My Lenz DCC system uses DIN plugs and jacks. If you're not planning to have friends over and use their throttles, you can figure out where each wire goes and switch plug and jack types to one that might be easier to work with for you.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Isn't he talking about installing one of those RJ14 Ethernet sockets in a standard one-gang 'wallplate' that they sell at places like Home Depot, and then running an eight-conductor pigtail with eight-pin plug back to the port on his hidden device?
If so, yes there are cheaper sources of eight-pin modular jacks you can use, BUT some of them may require changes to the wiring from the conductors in Cat 5/6 to the modular connectors. There are good hand tools that accomplish fixing the wires in a modular plug in 'one squeeze' so this is not a soldering or screwdown or wire-wrap extravaganza.
Thanks. Not helpful at all.
Maybe I should have posted a picture.
I'm not sure if what I am saying is helpful or not. How about a computer drawer that can be mounted under the layout?
I was looking at mounting my MRC prodigy express base unit out of sight, in my benchwork. Easily accesable, just not visable.
I could then purchase an extension plate, so I can run the Cat5(I think that is what is called) wire from the base unit, to the extension plate. This will have a nice clean look on my fascia that I am going for.
These extension plates are rather expensive at ~$30.00.
Seems like I can make one of these myself? Any one have any exprerience doing this?
FWIW, My layout(under early construction) is a 9' ft ISL. I doubt I will be running with another cab.