NCE cab bus cable help

[skagitrailbird]

 If there is a next timme, get youirself one of these:  http://www.summitsource.com/leviton-phone-plug-crimp-tool-kit-modular-rj11-plug-connector-universal-telephone-rj11-line-signal-crimper-cutter-stripper-cable-tool-part-c5890-c5890-p-6781.html

 I think both Radio Shack and Home Depot have them although I wasn't able to find them on their web sites.  I bought one many years ago and have found it invaluable (and not just for the railroad).

Good luck!

[mcfunkeymonkey]

Thanks for all the feedback & offers of help!
I'm building a small (9x7) switching layout and so just need two panels, and the distance between them is about 10'.
(you can see the benchwork over on the layout forum under "n-dustrial switching layout")

The local club is still using DC (since 35+ years ago):
http://www.wcmrs.org/index.html 

So I just ordered the 12' cable from nce for $8 plus S&H.
Peace of mind & done!

Thanks again!
Cheers!
--Mark

[ds137]

That crimper can be found for a lot less than that... Home Depot here has it for about $17- look in the telephone section, not in the Data section (where the CAT-5 wire etc is found)  the crimper for Data IS about $40.  6 wire telephone cable will work.  That 6 wire connector is just what you need, just need to flip the connector.  You might try a local club that is running DCC.  Surely someone there will have that tool already and can help you out.  If your cable is long enough, it can be made into 2 cables (you may want to add another UPC later)  If you can't find someone there, PM me and I can fix you up for postage. 

[tstage]

Mark,

I assume you are daisy-chaining the UTP panels together from the rear?  How far apart are your panels?

Mark, you can actually buy the RJ-12 cable (with connectors) directly from NCE in 7', 12', and 40' lengths.  Or, if you are wanting a specific length and don't want to fork out the $$$ for a crimper, Tim Smith @ Empire Northern Models can make them for you.

The info is not listed on Tim's web site.  When Tim made a few cables for me 2-3 years ago, it was $3.25 for both RJ-12 connectors plus $0.25 per foot of cable.  The best thing would be to contact Tim directly, either by phone or by e-mail.  Also, keep in mind that his shop is only open Fridays & Saturdays from 10AM - 6PM.

Mark, hope that helps...

Tom

[Edit: Mark, although you can use the 6-conductor cable for daisy-chaining your UTP panels together, in all reality - you really only need a 4-conductor cable.  The 6-conductor cable is only necessary when using it in conjunction with the Power Cab, because the 2 extra conductor cable wires carry its power.]

[mcfunkeymonkey]

I need to connect 2 UTP cab bus panels and the directions call for RJ-12 cable.  I have a 6-conductor phone line with, what looks like, the right connectors (package doesn't say), but it seems I need to flip one of the connectors over to match up properly (color order of wires).

Is there an easy way to do this (like to do they sell the wire with a flipped connector) or do I have to buy one of those stripper / crimper for $40+ just for one connection?

 Thanks for your help!
Cheers!
--Mark