Does anyone know the correct size barrel connector for the terminal track? I want to be able to alternate between the power supply for Lionchief and a conventional transformer for other loco. Thanks.
FYI,
You can use your conventional transformerfor both. Just set the transformer to 18 volts to power the LionChief Loco.
All you will need is a 6-12016, 10" straight terminal track section.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
I have that track. I have a small portable Christmas layout where I run my Polar Express. But I want to quickly disconnect the LionChief power and switch to conventional transformer for post war loco. I want to make a plug in cord from transformer to track.
The minimum connector and wire size depends on the overcurrent protection (circuit breaker, fuse, or electronic current limitation) of your two power sources.
Bob Nelson
This is what I have. This layout is my portable Christmas layout using the Polar Express Lionchief. However, I want to use it for another purpose after Christmas utilizing a conventional locomotive. So I want to unplug the power supply and plug in my conventional transformer. Instead of adding electrical connections to the track for the conventional, I want to take two wires and connect them to a barrel connector that plugs into the track section, and then connect to transformer.
I know how to to do this, just need to know what size barrel connector this track takes so I can order it.
If you are talking about the spade connector I have some from Digi-Key (800 344-4539). PN# 920044-09-ND. MFD P/N MU14-110DFK. Description, Conn unisul Fmale 16-14 AWG.
I have some extra if you just need a few
Jim
You can connect to the spade lugs underneath the track with a female .110 spade connector. Not a common size but you can order them online. In a pinch you can get away with the more common .25" connector.
I may be wrong, but I think he's trying to hook a barrel jack up to an AC Transformer so he could just plug the AC power supply with a barrel Jack into the terminal section.
Michael6268 I may be wrong, but I think he's trying to hook a barrel jack up to an AC Transformer so he could just plug the AC power supply with a barrel Jack into the terminal section.
THANK YOU! This is what I'm trying to do. I found a pile of old wall warts so I'm going to try and match up a barrel connector. Was just trying to see if anyone knew what size the barrel connector was.
Not that track,,,,,,,this track!!! And just use the transformer for both Locos. I use a voltmeter and see where 18 volts is on the transformer then set the transformer ther. I have even marked the controls so I can set it fast for the LionChief stuff. You won't need the LionChief power pack once you do that. Can't get much easer than that.
I dont like that small gauge wire they use on the terminal sections. A fire waiting to happen if the situation is right....
And to my knowledge they dont have any warnings listed about higher amperage situations.
Just one of these takes care of that problem. At most auto parts stores.
https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-CB211-10-RP-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B009WQPBYS
And as long as we are making this a science project lets not forget the transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diodes.
I like these breaker holders better.
There's no way that 22 or 24 gauge wire is going to handle a 9-10 amp load for very long...
Thermal circuit breakers (like those automotive ones) are well suited to protect wiring. The circuit breaker roughly models the wire heating, tripping quickly on a big overload but slowly on a modest overload. This behavior safely tolerates brief overloads without "nuisance" tripping.
The circuit-breaker's speed can't compensate for wire that is too small. It should trip sooner or later if the current exceeds the breaker's rating. But 18 AWG wire is not protected by a 10 ampere breaker from an overload between 7 amperes (the wire's ampacity) and 10 amperes (the breaker's rating), however long it lasts.
I have a Fastrack terminal section (6-12016). It has some microscopic numbers printed on the wire, but nothing that means anything to me. I have no non-destructive way to measure the wire, but it looks quite small, perhaps 20 AWG, which would have an ampacity of about 5 amperes.
By the way, the connectors at the track end of the wires are Fastons; the ones at the other end are spades.
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