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Another DCC Wiring Question and the Final One I Hope

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 1,835 posts
Another DCC Wiring Question and the Final One I Hope
Posted by bearman on Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:27 PM

Some speaker wire comes with connectors on one end, black and red, which end in a long pin which is easily bent to fit through the holes of a speaker jack.  Now, what I was thinking of doing is buying those connectors attaching them to one end each of the input 14 AWG wires to my Zephyr.  It seems much easier than constantly connecting and disconnecting bare wires from the Zephyr.  While I am sure that most people just connect the bare wires and leave them on, my preference is for something a little more "portable" as it were.  Would there be a problem going this way in terms of the signal to the rails?  Those pin connectors are certainly not close to 14 AWG.

Bear "It's all about having fun."

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:51 PM

There are many different types of connectors that would work. Radio Shack carries a bunch. I personally just use those crimp on fork spades on the ends of my wires. Some folks use male/female plugs so they can swap their Dc controller for DCC easier. Shouldn't have any effect on the signal as long as buy quality connectors.

Why do you have to hook and unhook your wires so much?

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 1,835 posts
Posted by bearman on Sunday, December 16, 2007 5:17 PM
Because I did not really do a good job of thinking about the control panel when I designed my layout.  Until the scenery and a couple of tracks are laid at that location, I would be leaning over another 12 inches or so and into the Zephyr. And those spade connectors won't work on a Zephyr.  In fact, that appears to be the only gripe I have about the system,  I would prefer screw terminals.

Bear "It's all about having fun."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Sunday, December 16, 2007 6:09 PM

  Hey Bear

 How about Ebaying the zepher and using a Power Cab? Or can you hook up a portable throttle to the zepher?

  Pete
 

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Christiana, TN
  • 2,134 posts
Posted by CSX Robert on Sunday, December 16, 2007 8:41 PM

Bear,

You can unplug the whole connector from the back of the Zephyr instead of removing the individual wires.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 1,835 posts
Posted by bearman on Monday, December 17, 2007 12:45 AM

Getting rid of the Zephyr is not an option, although eventually I plan on getting two more throttles.  As for unplugging the connector, that would be an option.  I assume just giving it a good tug will work?

Bear "It's all about having fun."

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