This is the connector from a Kato Unitrack power cable. I like the insulated and click-and-lock design and would like to use these for various power wiring needs on my MRR. Could someone please let me know what’s the industry-standard term for these types of connectors, and if possible, where I can get them? Thank you in advance.
MOLEX is one easy to find brand. Mouser, DIgi-key, Jameco Electronics are a few dealers. Also look for 3m and Amp. You must purchase the shells in two parts, the plug and receptacles. The pins also come in two parts, male and female. Unless you are willing to pay $75 to $100 for the crimping tool you will have to solder the wire to the pins and insert the pins in the shell. Another special tool is needed to remove the pins if you make a mistake.
The connector you show are typical of the type used in older R/C cars. Most hobby shops that carry race cars should stock them.
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/CON-210P/189/2_CONDUCTOR_RC_BATTERY_PLUG_.html
I’ve seen them mostly used on Remote Controlled cars for connections between the battery pack and the cars electrical system. You could find them at Hobby Town USA as well as other hobby shops catering to R/C cars.
There is another alternative if you need to connect multiple wires.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032286&cp=2032058.2032231
I plan to use something like these on my layout. Then when I need to move, I can unplug all of the sections easily and not have to worry about which one goes to what.
Great, thank you very much for all the replies, especially for the links! [tup]
You will not find the Kato style at a hobby shop. The one’s everyone is referring too in the RC hobby are commonly referred to as “Tamiya” style battery connectors. They are larger then the Kato connectors. Now if you want to change all the connectors then fine but the Tamiya style will not plug into the Kato switch controllers which is what I am assuming you are using. These type of connectors are commonly called JST connectors and your best bet to find the right size is a local electronic/electrical supplier where you can take the connector in and have them find the exact size.
But to be blunt these connectors suck. They loose contact, can be very erratic in performance at times and are bulky. Now this is from my days in the RC world but I would still steer away from them even with model railroad. There are many better suited and reliable connectors out there.
Hi mavrick00,
Thank you for the reply. I’m not looking for the exactly same size/type as the Kato connectors; they’ll be used to standardize power connection for my test tracks and loops.
Sorry to hear that your experience with them is not so good. What other kinds of quick-disconnect connectors would you recommend, then?
I would recommend the Deans Ultra connectors.
The link below will take you to a page that shows a picture of them. Just
scroll down about a half page.
http://www.modelflight.com.au/deans_connectors.htm
I have used these for many years and are super reliable… not cheap.
They are polarized which means you cannot plug them in backwards.
These may also be purchased at most local R/C hobby shops.
The Deans are excellent connectors and have never had one cause me any issue whether it was racing for 5 minute heats with motors pulling 30amps out of the batteries to actually using them around the house for lighter duty applications. If this is the connector you decide to go with I’ve bought from this place before in bulk for a good price not to mention different colours. http://ashtekelectronics.com/shop/deans-style-connectors-p29830.html
Thanks again, I’ll check them out.