Multi connector plugs and sockets

[sandy]

Now the weather has changed and it is raining again Im back in the railway room with the soldering iron in hand.
Have just spent a while looking at ebay looking for a couple of multi Plug and sockets to connect between lift out baseboard sections. Can't realy find what I am looking for. Years ago you could get nice large plugs and sockets which where easy to seperate but had no luck finding any. What are the most popular types used for this perpose these days.

[Tricky Dicky]

A lot depends on what current you expect to be passing. For something like DC probably computer D-type plugs and sockets will do although if using common return you may have to double up connections on some pins. For a DCC system were 4-5A can be pumped out onto the bus then you need something beefier.

These are a fairly common way and are available in different current ratings.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263730714333

The only thing I find an issue with them is their tendency to bend when inserting but mounting them on a small piece of ply solves that. They are not really designed for constant plugging and unplugging and can over time make loose connections but for rare use they are fine.

Richard

[Brian]

A lot depends on the number of ways (Circuits) that need to be carried over the join and the current they will need to carry.
Many use Male and Female Sub D connectors, sold mostly in 9 or 25 ways. 15 way are also sold but only obtain the two row version as the three row ones are devils to solder wires into! Example Sub D
For less number of ways then DIN connectors and sockets sold in 2 to 8 ways. Example DIN
Another is the larger in physical size is the XLR connector. Example XLR
Aviation plugs and sockets are very good in 2 to 10 ways with the GX16 or larger GX20 range. Example Aviation
Or simple two way or more then Phone plugs and sockets can be used in a variety of colours so accidental cross connection is less likely Example
Or even the good old Jack plug in 2 or three ways.

[sandy]

Very basic this is DC. Supply from 2 controllers going to up and down main lines going through 4 sets of section switches. And one other controller operating the Branch line only. Basicly each controller will be operating one loco at a time. with lighting will be about 8 wires. Trasformer is remote from the lifting section which operates all points on the main basboards they are not using the lifting or removable section. Basicly just the wires from the controllers out to rest of the railway because the controllers are sited on the removable section.

[sandy]

Thanks for the information now know what to look for.

[Hound Dog]

I have used these very successfully for two way connections, where I may want a quick and easy disconnect to isolate or troubleshoot a particular section.

They are available from many sources on e-bay etc, but I snapped this image from Railways Scenics.

Hope this helps

[Chuffchuff]

The above are good and you can also get RCA plugs and sockets in a very similar moulding. Useful if you have a couple of circuits close together and there is a chance of mixing up the two.

Another quick but dirty trick is to use two 5 amp terminal strips along side each other with the strips joined by a thicker earth core wire taken from mains cable.




Rgds

[Walkingthedog]

I use the ones Hound Dog suggests, I think they are an excellent product.

[Brian]

8 wires... Then I would be looking at using an 9 way D connector. Or an 8 way DIN or 8 way Aviation GX16 connector, or perhaps two four ways?
Pluggable terminal blocks are ok but you have a rather long connector and the wires in both halves have no strain relief, so its very easy to pull out a wire or two!

[Steve M]

It may be a bit belt and braces but all my cross board connections use D sub connectors.
I always use the next size up from the number of wires I have so there is capacity for doubling up pins on higher load circuits. I solder wires from the D sub to solder tag strips which get screwed under the baseboard and provides strain relief. It’s also quite easy to number the tag strips to match the pins to make adding circuits a little easier.
I find they are very robust and can be noted together for extra security.
Having said all that , in your case Sandy the DIN plugs will be more than up to the job. I’d still use solder tag strips as well though.