I saw the Z21 at Warley but didn't get a chance to find out everything I wanted. I've since answered the main stumbling block and it can work bigger boosters as it only delivers 3.5 amps as standard. It will work with the Uhlenbrock 7.5 amp booster though which means bigger G scale layouts with multiple sound locos are quite possible.
What you get :
Z21 base station approx 8 x 6 x 1.5 inches - 3.5amp output.
Router small enough to sit on top of the base station.
Power cables and a nice simple illustrated instruction book.
What you need extra to get going:
Smart phone, iPod touch (wifi) or a tablet that you can download the Z21 app to.
Setup takes a couple of minutes including registering the throttle on your device of choice.
You can set up specific and very intuitive pages for each loco including pictures of them. You can also control accessories like points signals etc overlaying touch control symbols over a photo of the layout or trackplan.
It doesn't have a screen where you can just tap in the loco address but it takes about 20 seconds to create a basic profile and then it's easy for anyone to know what does what function wise.
I've created a generic profile that has 20 function buttons that I can change the address on for guest locos.
Cost wise you can get the basic 3.5 amp base unit for around £300, adding £100-150 if you don't already have a smart phone or tablet to use as a throttle.
A bigger booster for big layouts with up to 8 amps and 17 volts will set you back a further £250 ish if you take the Uhlenbrook route.
So another option that's versatile and can have the voltage switched for large scale or smaller with a nice intuitive interface.
It's not going to replace Massoth navigators for those already down that route but worth considering if you're looking at systems for multiple scales and the tablets and iPod wifi option saves about £100 per handset for wireless.
What you get :
Z21 base station approx 8 x 6 x 1.5 inches - 3.5amp output.
Router small enough to sit on top of the base station.
Power cables and a nice simple illustrated instruction book.
What you need extra to get going:
Smart phone, iPod touch (wifi) or a tablet that you can download the Z21 app to.
Setup takes a couple of minutes including registering the throttle on your device of choice.
You can set up specific and very intuitive pages for each loco including pictures of them. You can also control accessories like points signals etc overlaying touch control symbols over a photo of the layout or trackplan.
It doesn't have a screen where you can just tap in the loco address but it takes about 20 seconds to create a basic profile and then it's easy for anyone to know what does what function wise.
I've created a generic profile that has 20 function buttons that I can change the address on for guest locos.
Cost wise you can get the basic 3.5 amp base unit for around £300, adding £100-150 if you don't already have a smart phone or tablet to use as a throttle.
A bigger booster for big layouts with up to 8 amps and 17 volts will set you back a further £250 ish if you take the Uhlenbrook route.
So another option that's versatile and can have the voltage switched for large scale or smaller with a nice intuitive interface.
It's not going to replace Massoth navigators for those already down that route but worth considering if you're looking at systems for multiple scales and the tablets and iPod wifi option saves about £100 per handset for wireless.
