Electronics - Connectors
Model railways tend to need all sorts of electrical plugs and sockets, often used in weird and wonderful ways.
Joining IDC Cables
There are a number of occasions when I have needed to extend an IDC cable (those wide grey ribbon cables) or join two cables end-to-end. After some experimentation, I found that a 90-degree PCB header solves the problem. The pin lengths are correct, ensuring good contact, and the sockets are even polarized!
Caveats
Matching corresponding wires can be tricky: a single join will swap each pair of adjacent wires (1 with 2, 3 with 4, etc). Adding a second join unswaps them. You have to carefully plan what wire ends up where.
The exposed pins on the right angle bend might also be an issue.
Caveats
Matching corresponding wires can be tricky: a single join will swap each pair of adjacent wires (1 with 2, 3 with 4, etc). Adding a second join unswaps them. You have to carefully plan what wire ends up where.
The exposed pins on the right angle bend might also be an issue.
Small Connectors for Model Railways
Models often need some highly compact plugs and sockets. Examples include wiring locomotives to their tenders or adding extra pickups to other coaches in a multiple-unit train.
The best easily available solution I have found is to use IC socket strips. Most electronic stores will stock these. They normally come in 32- or 40-pin strips, and can be cut to length with a sharp knife. These serve as both plug and socket, and are easily fitted into HO/OO stock. They are still a bit too large for many N gauge applications.
The best easily available solution I have found is to use IC socket strips. Most electronic stores will stock these. They normally come in 32- or 40-pin strips, and can be cut to length with a sharp knife. These serve as both plug and socket, and are easily fitted into HO/OO stock. They are still a bit too large for many N gauge applications.
D-Type Connectors
I use standard computer D-type connecters for most of the serious cabling between boards and panels, and even to my power supply units. They work well, the pins are rated at 1 amp and can handle more, and are easy to solder to when making cables.
I use standard computer D-type connecters for most of the serious cabling between boards and panels, and even to my power supply units. They work well, the pins are rated at 1 amp and can handle more, and are easy to solder to when making cables.