I am working on an interlocking frame that is wired with 14 gauge wire. As of now it is removable from the layout with the exception of the wiring. I've been asked to give a presentation for an NMRA Convention later this year and would like to bring the whole asembly (the tower model board and the frame with the levers) with me. I would like to cut the wires and have connectors to easily disconnect and reconnnect them back to the layout (of course they will have to be marked). I really don't want to use terminal strips as already am using those but rather just connect the same wires back together. What options do I have on connectors that aren't too expensive and are reliable?
Victor A. Baird
Fort Wayne, Indiana
If stranded wire, you can use posi-connects! How many you need?
Victor,
I've used these before on more than just Model Railroading with good results and won't break the $$ bank. Come in many gauges.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Male-Female-Quick-Disconnect-Combo-Wire-Bullet-Connector-Red-Blue-Terminals-/191215565846
Take Care!
Frank
I have been using Anderson Power Pole connectors from Power werx.com. The crimp on contacts are $.14 each and the covers are $.39 each. The covers come in many colors and can be connected together in a block to ease assembly. I have heard that N-Trak is now including their use in their wiring standards.
wabash2800I am working on an interlocking frame that is wired with 14 gauge wire. As of now it is removable from the layout with the exception of the wiring.
How many wires are there?
Molex connectors can have quite a few wire combinations. Here's an example of a 24 pin.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/03-06-1241/?qs=53in8j6h7oSrxI91sJir9w%3D%3D&kpid=2315889&gclid=CNjE1ffVlMYCFUYkgQodt20A6A
Two will get you 48. Do you have access to old computer parts? Some of the motherboard power connectors can have 20+ connections. What kind of current are you talking about? The D-Sub connectors have 25 pins but you need good eyes to solder them!
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/191/connectors-sub-d/1.html
Here's an 8 pin with leads already attached to one side:
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/con-238/8-pin-connector-w/header-0.156/1.html
If you can still find them, the old telephone RJ-21 connector had 25 pairs of wires (50) sometimes you can find them pre-wired so all you would have to do is make jumper connections to it.
http://www.cablesondemand.com/pcategory/150/category/MPTELCO/URvars/Catalog/Library/InfoManage/AMPHENOL_25-PAIR_TELCO_CABLES.htm
Cut the cable in half and you have two pre-wired pig-tails.
Good Luck, Ed
A trailer plug would also work.
Jim
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-AMP/172167-1/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuzXLcWrSfMr88GQZRBrMDRrM5BXxhFdiA%3d
Cheap and handle up to 5 amps. Only downside is 16AWG is the max. You'll have a relatively small voltage drop across the connector if the modules down the line pull >4 amps DCC. It's only .0040 Volts drop per foot at 5 amps 16AWG at the connector. The connector is ~1inch, so maybe 1/12th that .0040 value. I find this acceptable and what I do on my layout.
If you are using digitrax, I use standard phone outlets for the loconet.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
LION built his GRS interlocking machine and model board with 22 ga wire, actually it is 25 pair cat 3 telephone cable. For connectors him got himself two new Palrallel port extension cords with plugs on heach end. Him cut the cord in the middle and wired each end to its proper device, having the plugs to mate them. These are 25 conductors each, so naturally him used two of them. Him reversed them so that they could not be misconnected.
Why you need 14 ga in your interlocking machine?
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I have about 80 wires on the frame alone. The Anderson connectors might be the way to go. Thanks for all your replies.
The link that I posted....the connector is the same as the Anderson. The plug in bullet is insulated and easy to use. One color is no big deal...use an indelible Sharpie and put a number on the Male & Female, numbers plug into one another. 100 pcs for 0.99, 50 x 50, 1.73 shipping.....I don't believe You can beat that price anywhere.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100x-Male-Female-Blue-Insulated-Bullet-Connectors-Terminals-16-14AWG-Wire/400900160252?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo
Anderson power pole connectors are nothing like the bullet connectors. While the PP's are crimped on the wire, the covers snap on the contact and are removable and reusable. They come in many colors and the covers can be assembled into blocks that can be keyed so assembly can only go together one way. The contacts come in several different wire sizes. There are some accessories like buss blocks and strips and chassis mounting connectors. N-Trak is writing the use of these connectors into their standards to replace the Cinch Jones connectors for new modules. While the individual parts are inexpensive, the crimper is $39 and will not release the contact until the proper crimping pressure is reached, but a simple pair of crimping pliers can be used or contacts soldered onto the wire instead. I have been using them for several years now and i'm very satisfied with them.
He said He wanted something simple, easy and cheap. Can't get any cheaper and reliable than a butt connector. Been using them well over 25yrs, 200 bulk 5.00. Colors?.. who needs them...especially 80... number them.
To each the're own.