ROCO Z21 XL - Advice/Experiences?

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gn13565

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Hi,

I have an ageing MTS3 system that I want to replace. I've been put off Massoth after reading many posts and cannot afford the cost of a Zimo system.

I was looking at the Z21 XL system, and wonder if people could recommend this solution or educate me on why / why not?

The layout is outdoors covering a total run of around 40 meters. All my locos are older LGB with a mixture of Massoth, ESU and Zimo decoders. I will be buying some newer mfx locos in the near future.

Many thanks

Greg
 
I use the very basic Z21 HO system (just the white CS and red cabled Multimaus) when dabbling around in a bit of DCC HOe, and it seems pretty simple and nice to use; I don't have any experience of the more advanced versions or the XL, I'm afraid.

Just to add another suggestion for you to look at, you might want to check out the MD mXion systems as a relatively inexpensive large-scale option? Haven't got round to buying any of their stuff myself as yet, but it looks a pretty straightforward and practical no-frills setup and I believe a few on here have given them a try...?

Jon.
 
The Z21XL with 6 amps is fine for G scale, and I assume you are saving $$ by using the phone app?

The only negative is that the output is only 20 volts. For many people this is fine... it's low for the LGB track cleaning loco, and if you run USA diesels it will limit top speed to about 62 scale mph (Aristo 3 axle diesels).

One of the main reasons I changed to to Zimo was to get more amperage and the full 24v.

So, with the voltage caveat, and the limitations of using a cell phone app, it's a great system.

Greg
 
Greg Elmassian said:
The Z21XL with 6 amps is fine for G scale, and I assume you are saving $$ by using the phone app?

The only negative is that the output is only 20 volts. For many people this is fine... it's low for the LGB track cleaning loco, and if you run USA diesels it will limit top speed to about 62 scale mph (Aristo 3 axle diesels).

One of the main reasons I changed to to Zimo was to get more amperage and the full 24v.

So, with the voltage caveat, and the limitations of using a cell phone app, it's a great system.

Greg
Click to expand...
Hi Greg
I was going to put a 24v transformer on which the docs say should give me 23v at the track.

Hoping that would be ok.
Thanks
Greg
 
Greg Elmassian said:
The Z21XL with 6 amps is fine for G scale, and I assume you are saving $$ by using the phone app......

........ and the limitations of using a cell phone app, it's a great system.

Greg
Click to expand...

If you don't like using a phone as a controller, you can always use the wireless (grey) Multimaus?

Jon.
 
I wanted to skirt the "how good is the controller" issues....

I'm not an expert on the Roco system, but I thought there were some programming limitations, etc.

Also, now your system cost goes up, and other systems will be in contention, when you are considering budget.

The OP identifies ease of use and cost as the two priorities.

I try to pay special attention to not only what is possible, but what the OP asks (that's why I get hot when someone asks a track power question and someone suggests battery power).

Greg
 
Zerogee said:
Just to add another suggestion for you to look at, you might want to check out the MD mXion systems as a relatively inexpensive large-scale option? Haven't got round to buying any of their stuff myself as yet, but it looks a pretty straightforward and practical no-frills setup and I believe a few on here have given them a try...?
Click to expand...
I've got one of the MD mXion systems (8A and 19V to the track) and have been happy with it so far but my use has been very basic. Running locos with sound and controlling points/signals. It is based on the Z21 technology and I use a Roco Controller/Maus to control the layout and my wife uses her phone when she wants to join in too.

Regarding Greg's point on programming - honestly, I've always used my laptop to do CV changes so I can't talk to that. I did set a new loco address using the control once. It was a little cumbersome navigating the menus but otherwise fine.

I found Marius (the guy who produces it and the other accessories) really helpful and responds quickly to email questions. All the documentation is in both German and English. The English is a little broken in places but is generally accessible.

You can get a set that contains the central station, controller and transformer for ~360 EUR which was a few hundred EUR cheaper than when I compared it to the Roco system end of last year.

However, it is as Greg said. Depends on what you're wanting to do with your system but I'm more than happy to provide more details on the mXion system if it is interesting/helpful for you.

Curtis
 
gn13565 said:
Hi,

I have an ageing MTS3 system that I want to replace. I've been put off Massoth after reading many posts and cannot afford the cost of a Zimo system.

I was looking at the Z21 XL system, and wonder if people could recommend this solution or educate me on why / why not?

The layout is outdoors covering a total run of around 40 meters. All my locos are older LGB with a mixture of Massoth, ESU and Zimo decoders. I will be buying some newer mfx locos in the near future.

Many thanks

Greg
Click to expand...
One of the members of this forum used to use one on his G Scale exhibition layout with great success.
 
curtis said:
I've got one of the MD mXion systems (8A and 19V to the track) and have been happy with it so far but my use has been very basic. Running locos with sound and controlling points/signals. It is based on the Z21 technology and I use a Roco Controller/Maus to control the layout and my wife uses her phone when she wants to join in too.

Regarding Greg's point on programming - honestly, I've always used my laptop to do CV changes so I can't talk to that. I did set a new loco address using the control once. It was a little cumbersome navigating the menus but otherwise fine.

I found Marius (the guy who produces it and the other accessories) really helpful and responds quickly to email questions. All the documentation is in both German and English. The English is a little broken in places but is generally accessible.

You can get a set that contains the central station, controller and transformer for ~360 EUR which was a few hundred EUR cheaper than when I compared it to the Roco system end of last year.

However, it is as Greg said. Depends on what you're wanting to do with your system but I'm more than happy to provide more details on the mXion system if it is interesting/helpful for you.

Curtis
Click to expand...
Thanks Curtis,
This certainly does look interesting.
I have emailed Marius with some questions.
Greg
 
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