First off...at this time I am not using DCC. I'm looking to do some electronic experiments and tests with a Stewart A/B F7 set. The B unit is a dummy. I admit not being particularly DCC savvy as far as set-up and connections. I'm looking for connectors commonly found between engine and tender on steam locomotives. 4 or 6 pin, male/female. I've checked DCC manufacturers, and either I don't know what I'm looking for, or just not finding it. I want to feed power between the two units.
Ideas...suggestions.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Miniatronics sells some two pin and four pin.
Litchfield Station sells a 6 pin connector.
I have used both.
Google both for their websites.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
If the B Unit is a dummy, why are you feeding power between the units? Are you trying to get extra electrical pickup capability?
Stwart F Units may or may not have an 8 pin DCC port. I have several of the originals that has the DC light board with the spring wire connectors. I usually just remove these light boards and 'hard wire' the decoder to the engine. The red decoder wire goes to the RH pickups, and the black wire goes to the LH pickups. The orange wire go to the RH motor. and the grey goes to the LH motor.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
MicroMark also lists some 2 pin mini connectors: http://www.micromark.com/mini-connector-kit-pkg-of-10,8839.html
Joe
i think these type connectors from TCS would be less obtrusive to connect between locomotive and tender.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
jrbernier If the B Unit is a dummy, why are you feeding power between the units? Are you trying to get extra electrical pickup capability? Stwart F Units may or may not have an 8 pin DCC port. I have several of the originals that has the DC light board with the spring wire connectors. I usually just remove these light boards and 'hard wire' the decoder to the engine. The red decoder wire goes to the RH pickups, and the black wire goes to the LH pickups. The orange wire go to the RH motor. and the grey goes to the LH motor. Jim
The Stewart dummies have everything but the gears and motor from a powered unit - meaning you can just solder wires to the trucks to get electrical pickup. I did this to put an old Soundtraxx LC decoder (they do have motor drive, but it's not high frequency, so you get a nice buzz from the motor which is annoying) with as big a speaker I could fit in (bigger than typical steam loco tenders, even). Very nice of them to include the metal wheels and pickup plates even in the dummy units.
Since I have an A unit with a Loksound Select in it, I may do something similar with the B and run a 4 pin connection between the A and B to add better pickup and a second, big speaker.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Athough I run DC..these F3 Stewarts A & B both pick-up power from the rails, I used a 2 pin mini plug, that can't even be seen, with the close coupling conversion kit for Stewarts from Kadee. Lot of room in that ''B''. Was I to run DCC/Sound, that's where my second speaker would be, but I would use the etched metal top side grills and open etched metal fans, for the sound to escape. Dynamite running pair also. The photo really does not do it justice, with all the hand applied grab irons and lifting rings. I usually never take them apart...unless of course, something is wrong.....knock on wood....25 yrs and running.
Take Care!
Frank
BTW: One of these days....I'll put the winshield wipers on. LOL
Actually the plan (since I run DC) is to use the Stewart engines as an easy test bed for a bipolar arrangement of diodes and electrolytic capacitors to create an electronic flywheel. In the Stewart it should create a greater amount of effect since it has actual flywheels. I will later adapt the idea to several steam locomotives that don't have flywheels...and to help overcome their elect. contact problems. I'm in need of tiny DCC type connectors. TCS appears to have what I need. GregC's suggestion.
Thanks everyone