rushdenx1 Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 I have two signalling panels which are about a foot apart both operated by the stud and probe method. I use one probe to operate both panels but in order to reach all the studs on both panels the cable for the probe is about 3 feet long. For neatness I would prefer the probe to have a retractable or stretchy cable connected, but not sure what options there are. Any suggestions of what I can use and where I can buy them. Thanks in anticipation. Kevin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy P Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Would a "curly" telephone or electric guitar cable do the trick. Cheap and easily obtainable. Retrieving the cable retraction mechanism from an old vacuum cleaner might keep people guessing! RP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 There was an old technique of winding a piece of ordinary, straight, cable tightly around a former such as a broom handle; when the former is removed, the twist remains. I suspect phone/guitar cables are a bit too light for the sort of current/voltage required for point motors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard-g8jvm Posted December 18, 2013 Share Posted December 18, 2013 Hi why not try a curly microphone cable from a PMR, HAM or even CB transceiver. most are multi-cored plus a screen, so combining all cores will carry several amps, easily handle the surge current on a point motor Richard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNERGE Posted December 18, 2013 Share Posted December 18, 2013 From the 1928 Practical Telephone Handbook.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium JDW Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 25, 2013 There was an old technique of winding a piece of ordinary, straight, cable tightly around a former such as a broom handle; when the former is removed, the twist remains. I suspect phone/guitar cables are a bit too light for the sort of current/voltage required for point motors. I've heard of that, though never needed to try it. Seems like an easy solution, if some cable is already to hand, from what I remember, it needed to be heated too, to retain the curliness (by immersion in hot water, I'd guess - and before anyone says it: make sure its dry before you use it!) JD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 I've heard of that, though never needed to try it. Seems like an easy solution, if some cable is already to hand, from what I remember, it needed to be heated too, to retain the curliness (by immersion in hot water, I'd guess - and before anyone says it: make sure its dry before you use it!) JD I have a colleague who, when she uses the radio handset and telephone, twists the leads even further than they're already twisted, such that you can barely lift them from the base-station. No problem with them retaining their curliness; the problem's trying to use a handset that doesn't want to budge off its rest.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
corax67 Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 You could purchase a couple of cheap coiled telephone handset cables like these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/400428939978?lpid=83&device=t&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0 chop off the connectors and utilise a couple of the cores or pick up a couple of panel mount RJ10 sockets to make yourself some removable probes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium JDW Posted December 26, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 26, 2013 I have a colleague who, when she uses the radio handset and telephone, twists the leads even further than they're already twisted, such that you can barely lift them from the base-station. No problem with them retaining their curliness; the problem's trying to use a handset that doesn't want to budge off its rest.. As always - if you want something to stick: not a chance. But when you don't want it to, it'll stay coiled up forever... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
66C Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 I have two signalling panels which are about a foot apart both operated by the stud and probe method. I use one probe to operate both panels but in order to reach all the studs on both panels the cable for the probe is about 3 feet long. For neatness I would prefer the probe to have a retractable or stretchy cable connected, but not sure what options there are. Any suggestions of what I can use and where I can buy them. Thanks in anticipation. Kevin. Hi Kevin A range of leads are available for DCC system throttles - have a look here: http://www.dccsupplies.com/shop/index.php?cPath=23_162 Be sure to use the wires in any such leads in parallel to give the current capacity that solenoid motors need. An alternative, slightly over-engineered solution, is to use a curly lead as sold for electric kettles. This would have the advantages of being robust and providing more than enough current carrying capacity. Regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdenx1 Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 Thanks for the response. A couple of questions: 1/ Is a RJ10 telephone cable suitable or is the current/voltage insufficient ? If it is ok, do I connect all the wires to the CDU / probe. 2/ If I use a kettle lead, what core (colour) cable do I connect to the CDU / probe. Kevin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailWest Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Given that you only need one core for a 'probe', then if you are using any form of multi-core cable I would recommend connecting ALL the cores. That way, you minimise the risk of a core break leaving you with a dead probe and maximise the current-bearing capacity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestPines Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Given that you only need one core for a 'probe', then if you are using any form of multi-core cable I would recommend connecting ALL the cores. That way, you minimise the risk of a core break leaving you with a dead probe and maximise the current-bearing capacity. I suspect telephone cable single cores wouldn't have a high enough current rating - analogue phones use higher voltages but lower currents than model railways. Connecting all of the cores in parallel should solve this though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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