Hi, can somebody share a tip what part to use to connect wires (wire bundles) which needs to be sometimes connected/disconnected. (modular layout). Thank you
Anderson Power Pole connectors are making their way into model railroading as a replacemant for Cinch Jones connectors for modular layouts. They can be assembled in bundles and come in several colors that can be used to match N-Trak color codes. Look at powerwerks.com.
For connecting detachable modules with a LOT of connections, I use computer cable D-connectors, fixed male/detachable female. Bare connectors will easily take #22 wire, which can be changed to heavier wire at an immediately-adjacent terminal block. For powering tortoise machines and connecting indicator lights, #22 wire is adequate. The short length of #22 wire has no impact on track power to the power hogs I operate (catenary motor with two big old open-frame motors pulling seven lighted passenger cars, for example.)
Why 24 or more connections? The modules are yard throats on a signalled layout.
Incidentally, when purchasing connectors, specify connectors ONLY, not pre-made cables.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Or buy a cable of the sort that is able to connect with itself. Cut the cable in half and wire the each to the proper module. This way you will not have to wire the connectors themselves.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
dream trainHi, can somebody share a tip what part to use to connect wires (wire bundles) which needs to be sometimes connected/disconnected. (modular layout).
Hi,
I have a modular N-gauge layout with 6 boards, each about 2' x 4'6" - a size that was generated by both the brand of modular track I use (Tomix) and the need to easily fit modules into the back of a 4WD, across the back seat, and in a box trailer. The layout is still under construction. It runs on DCC.
I use these Mini Motorcycle Connectors: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/9-Way-2-8mm-Mini-Connector-Kit-BLACK-Motorbike-Yamaha-Motorcycle-Pin-Connectors-/190759606725?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item2c6a2899c5
As you can see, they come in a variety of colours. I only use the 6 and 9 pin versions. If I don't actually need all the pins now, I probably will some time in the future. They work fine for wire from AWG12 to AWG22. I used different colours for different uses as follows:
Red - DCC track power - trunk and local blocks
Black - 12vDC power for Occupancy Detection (Digitrax BDL168s)
Blue - 12vDC power for Stationary Turnout Decoders (Digitrax DS64 and SEC8)
Green - 12vDC miscellaneous accessories, such as lighting buildings, street lighting, etc.
As I'm using Digitrax there are two wiring types that are not appropriate for these plugs - LocoNet and track-side signals. For LocoNet I use standard LocoNet cables and a 6P telco extension plug and simply plug in the two LocoNet cables. For signal cables I use the standard pin headers and the sockets and cables provided by Digitrax.
I hope you find this helpful.
Cheers
Nige'
At our club, since we are never going to connect to any other club's modules, we use connectors from All Electonics that come with polarized male and female plugs on the ends of 10 inch wire, and just cut the wire in the middle. The connectors we use come with 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 wires, All catalog numbers CON-20, 30, 40, 60, or 90.
NTRAK uses Anderson Powerpoles to connect modules. Most modules are 2 ft x 4 ft. That's pretty close to yours.
Here's a link to the wiring and connectors standards. Powerpoles are available from numerous online vendors, NTRAK, and Hobby shops that handle RC stuff. Although they seem to be marketed as "Srmos" plugs in the hobby shops.
http://ntrak.org/wiring_connectors_rp.htm
If you're talking relatively high current, like track power - the Anderson Power Poles are the way to go. If you have lots of low power connections, like say for Tortoise motor drives, or LED signal lights, you can use DB25 connectors for computers, that's 25 wires in a small package. Not for track power though.
Our club layout has both, the track wiring busses run through Power Pole connectors on each module, and in some places there is a signal control that also supports an ajacent module or two, and those have the DB25 connectors to carry the wires.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Wow. Anderson Powerpoles are rated to 30A, aren't they? Probably just right for any power district running at over 5A ... which leads me to the qualifiers:
The type of connector to use depends greatly on the load on the circuit. I'm running N-scale, my layout is split into smaller power districts with breakers set at 3A. Under normal operation any one power district shouldn't pull more than half that current.
Thus, the 5A Mini Motorcycle connectors are great.
Powerpole contacts come in 15, 30, and 45 amp contact sizes. They all use the same plastic housings and work with each other. Since NTRAK also spec's 12 ga wire, the 30 amp contacts fit the wire. 15 amp contacts will fit up to 16ga wire; no larger.
Actually Anderson makes very large Powerpoles as well. My old electric forklift had them. The cable was as large as my thumb.
Rated current really doesn't mean that the circuit will be carrying that figure. It does have to fit just like using the proper size suitcase connectors.
Martin Myers
The thing about the Powerpole connectors is that they are readily available, work for the bigger wire size, and are easily stackable. They also connect and disconnect easily - and can withstand many connect/disconnect cycles without weakening.
Actually N-Trak has recommended the use of Power Pole connectors for any new modules being built. But you will still have to make adaptor cables to go from Power Poles to Cinch Jones connectors for connecting to older modules. I have been using them for a couple of years now and love them. Very dependable and no soldering. The crimper though is a little expensive but it is the right tool for the job.