Part 3 - Backing up and syncing the Z21. 28-01-2018

[@JumbleLane]

Hi Graham, First of all, great video once again. Personally I think it is good that we have a few people doing the same sort of thing. Everyone has their own opinions on how things are done, the people watching can then make an informed decision on how they want to do things with the information given. I do like like the relaxed way you do your tutorials, I also like Mark's up-beat style and think you both do us all proud. I keep looking back on your videos as a form of reference so I can check up on how to do something. It would be a shame not to have you carry on but I understand that we are all busy and we have to share our time doing other things. I will keep going through your videos and also look for future ones too as I am in no doubt that your contribution will help my layout be something that will go from being in my head to be a fully working layout in my spare bedroom. Cheers, Geoff Readman.

[@GrahamFoulston]

I couldn't agree more with you Geoff and I am only backing off doing more Z21 videos because I am in the throws of starting to install a new kitchen which means I will be spending most of my time doing this rather than working on Lakeside which I normally do, plus as Mark will be doing probably more in depth videos then at the moment I can't justify the time to go much further with the Z21, I will be attempting to connect my ADM turntable to it and if successful then I will do a video on that. I am not dropping KZbin by any means and sorry if I gave that impression, it's just right at the moment then I have to give my time to the kitchen rather than Lakeside and the Z21. So please bare with me for a couple of weeks at least but I may be able to squeeze a video in during that time. Cheers for now mate and thank you for the comment. Graham

[@philiplogue2344]

Oh Graham, I do like the look of this Z21. Didn’t know it existed until your videos. Thanks again.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Philip, the Z21 has for some reason become very popular all of a sudden, I have been looking at this for about the last two years and vowed that if my ECoS went wrong again then I wouldn't hesitate to swap it out for the Z21 rather than pay to have it repaired again. With the ECoS once again playing up then it was time to do what I had vowed and I'm really pleased I have, it's a cracking controller. Anyway, I'm pleased you enjoyed the video mate and thank you for the comment. Cheers for now. ............Graham

[@TheDiomedef16]

Everything is just so simple with this new system, what a fantastic piece of kit. I have no doubts you will suss out how to link up the turntable.

[@GrahamFoulston]

I had a go on trying the TT this afternoon bruv but no joy so far but I only spent about 15 minutes on it, I'll see if I can get the time during the week. The rest of the system is as you say, so very easy though - it must be if I can do it !! lol. ..........Graham

[@diblingtonvale6499]

Thorough as always Graham. That z21 is certainly a lovely bit of kit! Good luck with the kitchen! Ian

[@GrahamFoulston]

Many thanks Ian and glad you enjoyed it. We shall be ordering the floor tiles and a kitchen range today and the furniture later in the week so it's getting serious now!! lol. Cheers for now. ..............Graham

[@JPoulAndersson]

Another great explanatory vid, thank you Graham! The Z21 seems to be an excellent straightforward control system. Joachim

[@GrahamFoulston]

It is very straightforward Joachim, the complete system is so intuitive and very easy to set up but more importantly very easy to operate too. ............Graham

[@onnomulder9775]

Thanks for this video and good luck with your new kitchen!!

[@GrahamFoulston]

Many thanks re the kitchen Onno - I think I'm going to need it!! ;-) ............Graham

[@trainmanbob]

With extreme excitement Graham, I look forward to regular updates of the new kitchen...can it be assumed it will have a DCC operating condiment carrier on the back of the work surface? I believe there are various wagons such as Colmans Mustard available lol. I'll think of you whilst I replaster the bedroom. Cheers, Bob

[@GrahamFoulston]

Bob, it takes all my energy and time to keep up to date with everything DCC in my train room let alone in the kitchen as well so Colmans mustard and the likes will be kept in the cupboard under DC analogue control - in other words we will get it manually. ;-) I think I would rather do the kitchen than replaster a bedroom - good luck! Cheers for now. .........Graham

[@trainmanbob]

Best of luck with the project Graham...and take care!!! Bob

[@GrahamFoulston]

Thank you Bob, we ordered the new range today and is being delivered tomorrow, ordered the new floor tiles today too and they are being delivered Wednesday so I will start on Thursday with a bit of luck. I wish you all the luck too. ..............Graham

[@johncarvil498]

Hi Graham, another easy to follow video. Cheers John.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Thanks John and much appreciated mate. ...........Graham

[@georgewyatt6712]

Hi Graham thanks for your reply and kind words Regards George

[@GrahamFoulston]

No problems George, anytime. ;-) .............Graham

[@uttum87]

Have you upgraded to the latest version? It’s wonderful!

[@robstrains8711]

Cheers mate will have to have a look again as not sure the Android devices are exactly the same as I do not remember seeing export from Android to Android I have found one definate way of doing it but it is a lot more involved anyway I will let you know how I get on and if it is slightly different I will make a video for the Android export Import.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Absolutely Rob, please show the Android devices, it will make a change from the iOS devices and will help a lot of other folk too I would imagine. ............Graham

[@goodisonroadmodelrailway6798]

Great stuff Graham - can you show it in the latest Z21 app?

[@georgewyatt6712]

Hi Graham really nice video I have not started my layout yet because my wife as not been well, and we have been backwards and forwards to the Hospital she getting there now so hopefully I will get cracking soon but for now she comes first cheers regards George

[@GrahamFoulston]

Absolutely correct George - the wife comes first before anything else mate and I hope that she makes a full recovery soon. Cheers for now mate. .............Graham

[@Pixie586]

Hi Graham, great little video and very goodluck with the cube+. I've had lots of issues with it connecting to the app and have almost given up up with it. When it works its superb but trying to connect it to the app can be frustrating as anything. Susannah

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Susannah and thanks for the comment, I have had a quick go with it this afternoon and all seemed ok with the WiFi at the moment but that was just a very quick test so it may play up in future but obviously I won't know that until I get some more use from it. ..............Graham

[@stewartfraser3506]

Hi Graham, quick question, if that’s OK. I’m currently running a DCC N gauge layout using a Gaugemaster Prodigy Advance 2 controller. It’s worked really well throughout the time I’ve had it, but am now wondering about changing to a Z21, mainly in the hope of being able to be more mobile with the controller, and not being tied down by fixed wiring. I was wondering if you had any thoughts or advice you could let me have before I finally make up my mind, cheers, Stewart.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Stewart Fraser Hi Stewart, the major advantage with the Z21 and the main reason for me choosing it was the portability of it, I can walk all the way round the layout with my iPad controlling the trains and the points - all from the iPad with no wires attached. Like all controllers it takes a little while to get used to but most of it is fairly straightforward and intuitive. You can have a total of eight locos on view at any one time, plus you can have real photos of your track work which really helps you to change points, signals etc. I would recommend it but maybe you might like to find a model shop or a mate who has got one to physically show you how it works before making that final decision. Hope that all helps. Cheers for now. ............Graham

[@stewartfraser3506]

@@GrahamFoulston Hi Graham, thanks very much for getting back to me so quickly. What you say has been very helpful and I really appreciate it. I’ve actually got a friend who’s got a Z21, and he’s been encouraging me to change for some time, and it’s been will I, won’t I, will I, won’t I, particularly as the Advance 2 has been really reliable. What you say about mobility is the big thing, though, and that, ultimately, is where I’m coming from. Guess it’s perhaps time to start looking at prices! Thanks again for your help. Have a nice Sunday evening, best wishes, Stewart.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Stewart Fraser No problems Stewart and glad to have been of some help to you. Cheers for now. ............ Graham

[@kingcone17]

thanks graham! I'll be upgrading myself soon! and i have an 8 track layout....i hope it will be smooth....definitely easier with the video!

[@Wayner123]

Great video Graham I’m thinking of getting one would I have to change all my peco points to different ones ?

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Wayne, it's not so much the points themselves but what is operating them, in other words the point motors. They need to have a digital address that the Z21 will read, so as long as they have that then the Z21 will read the address and change the point when requested. Hope that helps. ..........Graham

[@Wayner123]

Graham Foulston thanks for ur quick response my points are wired to a peco switch if that helps I’ve been following ur channel for a long time and we chatted on a video live with other people I find u so helpful that’s why I’m after ur help

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Wayne, crikey, that video chat was a few years back now but yes, I do remember you mate. OK, as far as I know then the switches you are using are not digital and are operated by flicking an analogue switch from what you are telling me anyway. If that is the case and you want to operate them digitally then you will need to swap the switches out for some form of digital point motor such as a DCC Concepts Cobalt or Tortoise motor, anything that can have a digital address assigned to it. Hope that all makes sense but if not then just shout. Cheers for now. ...........Graham

[@Wayner123]

Graham Foulston yes that’s right I got a pl10 point motor wired to a pl26 switch so looks like if I need to use the Z21 il need to change to these digital motors be nice if u could do a little video showing ur point motors and wiring to make them up as I’m very interested in changing from my Zephir to the Z21 here’s my e mail address might be bit easier to chat [e-mail] many thanks

[@duncancampbell452]

Hi Graeme all these new programmes for model railways are fantastic i have seen a few model railways shows where some layouts have tablets controlling the layout I quite like your software your using it seems easy to use Hope your well take care cheers Duncan

[@GrahamFoulston]

It is very easy to use Duncan, it's the easiest thing I have used and I think this is what is making the Z21 so popular at the moment. I'm very well thank you and thank you for asking too, that's really appreciated mate - thank you. Cheers for now. ..........Graham

[@clashofminiatures]

that is a great system, as always another great video, Chuck RVRR

[@GrahamFoulston]

Many thanks once again Chuck and as always, much appreciated. .............Graham

[@davidstrains4910]

Great vid graham I've just bought a class 155 and a 142 from a model railway show

[@GrahamFoulston]

Excellent David. ...........Graham

[@daviemaclean61]

Aren't we the technical wizard! ;-) It doesn't seem that long ago you would have had to do that sort of malarky via a cable and some sort of adaptor! - AND waited hours for it to download. I don't think you're ever going to tire of that new toy. Good luck with the new kitchen - as long as you measured correctly (as if you wouldn't!) it's fairly straight forward. Cheers mate.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Davie, I am by no means an IT techie person - I leave that for others to do. ;-) Pretty straightforward for the kitchen eh? You forget that I live in a 375 year old cottage - nothing is ever straightforward. Walls made made from cow and horse dung mixed with straw does not make hanging cupboards "straightforward" !! ;-) I have just uncovered an Inglenook fireplace too! Lovely. ............Graham

[@daviemaclean61]

Ok, I'll grant you the house of dung walls does make it a tad more of a challenge! ;-) All the best with your endeavours, and stop uncovering charming old features (by which I mean inglenooks!!!) Cheers

[@GrahamFoulston]

Well if I screw this up then any new owners moving into the cottage in a couple of hundred years time may well uncover me in the ingelnook hidden by my wife!! lol. ...............Graham

[@daviemaclean61]

At least you'll have room for a shunting layout in there! ;-)

[@WesternCenturion]

Awesome Graham, and you're dead right, there really is an influx of videos on the Z21, 'phew' just as well my latest video that's uploading isn't the same lol.... Happy Sunday mate to you and your fair lady :0)

[@GrahamFoulston]

Hi Mark, yes there are a lot of videos now so I really didn't see the point in replicating what others have already said, however, having said that then if and when I can get the turntable working through it then I will put a video of that up as there is nothing on YT for connecting the ADM TT up to the Z21 - as far as I know anyway. Cheers for now mate and have a great weekend - I'm off back to the kitchen!! ;-) ............Graham

[@WesternCenturion]

That's what I originally thought Graham when you started your videos on the Z21, and I said that I'd point them to your videos but then I started getting comments that they wanted me to make my own videos on the Z21 for them, I think it has to be the same for you, your own loyal subscribers want to see your videos and not someone elses, it is your own unique style of videos that they like and that's why they subscribe. Keep them coming mate as you dig dipper into this fabulous system and as you learn, share it with us all, we will really appreciate it and pass it on to our own subscribers :0)

[@GrahamFoulston]

Yes I will upload anything of extra interest like the ADM turntable Mark (if I can do it) but I will leave the basic stuff, as I said, with so many other videos of the Z21 on YT and done far better than I ever could then I can now concentrate on other things but what I have done was a good introduction to it which was what I was after. ..........Graham

[@hawthornvalley]

Another well done video, Graham. You've made me think about the z21. Can I ask how much it cost you? You can advise me by email if you wish. I've been told to curtail my spending by my wife and daughter! :( I may have to stick with Digitrax for the moment, but we shall see. ;) You said it was a nice sunny Sunday. Sunday here was very hot and humid - 38.5C - the A/C has been on since about midday Saturday and it is currently midday Monday here, so continuous for 48 hours+ I've started another video update, but the heat has slowed me down. I'm thinking seriously about putting in an A/C in the garage, but I have to price it to see if it is viable. I have installed the engine shed and its lighting, inspection pits lighting, and used Evergreen styrene sheets for the concreted area. In my opinion it looks great. I have also replaced the turntable, so hopefully I can do more on Tuesday/Wednesday as it is only supposed to be 20C on both days. Can't do much atm as we have the grandkids for the day. The other grandparents have them tomorrow, and on Wednesday the new school year starts. :-) Time to go and check on grandson and get him off the ipad! ...... Ian

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Very nice Graham. I managed to get a Z21 for £240 in the end. I am a firm believer in having backups, very important.The sync between the two devices, was that via WiFi or Bluetooth? I wont do any videos on the Z21, I may do one showing how to run the Z21 software on a Windows computer for those who have a Windows Laptop or Tablet...Simon

[@GrahamFoulston]

That's a great price Simon. to do a video on getting it up on a Windows computer or tablet will I'm sure be of use to others but Mark over at Western Centurion has already done this which I assume he will show how in future videos, there are so many around now that unless it's specific to something not quite so common (like my ADM turntable) then I won't bother anymore as I think people are a bit tired of seeing them now. The sync and back up were done over WiFi. ...........Graham

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Just watched Mark's video, I will probably not do a video, as you say there are lots on KZbin. I have used the software Mark is going to show for some time, excellent emulator...Simon

[@GrahamFoulston]

I guess it's the JMRI software although I obviously can't be certain on that, it's compatible for windows and the Mac and I have that installed on my MacBook Pro which works well. Being open source then it makes it even better. ...........Graham

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

If I have it right it will be DuOS, but I may be wrong. DuOS emulates Android.

[@philiplogue2344]

Simon -Liverton Central . Sorry to but in guys but will you still do a video on bypassing the TP Link please Simon? I got lost when you referred to sub-nets and the like so I for one would find it useful. Thanks to both of you.

[@FarlandHowe]

Another perfect explanation.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Many thanks Rob and much appreciated. ............Graham

[@MrVinnyh]

Good update Graham, good luck in the Kitchen

[@GrahamFoulston]

Thank you Vince, yep, back in the kitchen again now. ;-) .............Graham

[@nigelcarter9503]

I like the video and the info.

[@GrahamFoulston]

Many thanks Nigel. .............Graham

[@mikehawkins8785]

I think you will find all the info is stored on your iPad none of it is stored on your actual Z21 so if you plugged in a new Z21 all your info is still there. Cheers Mike

[@GrahamFoulston]

Oh OK mike, thanks for that. ............Graham

[@dthead]

Surly there will be a before and after video of the kitchen renovation, just to show us model RR people how versitile you are :)

[@GrahamFoulston]

I will photograph and video as I go along for my own records mate but whether I put them up will depend if I think folk will find it of interest on a model railway channel !! Cheers for now. ............Graham

[@horne-vq7zy]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU......

[@paulroberts2173]

Hi Graham ...I'm jealous I want one looks a great bit of kit a lot better than my dynamis don't think the wife will justify me spending that sort of cash (not buying something else for the trains ) ..........Paul

[@GrahamFoulston]

Yep, I know exactly what you mean!! lol. You could always buy it and sneak it into the house - not that I would ever do that of course!! ;-) ..............Graham