Options For Steam Loco to Tender 6-Wire DCC Connectors

peahrens · February 25, 2018, 5:23pm

I haven’t quite found the best option in prior threads, so…

I’m working on a IHC 4-6-2 that will get a decoder & speaker in the tender, requiring 3 wire pairs loco to tender; i.e., rails, motor & headlight. A common issue for converting a DC steamer to DCC.

I note that factory DCC locos often have pretty compact connectors for these, often with one connector (male or female) mounted on the tender (or loco, perhaps?).

I’m interested in ideas and suggestions; e.g;…, some particular parts from loco manufacturers that might fit the bill?

I am attaching a Litchfield Station listing below. I do have the NEM652 types on hand (or something similar) in bars that can be cut, but they seem a bit bulky, as a 6-wire connector, whether 1x6 or 2x3. The NMRA type perhaps are smaller(?) but my recollection is that some of the retail DCC locos have some pretty compact arrangements, so I thought I would inquire for better solutions, if any.

I will be awhile revamping the loco body, getting into some modest detailing, so I will have time to order a neat solution if that is advised.

IMG_9085 (2) by Paul Ahrens, on Flickr

https://www.litchfieldstation.com/product-category/connectors-and-harns/

Thanks for any suggestions or clarification!

gmpullman · February 25, 2018, 6:26pm

Hi, Paul

I was confronted with the same challenge. What worked for me, maybe not for all cases, but at least looking into was micro USB plugs.

I posted a thread here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/264996.aspx

There are solder pads for five of the wires (see thread about super-flexible wire) and you can get a sixth from the case housing/shield.

IMG_9655_fix_w by Edmund, on Flickr

Hope that helps, Ed

RR_Mel · February 25, 2018, 7:35pm

I’ve been using micro connectors on almost everything for the last couple of years. They’re low cost and you can cut them to any number of contacts. I have also been making them polarized so they can’t be inserted wrong. Here is a couple of my blog posts on the micro connectors.

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-15-2017-micro-connector-update.html

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-4-2014-micro-connectors.html

The male and female connectors end cost is about 6¢ per pair of contacts.

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