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ZoneMaster Troubleshooting
There are several problem symptoms that reveal issues that are not directly related to the
ZoneMaster operation. Instead, these are directly related to long lengths of modular cable and
large layouts. There are several ways to remedy these problems although a few will require the
use of a Distribution Amplifier.
Short Circuit When Crossing Gaps
Cause #1: Mixing telephone and data style cables. For best results, pick one style and stick
with it. Don’t mix the two styles. To remedy the situation, reverse the two track feeds. However,
beware that this will move “the problem” down to the next set of gaps that cross over to another
booster. This can be frustrating so it is better to find the errant cable and replace it. Telco vs Data
cables are easily determined by looking at the orientation of the release tab relative to the cable’s
center molding stripe.
Cause #2: Booster is Not Autoreversing, Or Autoreversing is Turned Off. Be sure to verify
that the autoreversing feature is turned on. The Single Zone Autoreversing ZoneMaster is labeled
with a stylized AR in yellow on the front panel.
Cause #3: Too Many Boosters Sharing The Modular Cable. There should be no more than 5
ZoneMaster boosters sharing a run of modular cable.
Cause #4: Too Much Modular Cable Between Boosters. This is usually an issue with very
long runs of modular cable. Limit the longest run of cable to no more than 200 feet.
Cause #5: Distant Booster Track Connects To Near Booster Track. This usually occurs due to
a quirk in the track plan and how you have daisy chained boosters. A long modular cable run
creates a delay in track signals between a distant booster and a booster with a very short length of
cable. In some cases, the delay is sufficient long enough that the train may hesitate when a train
crosses the gap between the two boosters. You may also hear a sizzling sound when the wheel is
across the gap. If the delay is long enough, the booster’s may think there is a short circuit and shut
down.
A greatly simplified example is shown below. The heavy black oval shaped line is the track. The
thinner line is the modular cable connecting all the boosters together in a series. The breaks in the
heavy track, A - D, line represents power zone block gaps. The D gap separates the most distant
ZoneMaster #4 to the nearest ZoneMaster #1. Gap D represents where a distant booster’s track
ties directly to the nearest booster’s track. Gap D is where a train might stall or hesitate.
Data Cable Telco Cable
Tab
Tab
ZM1
ZM2
ZM3
ZM4
Command
Station
A
B
C
D
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