Information on the Z1 system?

Discussion in 'Computer Automation' started by Tallpaul70, Oct 5, 2019.

  1. Tallpaul70

    Tallpaul70 Full Member

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    Hi All,
    I am just starting to look at computer control systems for my yet to be built layout.

    I have seen mention of a model railway computer control system called Z1.

    I can't find any mention of this on this Forum?
    Advise please as to what this is and what are its features and capabilities?

    What DCC control systems will it work with?
    I am working in 00 gauge with an NCE controller.

    Many thanks
    Paul
     
  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    The Z 1

    :scratchchin: I'm sure I've heard of this. Not sure if it's a computer system as such. I thought NCE brought out a " gadget " called the Z1. I may be wrong. Like a circuit board for controlling points and the ability to instal track monitoring / occupancy etc.

    I'll see if I can find out more. Somebody will know.

    Toto

    Could it also be something to do with the Zephr control system. :scratchchin:
     
  3. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Hornby did a Zero 1 system long ago but it wasn't all that successful … don't know if that's it :scratchchin:

    Ian vt
     
  4. pc163

    pc163 Full Member

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    Good Luck!
    ----------------------------
    This Resource Might Help ~ Interesting Read.

    Model Railroad Techniques

    MRT uses the Z21 with TrainController Software and certain other Modules ~ Detection etc..

    The Roco Z21

    Model Railroad Techniques use the Roco Z21 ~ Assisting the modeler to achieve their dream layout

    Model Railroad Techniques YouTube Channel ~ Videos

    modelrailroadtechniques on Instagram

    MRT on Pinterest

    I use Digitrax Hardware with TrainController.

    NCE [PowerCab] and NCE PH-Pro don't work with TrainController ~ Don't waste your time with NCE and computer control. NCE is rubbish. It's a Polling Throttle Network ~ the type of networks which don't work with proper control of your layout!

    P2P Networks where every device is on a 'Level Playing Field' are the most advanced type of networks and devices broadcast and listen to commands only when they need to.

    TrainController is the best Model Train Software you can use [German Engineered]. The sky is the limit as to what you can do with it.

    JMRI is only good for programming Locos [Roster] and your modules like all of Digitrax!


    Cheers,
    Peter
    pc163
     
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2019
  5. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    ah you mean this Z1 system
    wand.jpg
     
  6. pc163

    pc163 Full Member

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    Z1 Doesn't exist! Unless you can find it on a Google Search?

    Check these out:-
    Digital model railway control systems ~ Wiki

    CTI might interest you Paul..
    CTI Electronics ~ is another one

    [Computer control is the future of model railway ~ turn knob controlling trains is boring. Everyone uses computers these days and the application of using them for model railway is advancing making model railway control very interesting. The older generation will soon die out leaving the younger gen right up to speed applying computer technology to model railway].


    Cheers,
    Peter
    pc163
     
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2019
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  7. Wolseley

    Wolseley Full Member

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    That was the thought I had when I read this too. From what I recall reading at the time, I don't think Zero 1 is compatible with anything else.
     
  8. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Valid points Peter but me with my size of layout give me a switch to twizzle .. i use a computer every day so i want to spend my train time choo choo'in but everyone to their own :thumbup:
     
  9. Tallpaul70

    Tallpaul70 Full Member

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    Hi Guys,

    Senelity is creeping up fast!

    I meant Z21 which I believe is a Roco system?

    So any thoughts or experiences of Z21 will be welcome!!

    Thanks
    Paul
     
  10. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Zero 1 was a Hornby AC controller with a decoder, much like our DCC of today, but the loco number was decided by linking the pins at the end of the chip. And you could have a max of 16.

    I believe it was as a rival to an Airfix digital system that you hear even less of....

    the Zero one suffered a few run aways and like DCC doesn’t like dirty track. It was primitive and didnt support any functions... I believe the main guy behind it’s thinking, or at least part of the team was a guy called David, he went on to DCC and opened up ZTC controls (now under a new owner in Taunton I believe) and he developed the 511 desk controller, which not only had DCC control (with up to 8 !! Functions.) but had the option to run the earlier zero 1 decoders and also a third setting to run as a DC controller. (These were one at a time not all at once).

    when running DCC, loco 0 could also be a non DCC chipped loco, but I ended up frying a motor using this function.
    I know this was not the original question, but thought it may be of interest.

    Andy
     
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