cheap loco to tender connector?

[BradenD]

All my dcc installs have involved tcs decoders or drop in loksound decoders. For the tcs decoders I just used the harness to run the wires between the locomotive and tender since they make it easy like that. I wanted to install another loksound decoder and am in the process of sourcing everything I will need. This time it won't be drop in; I will need to run my own wires between loco and tender. I saw soundtraxx has a kit but it is 20 bux. Most mini connectors I find are upwards of $10. Would I be correct in assuming there is a cheaper alternative?

[hon30critter]

Hi Braden,

I make my own locomotive to tender connection plugs using these. You just cut off as many pins as you need:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/155452433063?hash=item2431afe2a7:g:B9sAAOSwVspkDoKA&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4G7LVtQi846bmOTI9MBCAOey15qIHmMA8Pg0k%2FpM%2Bi6MOGFx4YElYB4EDFh1YHUCmFnuMoUEuit1ANQIskxFBOuhmbdOSyosBdDeCaruoVd8vy7JpNuORy8uB2MPlU5Cei%2B73v9DdiEU9EhFo%2Bz4TqUXVpB2TwPU%2BCKH%2Fct2cDekMm5vTkNuCczD%2Fefgf1So%2FgDL9hanyTA0H8kwp7YHQR8ni6XANAGRGPk9%2BVK6enTfhkSn9HXnPMnRoU8uIQjlP2hhisCuZgWrDHQB70%2FQcUTgZG%2Blo8b9%2FBmmMPpV9TcU%7Ctkp%3ABFBM1Jqo_-1i

Here is a current project:

The connectors are a bit on the large side but they are easy to work with. The connectors won't actually be visible once the tender shell is installed, and if you use 30 ga. decoder wire painted black the setup will look just like it was done in a factory. There are smaller pin strips available but soldering individual wires to them can be a bit tricky.

I use heat shrink tubing to keep the wires separate inside the loco and the tender.

Cheers!!

Dave

[wrench567]

  I've had good success with the TCS wired six pin JST connectors. It's been a long time since I purchased them. They were $6 the last time I picked up 4 of them.

     Pete.

[BradenD]

Thanks Dave!