Z21 DCC Controller Part 2, adding a loco and loco functions plus exporting the settings to another

In this video we have a look at adding a loco to the Z21 app and adding loco functions, we will also look at exporting and importing to/from other devices.
Plus, exciting news on how to load the Z21 app to a Windows/Apple IOS computer

[@nigelhulme5216]

Just literally bought this system and am unpacking it today, came across your videos this morning and wow 😯, it’s even better than I thought, I had already downloaded the app on my touchscreen lappy and wondered if you could use multiple devices to control several locos if friends are round, now I know so glad I kept my last few iPhones , videos are superb and very informative, thanks Nige 🍺 That’s last bit by the way was the killer , having it all on the huge tv screen , simply wow and just what I’ve wanted for my layout

[@WesternCenturion]

Lol, I just had to watch the video before replying, can't believe it was 5 years ago that I made it, man time really does fly. Well chuffed (pun intended) that you found it useful. Wish I had made the follow up video now, shame work got in the way of that. When I start over again it looks like I'll have to watch my own videos to see what to do lol. Happy Easter Nigel 😀

[@jeffsstuff4848]

Thanks for the info. My Z21 just came yesterday, 8-8-20. I've been setting up and running trains for the better part of the day. 🙂Once again, thanks for sharing your insight.

[@johncarvil498]

Hi Mark, clear and precise. Excellent video, being able to use the Z21 on the PC is fantastic. I look forward to your next video.........John.

[@WesternCenturion]

Thank you John, if I can get the complete track plan for the fiddle yard up on the screen that will be the perfect result for me

[@trainsontuesday]

I had two coffees just to stay awake during this but I didn't need them as it was very interesting Mark. Now I'm buzzed! David.

[@WesternCenturion]

And you drink real man coffee in Canada don't you, not the pansy stuff we have here, 12 cups of tea should help David :0)

[@trainsontuesday]

I admit it's very hard to find a good cup of coffee over there but we produce some pretty bad stuff too.

[@WesternCenturion]

The bad stuff is only created so you can enjoy the good stuff even more :0)

[@jimsmoter4510]

I like how you can use it on a bigger screen like that .. that’s cool

[@WesternCenturion]

Yea that's cool isn't it, not wanting to use it for controlling the locos but more for displaying the complete track plan for the fiddle yard so I can see at a glance what state the turnouts are in

[@DaveHedgehog2006]

On the subject of linking the z21 to a computer, it works with JMRI. I've never used JMRI before but I gave it a go and it was very simple to get going.

[@WesternCenturion]

Yea a couple of other comments have mentioned JMRI, I think later on I'll try both JMRI and RocRail, I only really want the large screen so I can display the complete track plan for the fiddle yard, once the top level is in place I won't be able to see the fiddle yard or what state the turnouts are in so the track plan on the big screen will be great help and the track plan on the tablet will be of the top level.

[@paulroberts2173]

Hi Mark we've not spoken before a great bit of kit really useful bit of info looking forward to the rest of the videos on the z21 wish I could persuade my wife I need one .......Paul

[@WesternCenturion]

3 bottles of wine, massive box of chocolates and a bunch of roses might work, but you have to be quick before the wine wears off :0)

[@WarwickRoadAndy]

Hi Mark, Hope all is ok with yourself and family. Just bought myself a Z21 so was looking at your video for advice on setting it up 😁👍🏻 Regards Andy Ashton

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Andy, good choice and so glade you're finding the videos helpful, it's been so long now that's I've actually forgotten how to use the Z21. Though work is keeping me from progressing on the layout I'll have to get the unit out and run a loco around for a bit :0)

[@tonysag9626]

Great video very helpful indeed, I’m using a nce but I’ve been thinking about buying this for a while and this has made my mind up. Great stuff

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Tony, really glad that the videos have helped you make a decision, and you won't be disappointed, I'm still a bit stunned at how easy it's been to set up and use, I think that from out of the box to running your first loco is around 10 minutes, not bad hey :0)

[@graememarsh6713]

Hi Mark, iv really enjoy watching your videos and have been able. To put a few ideas to my own layout. Hope you are well and looking forward to seeing some more hopefully soon.

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Graeme and thank you mate, it's great to know that this channel has helped you out with some ideas, that's why I created it after all :) Sorry for the absence of any videos in a long time, I'm just flat out with real life at the mo and no time for the layout so it's on the back boiler at the mo.

[@graememarsh6713]

@@WesternCenturion you must have powerful will power. I find it hard lol

[@ChapelEndJunctionUK]

Wow Mark that looks so easy even I think I could manage to get one loco going , like the idea of only having the functions that you need and not all 28 etc. ......Peter

[@WesternCenturion]

It genuinely is as easy as 1 2 3 to set up Peter and nice positive controls when running locos, fabulous bit of kit

[@Johnspamcamoutlookcom]

Configure is used for downloading the Roco Camera Loco also you can keep the set vehicles as to you go into to the layout section and have a number of layouts for different locos, most of the elements signs are for continental locos.

[@WesternCenturion]

Thank you John, I did look into the features a bit more after making the video and found a reference chart for the symbols, that helps a lot.

[@WirenwoodModelRailway]

Interesting video thanks! I use a different control system but it's also computer based. I've been fancying putting some kind of screen up so I can have a kind of status window up there all the time. I like the way you have yours!

[@WesternCenturion]

Big screens are a good idea, was lucky to buy mine from a friend at work for £70, plus you can watch YT vids or stuff like Amazon prime and that, brilliant it is :0)

[@dacuzzz]

hi Mark... that is one awesome set up... absolutely brilliant .. thanks for sharing... vinny

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Vinny and thank you my friend, only learning the very basics at the moment, it really can do so much more :0)

[@FredWilbury]

Nice stuff Mark...... you well pleased and rightly so......regards Fred

[@WesternCenturion]

Anything that to make life as easy as possible Fred, now looking for something that will play with the trains while I'm up in the house having a snooze lol

[@onnomulder9775]

Thank you again for this great vid!!!

[@WesternCenturion]

You're welcome Onno

[@marco40101]

Hi Mark, thank you so much for your step by step guide, very easy and informative to follow. I have a question about changing the loco address. All my locos come with the address no.3. Do you change them with the loco on the track and running as my locos do not accept the new number given. Many thanks, Mark

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Mark, and thank, so pleased the video was of some help. It’s been a few years since I last used it, but when I did the programming was done on a separate piece of track specifically for the purpose, there’s an option to do it using this method. Generally you can I faint buzzing from the loco when the cv number is being changed. Happy Sunday 😀

[@fredrobinson]

Hi Mark just a very quick update I managed to pick up a refurbished ipad 3 for £140 and still learning it have downloaded Z21 onto my iphone and Ipad ready and ordered the black Z21 kit which will hopefully come in about a week hopefully I will have some rails and points in by then so will have something to play with Fred of Carlisle

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Fred, that was a bargain and a half, well done and you certainly shouldn't have any problems running the Z 21 on that, plus the iPad will probably be your new everyday gadget. Have a great weekend Fred.

[@JumbleLane]

Great stuff Mark, cant wait for mine to come, need to have it on the PC as well so hopefully you'll let us know how. Regards, Geoff.

[@WesternCenturion]

I sure will Geoff, and adding it to a computer is pretty straight forward

[@1949Scamp]

Thank you so much - so helpful

[@WesternCenturion]

You're more than welcome Roger, really pleased the video was of help.

[@howarth004]

Put this to my save Mark , it should be handy if an when

[@WesternCenturion]

Good idea Dave, and remember you can always ask later on if you do get a Z21 ok

[@commonsenseprevails]

Great video. Did you do a part 3 layout set up ?

[@WesternCenturion]

Sadly Simon I didn’t get around to making a third video, work and family life took over. At some point in the future I probably will make another video.

[@dongilham1892]

How do you change a loco address using the Z21 XL ?

[@paulrichards5868]

good evening Mark fantastic videos i must say, can you please advise me on the program that works on tv? thanks Paul

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Paul, so sorry for taking so long to respond, the layout has been -it on the back boiler until I have the time to invest in it again. What I used was an emulator, basically this allows your pc to run android apps, there are a several of these around, some free o there’s you pay for, these a little more stable though and not too expensive, think mine cost £13 at the time.

[@stuartdeboer8030]

Hi Mark. Useful video especially export/import of a locos settings. Can you export/import the settings for lots of locos at once or do you have to do the locos one at a time? Thanks, Stuart

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Stuart, yes you can export/import all loco settings in one go, but it’s been such a long time since I last used it that I can’t remember. I’ve stopped the layout due to work and family commitments but plan on starting again in the next couple of years once prices come back down.

[@keithenglish3776]

Did you ever do a third episode to this video as I cant find it?

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Keith, unfortunately no I never got round to making any additional videos due to work and family commitments, haven’t touched it for around three years now, but I do plan on returning in the near future.

[@civax778]

sorry guys i have a problem! for data transfer I can't do it! the two voices that the Z21 gives me transfer or SD CARD or EMAIL. can someone help me? thanks

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Very nice, and well explained, video Mark. I have a Z21, which will be delivered in a couple of days. The software you are referring to to, is it DuOS? I have used this for some time and was going to do a video on it, but if you are I will leave it to you, you are much better than I am at explaining things...Simon

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Simon, yes you're right, it us DuOS, I'm using the free trial version at the moment but will pay the 14 euros when that period is up. Once it's downloaded they give you a link to download google play and how to install it, very easy to be honest and so far it's running relatively smoothly

[@PaulGarwood]

Fantastic video! I have the Z21 but no iphone or ipad, so I am waiting anxiously to see your video on how to connect this to a PC..

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Paul, well if you already have the Z21 then you really can't go wrong trying this out, link below ok and just read the instructions, it's the PRO version you want, and it's a 30 day trial then you have to buy it if you want to continue, at 13 euros it's worthwhile giving a go. www.amiduos.com/

[@PaulGarwood]

Hi.. I downloaded the program from the link you sent me, but the DuoOS execution icon it does not open ?

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Paul, is the problem you're having something like this? amiduos.com/support/topic/launch-screen-wont-load Cheers, Mark

[@PaulGarwood]

Hi Mark, there must be an easier way to do this than that? no of this works for me..

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Paul, I had it up and running in less than 10 minutes, don't understand why it's not the same with yours, what sort of system are you running? Windows 10? 32 bit or 64 bit?, And is it just not doing anything when you click the desktop icon? Or is it coming up with an error message? might help when I look in forums for a solution.

[@stewartfraser3506]

HI Mark, first of all can I say big thank you for 2 great videos on the Z21. I’ve just bought this system and your vids were a great help in putting it all together. I’ve now loaded on most of my locos, and things, overall, seem to be working very well. However, I have come across one problem with 4 different locos. All of them work perfectly on Address 3, but as soon as I try to give them an individual address, they all stop working. If I then return to address 3 again, they then work perfectly. All the locos are N Gauge, and one of them has a particularly good Zimo sound chip. Did you come across something like this yourself and any suggestions about how to get round the problem? cheers, Stewart.

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Stewart, Not really sure if I can help you to be honest, I used various different decoders and all worked fine, I'd also be surprised if N gauge was any different as the decoders are the same, or shall we say the programming should be the same. There is something in the back of my mind though, when programming there is the POM [program on Main track] and program on the programming track, depending on which you chose you have to change the connector on the back of the Z21, I'm sure you you probably did this but just throwing this in just in case... Let me know how you get on Stewart ok :0) Cheers, Mark

[@davidmaguire6084]

For the program track Do you just swap power from track to program track or is there a separate feed ?? Great video

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi David, you just swap the connections in the back of the Z21 between programming track and main track, hope that helps.

[@davidmaguire6084]

@@WesternCenturion that's great thanks I'm going to make the plunge I think I'm using fleishmann twin centres atm and are past their sell by Thanks again

[@nicklahey-bean861]

Thanks very much for a very helpful video & I'm now up and running with my Z21 Controller. BUT I can't work out how to control my Hornby turntable. I think I have to program it like a Loco (I've done all the decoder connections etc which are working) but obviously I can't put it on the Program Track to configure it - have you got any suggestions? Many thanks - Nick

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Nick, sorry for being so late with my reply, I never got as far as a turntable but I think Graham Foulston operated his turntable with a Z21, I might be wrong though as it's been sooooo long since I watched any youtube videos, here's the link to his channel kzbin.info/door/Q47e0Ai411n2iOhvWCQiVA

[@gordonbuckley9411]

Be for l saw your Vidio I had a class 20 running ok on dcc bought z21 tried to set it up made apigs ear of the programming loco went dead it is still dead please. Please please can you help Gordy bucks??? 12:37 😢

[@nigelcarter9503]

I like the the Z12

[@WesternCenturion]

It's a lovely bit of kit Nigel

[@FarlandHowe]

Excellent explanation. Brilliant with the Windows 10 mimic. When did they start that? Rob

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Rob and welcome my friend, what I've used to run the Z21 app on Windows is an emulator that allows us to run android apps, quite easy to install and set up and so far for me running without a hitch, link to the emulator below ok. www.amiduos.com/

[@FarlandHowe]

Very clever. I don't want of need it, but for those who want to run the Z21 on a PC, well, there you go. Love the Z

[@davehorton946]

Hi Enjoyed the video very much i have the Z21 my self please can you tell me how to run the Z21 out put to TV SCREEN cheers Dave.

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Dave, I'm falt out at work at the moment and just not having the time to make update videos, but the android emulator I used is this one, you want the pro version ok. Just follow the instruction, you get a month to evaluate it and then it's 14 euros to buy. www.amiduos.com/

[@mushtaqahmedquraishi1604]

lovely video but i have tried to add a loco with a different address on my Z21 black although it shows new address but it does not run on the track until i reset it to the factory address 3 what i am doing wrong?i read something about CV values bla bla but it is very complicated for me just to point out that i am a newbie to this hobby thanks

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi and thank you, I didn't have the problem that you're having, did you perform the programming on the main track or a separate program track?

[@piggelin971]

So how do i increase THE sound ?

[@richardwoodhouse3163]

Hi got the Z21 on I phone and I pad but would like it on the pc like you . Do you kwon when you will be putting the link on please

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Richard, after trying it for a while I started to find some glitches but haven't had the time due to work to sort it out. But here is the link ok, let me know how you get on with it. There's plenty of tutorials on KZbin to help you get started :0) www.amiduos.com/

[@jonasafklercker1122]

The Z21 offers a visual list of all objects you need to controll on a modell train system! The overview of the list quickly apears to nead a library system. And the system apears to get lost in electronic terms! The ambition of modellers is to make an illusion of reallity - a railroad. What is the ”injector” or ”mute”? You have to have run a steam loco to make an ilusion of how it sounds when starting!

[@tonydaly2642]

Hi Mark. Do you have a link to that Windows app you are using ?

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Tony, I sure do and here it, download the PRO version ok, you have a month to try it and then need to buy it if you want to continue but at 14 euro it's priceless. Follow the instructions and then they give you a few links to choose from to download google play ok. www.amiduos.com/

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Tony, did you have any luck installing the DuOs software?

[@tonydaly2642]

Hi Mark. I thought it was a Windows app but its an Android app running within a paid emulator app AMIDuOS. There is an app called BlueStacks which does a similar thing & its free. www.bluestacks.com/#gref I don't have a Z21 but am thinking of getting one for my work bench as I don't have any system there at present. I want to run a couple of rolling roads & a program track possibly at the same time & I like the look of the Z21 system & the way it works on a tablet or phone. My own layout is entirely NCE Power Pro wireless system. I was actually wondering if it might be possible to disconnect my NCE system & substitute the Z21 if needed but I'm not sure if the Z21 would work with my NCE accessory decoders & the various circuit breaker that I have. I have asked on the Yahoo Z21 group but haven't received a definite answer. Tony

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Tony, sorry for such a late reply, what with a hectic week and not receiving notification that you'd left a comment I'm running a bit behind in replying. Did you eventually get any help from the Z21 group?

[@tonydaly2642]

Hi Mark. I didn't get any real info from the group. Its very quiet on there. I saw this message on a retailers site. Wondering what its means. Tony. ** 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. ****

[@joewalker3021]

when u turnd the speed up why didn't it move

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Joe, it did move but I turned the sound on afterwards and I didn't have another camera on the loco so you could see it, may at a later date I will do this when I show how to run the Z21 app on a Windows computer or an Mac.

[@joewalker3021]

okay when will that be ??

[@WesternCenturion]

When I get the opportunity, real life tends to get in the way of hobbies, hopefully in a weeks time.

[@joewalker3021]

ok thank you for the help

[@randolphslaven5649]

Mark where do i get the PC version of the Z21 software from?

[@WesternCenturion]

Hi Randolph, I'll have a look for what the software is called when I get home, it's basically an emulator that allows you to run android apps on the pc.