connectors

[pdlethbridge]

Almost all those connectors have a .1 pitch. The same as I get from Futurlec.
http://www.futurlec.com/ConnHead.shtml
The Bachmann connectors are half that size and very reliable.

[pdlethbridge]

Jim, the socket strips shown on al gartners site can be purchased at futurlec for about 1/4 the cost. An  8 pin machine tooled IC socket goes for .25 cents. They are not exactly the same on the plastic side but the metal parts are identical. They can still be cut to size.
http://www.futurlec.com/SockIC.shtml

[richG]

I got the idea from my Roundhouse steamers. Sometimes you have to compromise.

You could cut the 9 pin JST connector into a four pin and 2 pin just like the Bachmann connectors. One end has wires, the other is ready to be mounted to a tender or loco. I have taken apart a 4-6-0. The part with the pins is mounted into the bottom of the loco.





Rich

[pdlethbridge]

Where do you get the male side of these connectors? They are all female. ( female / male )

[richG]

I get them from the adapter that comes with DCC "Ready" locos.
I would think you can bum one or two from members of this group.

Another option.

https://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=2450029&cat=76&page=1

Rich

[pdlethbridge]

would that be the top 2 items here?
https://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php?cat=256

[richG]

Yes, those should be suitable. One is female, the other male. I would recommend contacting Bruce at Litchfield Station. He is very helpful. I buy all my DCC stuff from him. I see him in the Yahoo SoundTraxx group but I do not recommend anyone joining Yahoo Groups anymore. The Spammers have gotten into the groups and Spam quite a lot and lately they send out emails encouraging you to join a "new" Yahoo group. My Spam filter catches them.

Rich

[glennk28]

The other side of the connector is right in front of you. I have been using those high-grade chip sockets for connectors dfor years--cut out the number of pins needed.  The pins on the back that usually are soldered into a pc board are the male side.  The sockets the female. 

I usually look for a socket made on fiberglass board rather than plastic, and with as many pins as possible--they last a long time-- I usually leave some of the "background" on the femqle side to allow anchoring it to the tender body (or whatever) 

gj

[pdlethbridge]

Would one of these boards be usable?
http://www.futurlec.com/ProtoBoards.shtml

[glennk28]

NO--those are for building circuits.   You need a "chip"  (I.C.) Socket.   gj

[pdlethbridge]

like these?
http://www.futurlec.com/SockIC.shtml
If it is, then we are back to square one as these are .1" pitch

[glennk28]

YES!!  the machine tooled chip sockets-=- I buy at least the 40-pin type.    Work quickly to solder the wire into the socket--and a bit of shrink tubing  on the pins.   gj

[richG]

I have used these before but the overall connector is rather large but these pins are easier to cut apart than IC sockets. Put the link in your favorites folder.

http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/plug-and-socket/Little-Plugs-and-Sockets.html

Rich

[Yampa Bob]

Paul,
The pin spacing on the NEM 651 is only .05".  The entire connector is only .33" wide X .11" thick. The prewired female socket has 12" leads, enough matching color wire for soldering to the male plug.

In fact, you don't even have to solder any wires to the male connector. Use two prewired female sockets, then use one double ended male connector as a joiner. This makes a 24" long unpluggable harness. By making the plug connection in the tender, you can also eliminate the extra wire clutter between the loco and tender.

I doubt if you will find a smaller or simpler inline connector. If your only concern is polarity, simply match up the wire colors, make tiny marks on one side or whatever for visual identification. 

If you are waiting for Bachmann to release the plugs/sockets separately, I wouldn't hold my breath. 

[pdlethbridge]

Please hold your breath, I can smell it from here!