A different (i.e. better?) IDC
IDCs (Insulation Displacement Connectors) have been discussed here many times before. Tony Koester uses them (see August, 1998 MR). Allen Gardner has some words of caution when using IDCs: (see http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track.htm#a17)
Bear with me and I might be able to shed some new light on IDCs. In both cases referenced above they were referring to the typical "suitcase" connectors as is shown below from the Mouser catalog:
However, on the bottom of the same Mouser catalog page (http://www.mouser.com/catalog/631/1283.pdf) you will find T-TAP disconnects:
And on the next page of the Mouser catalog (http://www.mouser.com/catalog/631/1284.pdf) you will find various male blades such as:
I have found that using these two items may solve a number of concerns expressed by Mr. Gardner.
1. You can mix the tap and blade size to match the wire gauges that you are using.
2. You do not need to unclamp the T-TAP to disconnect the drop wire. By its very nature this is a disconnect-able assembly which can be great for troubleshooting.
3. The T-TAP size is more suitable for using a conventional tool (pliers) instead of a specialized crimping tool.
4. If one of the two parts fails or gets damaged or has a bad connection you do not have to replace both (Functionally both).
I have just begun wiring my new layout using these T-TAP connectors so I can NOT speak from extensive experience however I have done some testing and I have put together a few pictures to show how they look in real life:
The picture above shows how they would be used under a layout. The bus wire is 12 gauge and the feeder wires are 20 gauge.
The pictures below are close-ups of the individual parts:
A few of installation notes that I have discovered so far:
Finally, if you have a concern about long term corrosion using IDCs, then a dash of Dielectric grease (oxidation inhibitor) on each contact will solve this problem.
http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/aerospace/node_GS9NWKSQZTbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSNNJ6NQDKge/gvel_S3PQPD4JXXgl/theme_us_aerospace_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html
You can find dielectric grease at your home center or hardware store. It is used in residential/commercial wiring when joining two types of electrical conductors (i.e. aluminum to copper) and is also used extensively in boating and automotive wiring.
Obviously I will do anything to minimize my time "under the table."
Good Luck,
-John
Interesting Post!!
Thanks for the info
have fun
That does look to overcome the issues of the 'standard' tap connectors. But silly me, I'd probably still solder the male end on the feeder wire.
I still think the most flexible approach, although probably the most costly, is to use terminal strips and rather than run a continuous bus break it up with terminal strips at key point to tie the feeders to. The advantage is you can tap out whatever might be required to go back adn add detection and so forth without leaving any extra 'junk' clamped to the wires. And the cheapest but least flexible way is to simply solder the feeders to the bus.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Very interesting. A Posi-Tap connector does look like a nice device. However, the manufacturer specifies stranded wire for all of their Posi-Products including the Posi-Tap (http://www.posi-lock.com/newproducts.html). I am sure this is due to the center punch design of their primary tap (http://www.posi-lock.com/instructions1.html). If you are using stranded wire then the Posi-Tap may definitely be the way to go but I would be a little concerned about using these devices for solid wire -- especially on DCC bus work. For low current draw lighting I can see where Posi-Taps could really be a timesaver.
Thanks for the tip.
I really like the design of those Posi-Taps! Perhaps you could use #12 stranded for your main track buss. It can be a little kinky unless you fasten it pretty often, but twisting it helps too.
On the other hand, I have no need for a so-called "main track buss".
On my HO layout I used individual #18 stranded/twisted/jacketed cable runs. These all originate at my central Digitrax booster location, and go out to each block. The "blocks" use two or three #20 dropper wires.
This has worked great for 16 blocks and each are about 25 feet long. I am getting ready to install the current detectors next.
I use a 5 amp power supply and have operated 10 DCC engines of which 6 have sound, without any problems or noticable speed reductions.
As I expand, I plan on adding another booster near the center of the new expansion area.
-Just another way to skin the proverbial cat!
-Bill