Goathingham Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Hello All, In my current venture into the world of DCC I am preparing to install a Digitrax decoder into the tender of my kit-built J21. My question is: What AWG gauge wire should I use to connect the decoder to the motor, given that it will be constantly bending back and forward as the loco goes around bends? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Trevor Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Combe Martin Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Why not just use the same gauge wire as is attached to the decoder. I don't know what AWG this is, but having just studied the underside of the 4 wire connection between a Hornby Standard Class 4 and it's tender (where the decoder is) that's what Hornby seem to use. The 3 Bachmann 8 coupled locos also have the decoder in the tender so these also have 4 wires between loco and tender, and they use something slightly thicker, but not very much ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted August 18, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 18, 2011 For the relatively short run 'twixt loco and tender, gauge of wire might prove to be less important than flexibility. Bigger locos than yours have arrived from the factory in China with linking wires so stiff they derailed on the first bend curve! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I have the four essential wires between loco and tender of several different UK OO models, most of which are going to be smaller and lighter than typical US steamers rendered in HO, nary a trouble. The wires are the fine multicores that come on Lenz decoders, (possible they or a distributor/retailer may have the wire gauge data on a website?) no troubles after several years near daily operation that flexes the wires every 15 feet of running. Some of the locos will now have accumulated upward of 20,000 flexes, so out of the fatigue failure zone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goathingham Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 Thanks to all for the info. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Neal Ball Posted August 18, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 18, 2011 http://www.expressmodels.co.uk/acatalog/Micro_Connectors.html I successfully use these connections on my Bachmann Hall which I have added extra pick-ups in the tender - works a treat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
locoworks Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 if this is OO why not use a tiny N gauge chip like the DZ125 which i would expect you could find room for in the loco?? then you would only need 2 wires from the tender for any pickups fitted, one if the drawbar is live?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 7013 Posted August 22, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 22, 2011 I recently put some pickups into the tender of a loco and connected them to the motor in the body. I used Hornby Skalelighting wire which is excellent in that it is very fine and flexible, of course it is only two strand. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave flint Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I've bought (but not yet fitted) some single socket connectors from the computer section at Maplins. The plug has a 10mm long prong which has a solid yet easily disconnected joint. The wires look fine and are cheaper than the dedicated ones above. I intend to put them in a Hornby Edward and James, which have a pretty hopeless arrangement between loco and tender at present. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Mc Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Hi I assume you have spent a bit of time building it and Im sure it will be a winner. 2 options for you. I consider to be very good quality wire is the wire you can buy from ESU. I would just buy 1 bag of black (looks like hoses between loco/tender which measures 0.5mm and also very flexible. You can do your 4 connections all with black. Link to ESU. http://www.esu.eu/en...-cable-harness/ Next option using a good quality plug as others have suggested. I like the DCC Concepts ones. Most shops have them like Bromsgrove. 6 wires running between loco and tender to plug under tender you can just see them. The plug The solder pad that comes with it is hidden under the plastic and yes that is a micro 3 switch for those who may notice it. Best of luck. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZ Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 I have used the connectors from Express Models for loco/tender connexion, but do find the 4way one a little stiff without extra weight in small tenders. I now use http://www.maplin.co.uk/modular-connectors-5348 with suitably fine wire. They can also be made up into 8pin sockets easily. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeman Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 You all amaze me buying small wire, Get to a Boot Sale and buy an older PC printer cable, the type that had a 25 pin parallel port plug fitted, probably cost you 50p and strip it for the wire. All the colors you may need Also try old VCR,s for mini plugs and sockets , if you are prepared to strip down, many useful bits , including small well made motors, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeman Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 You all amaze me buying small wire, Get to a Boot Sale and buy an older PC printer cable, the type that had a 25 pin parallel port plug fitted, probably cost you 50p and strip it for the wire. All the colors you may need Also try old VCR,s for mini plugs and sockets , if you are prepared to strip down, many useful bits , including small well made motors, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250BOB Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 I used these. https://clarahost.clara.net/www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/pd1426859022.htm?defaultVariants=search0_EQ_5-pack_AND_{EOL}&categoryId=51 Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZ Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 I use waste decoder wire. For plugs I use http://www.maplin.co.uk/modular-connectors-5348 Never chuck away your unused decoder wires Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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