Connecting a track bus to an EZ Command Controller

[C Green]

I'm working on my first layout and am soldering feeder wires to several sections of track as I've seen is recommended.  I will connect the feeder wires to a bus but wonder how to connect the bus to the EZ Command Controller.  I could use the cord that came with a train set but I had wanted to use a longer and heavier gauge wire.  I tried to use an audio plug from Radio Shack but ended up with a short, either because of my work or because the plug wasn't compatible.  Help!

[Len]

The red cords with the flat connector on one end and mini-phone plug on the other are wired to the Ring and Sleeve of the mini-plug. The Tip connection is not used.



You want your wires connected to the blue and black connectors in the diagram. The red connector is left open.

Len

[C Green]

Thanks, Len. The plug I used doesn't have the third red part so I suspect it isn't compatible with the controller.  The plug also appears to only have two divisions, not three. Do you know where I could find an appropriate plug?

[Len]

Several dozen places on line carry them. Locally, if your local Radio Shack is still open, you should be able to find them there. If not, a decent music store that sells microphones, etc., should have them. Or even a computer store that sells sound cards should have them. Worst case, pick up a $5 set of ear-buds and cut the cord off.

And yes, if you used a tip/sleeve only plug that was the problem. The sleeve was shorting the ring and sleeve contact in the jack you plugged into together.

Len

[Desertdweller]

I found out yesterday that the Radio Shack chain was going bankrupt.  That will be a real blow to us model railroaders .  I use a lot of their components on my DC model railroad.

Les

[Desertdweller]

I found out yesterday that the Radio Shack chain was going bankrupt.  That will be a real blow to us model railroaders .  I use a lot of their components on my DC model railroad.

Les

[mrmel0]

So, you just can't tap in to the wires between the audio plug and the flat plug?