Scotchloks are a brand name, the proper title for what they are is " Insulation Displacement Connectors ". Some people also call them “T” connectors, as do many retail stores that carry these such as Electronics Supply stores and Auto Parts stores. Some people feel that nothing is as good as soldering, while others have used Scotchloks with no connection problems or voltage drops, and they really like the quick and easy connection.
I use telephone wire snap connectors, very reliable.
I forgot all about the scotchlocks [:(]
I did finally remeber them when wiring the powerpack. I think when we move (in about 2-3 years after getting the current house done) I will end up rewiring the layout. I really should have wired up my frogs. Too bad I wasn’t using this great forum for better insight when I built the layout.
Back in the 80’s when I was working as an auto mechanic there were a lot of aftermarket accessory installers using the Scotchloc connectors for cell phones, stereos and security systems. They are not suited for automotive applications. Inside or outside the passenger compartment. I don’t know if it is the temperature and humidity swings or the vibration but they just do not keep a good connection in a car. I can not say if they do any better any where else but I had so much trouble with them then that I will never use them.
Solder is also cheaper and I am nothing if not cheap.
I solder the lot. One of the wire cutter/strippers that has a one action motion to remove insulalation in the center of the wire is invaluable. I solder quite quickly so don’t really see any time savings with the other devices.
Uh, Neither. I solder lugs before connecting them to terminal strips (only to ensure a good electrical connection. Sub Bus pre the feeders also use lugs soldered to the wires before placing them under the layout. This allows me to easily disconect portions of the layout for upgrades, troubleshooting, etc. without cuting wires or resoldering under the layout (like my eyes too much to solder over my head). Terminal strips alow me to easily add more feeders or continue a sub bus to a new location. Scotchlocs may work very well for MR in most cases, but may require cutting wires for troubleshooting and then having to splice back in with more scotchlocs. I used the original types of that stuff years ago working cutting in 25 pair cables into mainframes for corporate phone systems back in the 60’s.
Phone companys use them by the thousands with no problems.
Please explain, LUGS as in PLUG IN ENDS? This sounds like the best of both worlds.
i’ve eliminated soldering under my layout a completely. i use european style barrier strips from radio shack #274-677. they are large enough for a 14 gauge buss wire to pass through (the wire is stripped where is passes through) and will still hold several 20 gauge feeders without soldering. one 12 position barrier strip can be cut into 6 two position segments to hold a pair of buss wires with a screw hole in the center for mounting under the layout. is scotchloks the right name for the suitcase connectors? i have a box of regular twist on 3m wirenuts and they are called scotchloks.
to willy6: the best marine is an AMERICAN MARINE !!
These are just standard crimp on spade lugs. I only solder them because I have found with the small wires about one in three tend to work loose. Soldering assures a good connection for the next few hundred years. You can see the type of set up I use in this photo of ane of my Tortiose Machines. Notice the feeds on the right. If some time down the road, the switch machine fails (I know they don’t fail… this is a hypothetical thing ya know…) All I have to do is unhook the wires, replace the machine and hook up the wires. Set to run.
Another good option! They are like the connectors on much of the Digitrax stuff.
Actually, I use suitcase connectors for most connections of wires 18g or larger. I have used some Scotchloks, but I think the original poster may have been referring to suitcase connectors, too. They are the plastic connectors that go over one wire and let you push another wire end into it, then you squeeze the metal clip into place and shut the plastic door that covers the connector. Scotchloks are the plastic connectors with a spiral wire inside that you twist over the ends of two [or more] wires that you want to join. The telephone service snap connectors are the best, since they cover the wire ends with a conductive chemical and make a permanent connection – but they are rather expensive. I got a box of them for use with small wires [lights and switch machines], and I’ve never had one fail.
I use the Radio Shack european style barrier strips #274-677 and have been very pleased with the results. I solder very little because I like to be able to disconnect if necessary for troubleshooting
I don’t use IDCs and don’t plan to. If it’s a permanent connection, I solder it. After being in industrial electronics for over 30 years and having soldered a few zillion connections I’m quite comfortable with soldering and confident of the results. If I want to take the connection apart later, I’ll use a terminal strip, either the barrier type with screws or the “European” type that doesn’t require lugs.
ScotchLocs for me, all the way! Life is too short for me to spend many additional hours doing something that ScotchLocs allow me to do in 30 minutes. If - and only IF - I start having problems with DCC (which I can’t afford yet anyway) THEN I’ll consider ripping out the IDCs and soldering the bus joints.
Only IDCs for drop feeder/bus connections. Spade connectors and terminal strips for just about everything else. Only solder on any of the layout wiring is feeders to rail.
Voted solder, but a review of the ScotchLocs is in order.
- Ryan
ScotchLocs, bought in bulk from Mouser, all the way! The only part of the track circuit I solder is the connections to the track itself. Never had a ScotchLoc fail.
I got a bulk score of European style terminal strips a while back (30 nine-slot strips for under $10) and use them where ever possible. Very few applications call for nine connection spots but they break down to whatever number is required very easily. If terminal strips are verboten, ie track connections, I solder.
I’ve switched to the suitcase connectors…