Telco connectors

[Blind Bruce]

What are telco connectors, how are they used, and where do we get them. I tried the "search" button and got nothing of real value.

[betamax]

What are telco connectors, how are they used, and where do we get them. I tried the "search" button and got nothing of real value.

Question is, what are they used for?

Are they IDC connectors (Scotchloks) used to tap into wires?

Crimp on connectors?

Or the RJ series of jacks and plugs, like those used on your telephone?

Many of them can be had at your local Rona, HomeDepot, or if your really lucky, a electronics store. One that sells electronic parts and supplies.

Inquiring minds need to know.

[cacole]

The term telco is derived from "telephone company" and there are many different styles of telco connectors, ranging from a simple 4-pin crimp-on connector that is on the end of a handset wire, to 50- or 200-pair connectors used by telephone installers.

Here are some examples of telco connectors:

http://www.connectworld.net/syscon/telco_cables.html

Other than for a controller bus around your layout, I can't think of any reason to use telco connectors for model railroads, because they require some very expensive special tools to work with.

I found the above link by typing "telco connectors" into Google instead of trying to use this forum's search function.

For the question about availability, Radio Shack normally has the 4 and 6-pin crimp-on connectors, but they want U.S. $35 for the tool to crimp them on.  That's another reason why I avoid telco connectors.

[Seamonster]

Since "telco" just means "telephone company" I would guess they are the jacks and plugs that look like 1/4" headphone jacks and plugs.

 

[howmus]

Since "telco" just means "telephone company" I would guess they are the jacks and plugs that look like 1/4" headphone jacks and plugs.

 

Ah, no...  Those are called 1/4" phone plugs and jacks.  They were used for many, many years back when you picked up the phone and somebody on the other end said, "Number please".  They are mostly used for music applications today and come in TR (Tip and Ring) and TRS (Tip, Rin, & Sleeve aka: Sterio).  What I believe is being refered to as "telco" here refers to the type of connector which is usually 25, 50, or more pair used in business phone systems.  I used to have to wire boxes for them when I worked for the Phone Company back in my college days.  Check out the link given above.

[retsignalmtr]

check out ALL ELECTRONICS at www.allelectronics.com . they have a lot of telephone connectors. i just ordered some modular 4 pin sockets to use with the modular plugs on the atlas signals. i've searched alot and they were the only place i've found that had what i wanted. by the way they advertise in mr.

[moochie]

As you can see, a large bag of worms.  I will not try to explain the multiple types and uses and assume you are interested in the DCC wiring.  If this is true, then you are interested in the RJ type connector. 

First my opinion, if you are interested in just a few, buy the ready made from a hobby vendor.

The tools to make the connectors can be expensive for the really quality tool.  

For conversation sake I am limiting the RJ connector to two type.  RJ11/12 and the RJ45.
The  RJ 11/12 is a  4or 6 condcutor. The RJ 11 is 4 & teh RJ 12 is 6 conductor.  They look identical to the causal user, but they are different internally.  The RJ11 has 4 wire connector on the inside, usually gold in color, and the RJ12 has 6.  The RJ 445 has eight connectors and is wider than the RJ11 & 12.

I suggest you investigate the your planned use and check with your local hobby outlet as there are many other physical & electrical factors involved that would take many pages to explain in detail.

A former NYTelco PABX repairman 

 

 

[Seamonster]

Since "telco" just means "telephone company" I would guess they are the jacks and plugs that look like 1/4" headphone jacks and plugs.

 

Ah, no...  Those are called 1/4" phone plugs and jacks.  They were used for many, many years back when you picked up the phone and somebody on the other end said, "Number please".  They are mostly used for music applications today and come in TR (Tip and Ring) and TRS (Tip, Rin, & Sleeve aka: Sterio).  What I believe is being refered to as "telco" here refers to the type of connector which is usually 25, 50, or more pair used in business phone systems.  I used to have to wire boxes for them when I worked for the Phone Company back in my college days.  Check out the link given above.

You're probably right.  We used them for patch cords in the communications industry but I don't think we had a name for them other than 1/4".  I'd forgotten all about the multi-pair connectors on business phones--those ones with the lighted pushbuttons below the dial.  Memories.  Upon reading a later post, they're probably referring to the RJ jacks and plugs.  That would make more sense in a model RR environment.  And that brings back a memory of their predecessor, the big square ones with 4 prongs that would stand any amount of abuse, unlike RJ plugs.