham
@@GrahamFoulston ty Graham, for your quick and informative reply. I asked this because i'm considering changing from NCE to Z21, ty and have a gr8 day. Randall
To continue... With labels particularly when two identical icons for different sounds. Just my opinion. Anyway it does what you want which is great. Greg
Hi Greg, there are some different icons for the same thing like the long whistle and short whistle, different light icons for front and rear lights, cab lights etc. I couldn't show everything I'm afraid as it would take so long, I just wanted to show a basic overview as I'm aware of videos becoming too long. Hope that helps a little but I am aware that this won't be to everyones taste. ...........Graham
I am in the same position as you Mike, I am not sure about the turntable either, I am going to have to look that up, I know my turntable can be operated through a DCC signal but is just I go about doing it. I shall have to get the manual out for the turntable!! lol. ............Graham
Hi, very nice video and details. thanks. I want to ask you more information if you know and you are kind to respond me : a) I use Z21 with Roco 10775- 8-fold turnout decoder DCC ( www.roco.cc/cz/product/22394-10775-0-0-0-0-0-004001/products.html) for switch some crossing. I have a three crossing from Fleischmann F6157 and doesn't work at all. I connect this crossing to Roco 10775 in the first connector, results:nothing. Do you know how can I connect to work proper ? b) I have 12 crossing from Fleischmann and when I connect to Roco 10775 first 4 work excellent. When I put the 5th in same way with different address don't move at all. If i go to the 1 connector , this moves 1 and 5 crossing. After 2 and 6.....and i don't understand what is happened ?!?!?!?!? c) how can I translate my diorama to tablet ? Thanks in advance, George
Hi Graham, I have just seen a video that may help you concerning the default turnout/point numbering. Here is the video: ruclips.net/video/Bl12q_F4Ewc/видео.html I hope it helps regards Ian Brunssum NL
To be honest then apart from getting to the advanced stages then this is so intuitive then you won't need the manual but there is still a lot to learn yet. .........Graham
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Many thanks Graham for the lesson you have made a very old man happy, I now understand the workings of the z21 and I use it to control my new N gauge layout 'Moorside'.
This is a brilliant tutorial graham it will definately help people who are starting off with the z21
Thank you very much David and that's exactly the reason for making this, just to show how simple it is to set up and operate. Cheers. ..............Graham
Great videos Graham and so easy to follow. Do you know if the Z21 can be used to operate the Peco Streamline Double Crossover?
Hello Graham. Well I bit the bullet and got myself the black Z21. It’s every bit as good as you video explained. Very quickly I was up and running. The +4 is not really an issue once you know about. All my point motors are in digital with most of them already having addresses assigned. Can I ask you a question. Programming new DCC ip motors , do you assign the motor address -4 from what you will set in the ipad app. Do you just set the motor to “set” assign the motor a number. Then change to run in the normal way. Then change the number +4 from that assigned.
Hi Graham, thank you loads for your video. It was really helpful, as no one else has explained the point set up like you have. I have also saved your video to my favorites for reference. I've had a Z21 for a little while now and love it, but working overseas has slowed down my layout development (in UK), but I do have a small test track and my Z21 system with some locos in the Netherlands. This allows me to buy DCC locos and set them up. I also continue to buy new Colbalt point motors as I need a few more yet. Best regards Ian Brunssum NL.
Hi Graham
Thanks for this but I am missing something how do you connect the point motors to the controller and let that particular motor know it’s address?
As ever Graham a very helpful video. You must be one of the greatest Modelers out there a great all rounder.
I’ve just finished my baseboard for a TT120 layout. Being as I want to be able to fully automate it. I’m thinking of getting Itrain and a Z21. Have you ever used Itrain
Thanks
Steve
How does the $traight point motor know it is address 1 (5) ? And the curved point motor number 2(6)?
Hi Graham, just watched both your videos regarding the Z21 and you seem to have a good understanding of it. Even more to the point it appears to offer you everything you want plus you are enjoying using it which I guess the point of any hobby. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.
Robin
As you say Robin, it does everything that I want plus it's a joy to operate too, obviously this won't be for everyone but it suits me down to the ground. Cheers. ...............Graham
Hi Graham I appreciate this video is a few years old, what point motors are you using for this and are you using an accessory decoder too? if so which one. Many thanks if you take the time to reply.
Hi Dave, I’m using the DCC Concept cobalt point motors on all points which are powered by motors. They work seamlessly with the Z21. Hope that helps. Cheers. …………..Graham
Excellent Graham. Your layout looks fantastic as well.
Great video! Will this procedure also work with Roco 10775?
This is really awesome stuff Graham. it looks simplicity itself to set up and the control it gives you is amazing! Well explained as always. Thanks again for the video :)
Thank you and I'm pleased you enjoyed it and found it of some use. Many thanks. ............Graham
Hi Graham two great video's it looks so easy to use so if I do eventually change to DCC I think I will be looking at the Z21 and I agree us blokes don't do manuals my wife is always saying have you read the Instruction for that and I say what are they. Cheers George..
LOL. Yep, very true George. The time to look at the manual is when it doesn't work after spending the first two hours trying to get it to work without the manual - only to find that you haven't plugged it in!! lol. ...........Graham
So pleased you like the Z21, I absolutely love mine, its simply amazing. I used to have the gaugemaster prodigy advance 2.The Z21, makes that look like pure rubbish. No numbers to remember, levers to pull. Its all on the screen with pics. Can you imagine trying to remember all the loco addresses for all your locos? Nightmare...
The best bit is there is so much more to discover, I haven’t, as yet, gone anywhere close to running it at its full potential. Exciting times.
Exciting times indeed John, I have obviously only scratched the surface of mine and I'm in a steep learning curve but just using it at this level is brilliant. You're right about the fact of having so many locos and remembering all the addresses - that would be impossible for me now - just swipe and choose the loco, it couldn't be easier. ............Graham
Super Graham, I paid £135 including postage from Germany for the white z21 (could not afford the black Z21). I can now look forward to using it soon (this weekend if I am not cutting trees back at the Colne Valley Railway).
I'm sure the white version will be absolutely fine Vince and I have no hesitation in saying that you will thoroughly enjoy yourself - as long as you don't have to cut back those trees of course! ;-) .............Graham
Hi Graham. What point motors and decoder are you using?
Nice helpful pair of videos Graham, thanks! I do think the those points are quite slow though, two seconds or so for the pointmotors to change seems a long while especially considering scaled down time.. Thanks again, Joachim
Hi Joachim, the speed of the points is to do with the point motor though rather than the controller and don't forget that the Cobalt motors are advertised as 'slow acting'. I have never considered time as being scaled but glad you enjoyed the video though. ...........Graham
Well as you would say Graham, Bish-Bash-Done..! Another smashing video blog on the Z21 doing the point setting up and switching program them tutorial. Wonderful to have the image of the track overlayed with the point icons, moving, placing, and addressing to set it all up and without reading the manual... simples. Then seeing it all being put into action while driving the Class 68 from the TMD to platform #1.
Next time in a return blog to see this loco movement, done under a route program setting to be shown in the future. I am sure the Z21 might give you the ability when setting a route, you can select the loco from stand still. Go through the points into Platform #1 automatically.
That it be able to stop the loco for a timed limit, to allow the route settings to change the points to the next line. Then set the loco into motion to move it into the opposite direction to continue its journey to the next stopping area and a timed stop again. Followed by the points changing and the loco to move again in the right direction down the track to come to a stop at Platform #1. All at the touch of an icon button while you sit back and watch the action.
Now that will be very cool to see, in a future blog, when you get to delve more into the Z21 controllers system abilities. Well done Graham for this informative video of setting up the points and operation. As for me, I will wait with anticipation for the next installment of the Z21 and for now.....Bish-Bash I am done - lol.
Hi John, to be honest I'm not a huge fan of automated systems where you set a route and time and let the train do it's own thing, it's great to watch at exhibitions and no doubt saves a lot of time for people operating it but on my layout I prefer to 'drive' them but each to their own I gues. I have since found out that the Z21 is capable of doing the automated route though so should I change my mind in the future then I have no doubt that I could set that uo somehow. Bish-bosh and cheers for now mate. ;-) ............Graham
I must agree if you use and automated system like that at home, then it would take the fun out of running a layout. I was just thinking out loud and wondered if the Z21 was capable of doing an automated route. Though it is good to know that it can. Somewhere like the fixed layout marvel of the Miniatur Wunderland, is the best example use of such a layout. For any viewers that haven't seen this system running here is the official website link below and worth watching: www.miniatur-wunderland.com/
Graham, nice job on the video! I am thinking about purchasing DigikeijsR5000 command station, 4018 for controlling turnouts and downloading the z21 app. I'm just started building a layout. I may not build the layout in a linear fashion. Does it matter if the turnout numbers are out of order? For example, assume I build three sections. The first section is actually in the middle and has turnouts 1 through 8. The second section attaches to the north end and has turnouts 9 through 16. The third section attaches to south end and has turnouts 17 to 24. Is that a issue? Also, is it possible to reorder the layout pictures as needed? Hope that is clear... Thanks!
Thanks Graham for 2 fantastic videos your explanation of the item is superb, I shall keep this unit in mind when I have finished my layout and start to change and upgrade thanks a lot phil
No problems Phil and glad to have been of some help to you. Cheers for now mate. ...........Graham
HI Graham great video. Please can you tel me the type of point motors you use with Z21?? Also i have a ?? on N Gauage Kato track which there points come with motors fitted will the Z21 black work with kato points. May be there should be a Z21 forum started just an i dear many thanks Dave.
What brand switch motors do you use?
@@trains3501 Hi and thanks for the question. I only use DCC Concept Colbalt motors which seem to work very well and are also easy to set up too. Hope that helps. Cheers for now. ……….Graham
Brilliant video Graham. I’m seriously thinking of getting on of these systems. Do you just literally need the bus wire as currently I have a bus wire for my track and an accessory bus for my points.
Graham. Two informative videos. Z21 certainly does the job for you. Only thing is icons I would prefer something
Cool. Works on Mac. So how do you set up the actual switch control then? I'm running a tram layut so I'd like to set up tram stops as well. Tram stops, waits 5 seconds and proceeds. Have you got a video on wiring all this up?
Hi graham. What z21 are u using is it the black or white one? And what are you using to throw over your points. ?
John birks
Thanks for a great video that helped me decide after a tedious while as a newbie searching info on different controllers, this is so awesome, can you use theRoco/fleischman mouse as well combined w a tablet or laptop?
Hi Graham can you operate the turntable with your Z21? Great video as allways
Hi Graham. Just came across your
Fantastic layout and a great video on the z21.
I have just got one of these.
Was just wondering what point decoders you are using?
As I am just looking at which ones to get. 🤔
Hi Mark and many thanks for those kind words, they’re greatly appreciated. I use DC Concepts IP point motors, they are quite expensive but are great, they have their own decoder built in so all you have to do is assign an address to them, wire them up and away you go - dead easy and of course once they are done then that’s it. I use electro frog points now which means putting in isolation rail joiners on the frog so I also put an additional feed in to the motor too to power them. Hope that all helps. .............Graham
Graham Foulston
Thank you for a prompt reply..
I am using isolated frogs and still use the isolated fishplates.
I will look at the decoders suggested. But have to use a mixture of under and surface mount.
Hi Graham, I had been toying with the idea of getting the Z21 for a while, then Lo and Behold ‘Yours Truly’ gets one, again kickstarting my interest again. However web browsing for decent price, and availability I came across a dealer with a good price, but they have put a temporary hold on this item “Quote” ....
** Please note we have had to put a temporary hold on selling the latest version of the back Z21
as a hardware upgrade has introduced a fault with some of the decoder reading. As soon as
ROCO fix the issue, we will put these back on sale. Sorry for any inconvenience. ****
Do you know anything about this?
Keep up the fantastic job your doing
Mark / Isle of Wight
Hi Mark and yes I do know about this company not stocking the Z21 until they are happy that the issue has been resolved, I spoke to Gaugemaster about this and they said that they didn't understand why they weren't selling them as the latest update solves the issue (which I explained about the accessory decoders are read incorrectly and have to be upped by 4). Personally I don't understand this as other retailers are selling the Z21 albeit at a higher price. It will be interesting to see if this company will still offer the Z21 at their remarkable low price compared to others when they do decide to sell them. Maybe I'm just a cynic. Hope that helps a little. .............Graham
Excellent video Graham.
Can I ask what accessory decoders are you using with the Z21 ?
Thanks.
Tony.
Thank you very much for explaining the Z21 Graham. I don't know why Roco doesn't make such tutorial videos. They only have those short commercials without anything explained. And the Z21 is really amazing. I am looking for a replacement of my Hornby Select. And this could be the one. Guido
Hi Guido, I think Gaugemaster have a small website explaining it a little but you're right, a professionally made "How to" video would be really helpful. It is a great controller though and easy to operate. ............Graham
A well presented video, yet again Graham.
Many thanks Trevor. .............Graham
Have you done a video on what Z21 stuff you need to be able to have it completely working like if you need the wifi package, digital control centre or just the code
Hi Phillip and no I haven't, the Z21 comes complete with it's own wifi router, digital, control, plugs to connect track to the Z21 so everything is included to get you up and running, you don't need to use your own home wifi router. I hope that is what you meant. ............Graham
Graham Foulston Thanks graham that is exactly what I meant
Can you show me how to hook up a three way switch with the Z21 (three way turn out)
Hi, Did you try the multimaus yet. I am going to Berlin next week and thinking of getting one there. Then I get the best of both worlds: a screen to play with and a hardware controller with a real knob. The only question then is, wired or wireless?
Hi Andrew, I've not tried the multimaus yet, it is the wired version which is probably why I've not tried it, I would like to have the wireless version if I can. ...........Graham
The wireless version is more advanced than the wired one. It can control more functions.
You can see the power consumption by going into z21 settings and at the top of the screen it shows your current consumption.
I've had 5 locos complete with carriages running at the same time pulling less than 90ma
Just had a look and got it! Thanks for that Mike, something else I've learnt tonight and very helpful too - once again, many thanks. ...........Graham
Hi Graham. Did you update to the new Z21app yet?
Hi, you could try using a tripod. If you haven't already you may be best to update the app, you shouldn't loose any settings. Thank you for your time to do a video on the Z21, how to setup points. the Z21 website and manual doesn't show enough or explain in detail enough.
Regards Gary
This system just looks better and better every time you do another video Graham. One question regarding point motors....how do you assign an address to a new/replacement motor? Cheers Paul
Hi Paul, in exactly the same way but you need to make the point motor learn the new address so you set the motor to "Set" and programme it to the address you want. You then switch the point motor back to "Run". That's how I do it on my DCC Concept Cobalt motors, I'm not sure about other makes but they should be similar. ........Graham
Hi received my new Z21 today and all is working correctly, I wanted to ask if you could do a short video showing how to import and export as I have tried but I must be doing something wrong.
Hi Rob, well I know that Mark over on Western Centurion is about to do a video on his new Z21and he may well cover this aspect and I don't really want to put a video of mine up while he is doing his but if he doesn't cover this aspect then yes, I will put a video up showing how it's done but it is very simple to do and will only take a couple of minutes - hope that helps. ...........Graham
OK thanks I will give him a shout. ...........Rob
How about programming switch decoder with z21
Hi Graham great video I just have a quick question on point control as I am considering this system. I noticed your crossover in the station. On DC I have points in crossovers throw together so one switch controls a pair. You seem to have 2 separate icons on your crossover so do you have to tap each separately or can you set up crossover points to throw in pairs on the Z21?
Hi Vincent, as long as the two point motors have the same address (as those in the station have) then you only need to touch either of the two icons and they both change at the same time - they must have the same address though. I hope that is of help to you Vincent. Cheers. ...........Graham
Thank you that’s very helpful
Excellent and glad it was of help to you. ...........Graham
Cheers Graham, keep these Z21 videos coming and I wont need to read the instructions when I get mine.
Regards, Geoff
Hehe, there are a few other things that I haven't shown yet but I think I will leave it now for a while and get some more usage out of it and to stop my subscribers getting bored to death over the Z21 !! ;-) .............Graham
Thanks for showing this; it does make it look simple (as long as you remember the +4)
Did you have any points where the direction of the actual point did not match the image (normal/reverse) and how easy was it to swap one to match the other?
And at power on, does the Z21 drive all the points to the default, or the last used, or something else?
Regards, Tom
I had one point which didn't match up for some reason but all I had to do was set the Bit to 0 instead of 1 and that sorted it out. When powered up it sets them to whatever is on the display which should (unless it's been played with whilst off line) be when last used. Hope that helps. ..........Graham
Graham Foulston Excellent, Graham, thanks for the info. This certainly seems to be the controller of choice, including its ability to do track detection and routes. Regards, Tom
Hi Graham, first of all amazing layout!!! I also own a z21 and i am in the process of setting up the point motors.i was thinking of cobalt ip.what motors are you running and how do you connect them to the z21?
Yes, I found it very interesting. As I am only going to DC for now. I will watch what happens with HM7000. Martin. (Thailand)
Niceone Graham, got back into oo and o gauge recently, loving your vids with such great detail
Thanks and Take Care
Tony
Thank you very much mate and really pleased that you are enjoying the videos, cheers for now mate. ............Graham
Ohh, i best add, via your self, i am also hooked on Rob doing his UK setup across the pond lol
Hiya Graham, this'll maybe make you laugh as you're into your scooter
Way back in 79 or maybe 1980, i was helping my dad with his decorating business during my then school summer holidays
In a large garage there was a scooter. mustard coloured is what i'd term the paint scheme
Dang thing had mirrors/badges allover it, anyways, Mr Phillips the dad of the house came in and said, Anthony, would you like that as my sons are moving out and they are clearing everything before they go, as it was the eldest son was off to study and the young one was going around the world before his studies took place !!
Like a fool, and to this day i regret so much i said, ohh thanks for the offer Mr Phillips but i'm into motorbikes, at that time my 'motorbike' was a Honda C90 that mates and i thraped around a farmers field lol
Ohh if i could turn back time !!!!
What kind of fool am i (so the song goes hehe)
Have Fun
Tony
Next leven would be having the app show a video feed as background image, and setup cameras in the ceiling. That way you would get a live feed of what going on with the layout, and you could be relaxing on the beach...
Great videos, but please how do you get this on a TV or a PC?
Hi, dont know if you solved this? But i am using an android emulating software (free of use) you can find it here. www.bluestacks.com/
Hi Graham, thanks for your reply, so that was what the issue was, referring to the +4 add on. I too have the Ecos, albeit it has no issues, but like you say, it’s not mobile. The feature I like about the Z21 is the points overlain on top of your actual layout, which makes it quicker and more identifiable.
Regards
Mark
Sent from my iPad
Well I assume that was the reason Mark, I can't think of anything else it can be and nor can Gaugemaster. As mentioned in the video, I haven'r updated mine to include the revised software which gives you (apparently) the option for adding the '4' automatically to accessories address although once again I can't be 100% sure on that as I haven't seen it. All I know is that mine operates just fine by adding 4 to each accessory address. I understand what you mean about the ECoS, it can be made mobile of course by adding the MC2 controller but that doesn't come without it's own issues either - mine will not zero out now for some reason, I'm not sure if it's the MC2 or the ECoS which it talks to. Decisions, decisions! Cheers for now. ..............Graham
Graham Foulston Well what was it you said? Decisions! Decisions! It wasn’t a hard one to make, found it at £284.95 inc delivery, should be with me at the end of next week or there about. No more neck ache from turning round lol. Have a good weekend
Mark / Clay Lane Cut
That's brilliant Mark and I'm really pleased for you, a great price too - I bet you can't wait now!! lol. Have a good weekend too mate. ;-) .............Graham
The beauty of it is, I can start setting up the point layout now, of which I have started. Regards Mark
Absolutely Mark, there is no reason why you can't configure most of the locos and accessories of your layout (especially if you know the addresses) before getting the actual Z21, the Z21 just makes it all work from the device you have configured. Cheers for now mate and enjoy!! ..............Graham
Hi Graham,
Please excuse the off the subject question but please could you let me know what camcorder you use?
Thank you
Paul
Hi Paul, my camcorder is a Panasonic HC-X920. Hope that helps. ............Graham
Thank You Graham
Splendid once more, Graham!
Many thanks Derrick and pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you. .............Graham
Hi Graham..
Great videos ! I couldn't have said that any better... good tutorials... I think the system is far superior to the ecos for the 'walkabout' possibility...I use my telephone most of the time but also have my tablet too...
Have you tried double heading yet?..
Regards... Nigel
Hi Nigel and thank you, yes I have tried double heading on a few of my locos as they need to always run together and they are fine, no problems at all. I am going to try my iPhone instead of my iPad tomorrow if I get the time as that is obviously a lot smaller, I just want to see how it handles the layout on a small device although I don't foresee any problems with it. Cheers. .............Graham
Graham,
You appear to be having difficulty operating in your videos while shooting your videos?
As a professional Videographer may I recommend your acquiring either a GoPRO camera attached to a sports style headband (at eye level) or Google Glasses? Either can be found online, in the gray market E-Bay types, for about what you would pay for a decent Loco.
If you are using you phone or laptop as your recording device it would be well worth also purchasing the tether cable linkage with extra long cables. So you can remain portable and not yank the recording device to the floor or yank the camera off your head. Taking your head with.
All in all quite well done V-Logs.
I have had mine (the white one) for 18 months now and it's brilliant, though I can't compare with other systems as it's the only one I've used.
I was 71 when I bought mine but mastering it was a doodle .
Well there you go Mike - you are a brilliant advert for the Z21 mate - absolutely fantastic! ;-) Cheers for now. ........Graham
Thank you so much for your video , you are so thorough and informative
Kind regards
Jonathan
Hi Graham, Instructions are only for people who don't know what they're doing. Fantastic piece of kit, it just gets better and better. You have cobalt Points. I presume it would work with other DCC accessory decoder's........................John.
Hi John and thanks, as long as you can get a digital signal to the accessory decoder such as signals or lights with an address then I don't see why it shouldn't be able to operate them no matter the make. Hope that helps. ............Graham
WOW you made it so easy to learn. What an outstanding system. If only JMRI was this simple :( thanks for sharing, Chuck RVRR
Thank you very much Chuck but it wasn't me making it look easy - it was the system making it easy for me to show!! ;-) It's truly a brilliant system and I am only touching the surface of it, there is so much more to it than what I have shown so far but hopefully the more I learn then the more I will show. Cheers for now buddy. .............Graham
Graham, good follow up ... I can see the draw to using a Z21 ... Roco should sign you up for English language tutorials. cheers john
Thank you John, maybe in a few years time when I know what I'm talking about! lol. .........Graham
Very interesting - I really like the UI on that app. The turnout control overlay on a photo especially. I think they've really put some thought into that, which is not always the case with DCC control interfaces I tend to find!
I also like that it's very clear which direction the turnout is pointing in. I've gone for the old fashioned switch board type affair and I did it without any LEDs, so I spend much of my time crashing trains into each other. Thanks Graham!
Thanks for the comment, it's just another way of controlling a layout with a UI that suits me down to the ground as I use the iOS every day on my iPad or iPhone, this was the main attraction for me. I know my way around this OS and so combining this was a natural (for me) way to go. Plus the 'get it out the box and away you go' scenario was the second most important thing. I really am not into configuring computers to do a similar job although I fully understand and appreciate that for people who know how to do that then this may not be the route they would wish to go down. I have just seen your video on your control system and I bow down to your knowledge in setting that up but that would be way above my computer skills but in the end we both have the same end result - our trains run on the track. I'm glad you like the look of this controller though, it is very intuitive which for a computer numpty like me then I really need that !! lol. Cheers for now. ............Graham
Don't sell yourself short. They're all the same at the end of the day ... just some software running on some hardware.
Can you switch the points/crossover between platform 2 and 3 at the same time or does it require 2 movements?
NS3644 Hi and yes, it is just one operation, the point decoders have the same address so if I were to touch one of the points then both change. Hope that helps. .........Graham
@@GrahamFoulston ty Graham, for your quick and informative reply. I asked this because i'm considering changing from NCE to Z21, ty and have a gr8 day. Randall
NS3644 Many thanks Randall and no problem, glad I could help. ............Graham
To continue... With labels particularly when two identical icons for different sounds. Just my opinion. Anyway it does what you want which is great. Greg
Hi Greg, there are some different icons for the same thing like the long whistle and short whistle, different light icons for front and rear lights, cab lights etc. I couldn't show everything I'm afraid as it would take so long, I just wanted to show a basic overview as I'm aware of videos becoming too long. Hope that helps a little but I am aware that this won't be to everyones taste. ...........Graham
Hi Graham .....I enjoyed this even though I’m a dc dinosaur....but I do love me iPad....so you never know maybe one day.....regards fred
Hehe, it may even convert you to DCC just because of your iPad !! lol. As you say - maybe one day. Cheers for now mate. ...........Graham
Great video again!! Thank you!
Many thanks Onno and much appreciated. .............Graham
It looks great and easy to use, better than ECoS and built for the future.
Absolutely Nigel, you would be well pleased with this. .............Graham
Looks like fun!
It is Keith, it's great fun to learn this controller, a great bit of kit. ...........Graham
I've just brought a Z21 from DCC supplies. I am really impressed with the system.
That's excellent Mike and I'm sure you will love it - it's a brilliant all-in-one controller. .............Graham
Cheers Graham. The only thing I am struggling with is will it control a turntable. You will have to forgive me, I am fairly new to the "OO scene".
I am in the same position as you Mike, I am not sure about the turntable either, I am going to have to look that up, I know my turntable can be operated through a DCC signal but is just I go about doing it. I shall have to get the manual out for the turntable!! lol. ............Graham
Clearly you are in love! It's nice when something works the way it should do. Cheers
It is nice when something reaches your expectations Davie and this certainly has. .............Graham
Perfect 👌🏻
Thank you Rob. ;-) ............Graham
perfect just perfect
Many thanks Paul, much appreciated as always. ............Graham
Hi, very nice video and details. thanks.
I want to ask you more information if you know and you are kind to respond me :
a) I use Z21 with Roco 10775- 8-fold turnout decoder DCC ( www.roco.cc/cz/product/22394-10775-0-0-0-0-0-004001/products.html) for switch some crossing. I have a three crossing from Fleischmann F6157 and doesn't work at all. I connect this crossing to Roco 10775 in the first connector, results:nothing. Do you know how can I connect to work proper ?
b) I have 12 crossing from Fleischmann and when I connect to Roco 10775 first 4 work excellent. When I put the 5th in same way with different address don't move at all. If i go to the 1 connector , this moves 1 and 5 crossing. After 2 and 6.....and i don't understand what is happened ?!?!?!?!?
c) how can I translate my diorama to tablet ?
Thanks in advance, George
scenery is falling down at the back lol
Yeah I know, it never has been fixed permanently, I will get round to doing it one day. ..............Graham
Hi Graham, I have just seen a video that may help you concerning the default turnout/point numbering. Here is the video:
ruclips.net/video/Bl12q_F4Ewc/видео.html
I hope it helps regards Ian Brunssum NL
HA who neads a manual when you have man power, i better not brag ill have someone on my case about being sexist or something lol
To be honest then apart from getting to the advanced stages then this is so intuitive then you won't need the manual but there is still a lot to learn yet. .........Graham
Graham Foulston, just don't press the to big off words or confusing looking simbols and it woll he fine uaja