For what it's worth, I completed the wiring on my DCC layout (44'x25') about 12 years ago. I used Scotchlock connectors (probably 300 of them)exclusively throughout the layout for both the DCC and track buses, but also for the lower voltage circuit for the structure lights. In all those years I've never had a single electrical failure...100% reliability with the connectors. There is a special crimping tool, but I did not use one. I just used care when crimping with a 'Channel-Lock' type pliers that brings the two faces of the pliers together in parallel. There was no way I was going to try to solder overhead under the layout! It's tough enough just reaching "overhead" to do the crimping. In short, I HIGHLY recommend the 'suitcase' connector technology for DCC where you have A LOT of drops to connect. Brooks Stover
--- In [email protected], Pieter Roos <pieter_roos@...> wrote: > > Hi Carey; > > AFAIK, "Suitcase connector" is a generic term, while "Scotchlock" is a brand > name product. > > I have seen it reported that the connectors are prone to failure IF the > correct crimping tools isn't used in connecting them, but I do not have > first-hand experience to back that up. > > Pieter E. Roos > > > --- On Tue, 1/25/11, Carey Probst <s-scale@...> wrote: > > > I just learned something new, well at > > least a new term to me. > > > > I've been using Scotchlok connectors for years for > > everything, cars, > > trains, general wiring, and never heard them called > > suitcase connectors > > before. Must be a MRR thing. > > > > They are great, do not require special tools to use and > > generally very > > good and convenient. However they do require care in > > use because they > > are a little fussy. > > > > First issue is making sure they line up properly on the > > wire. Easy to > > cut the wire in half if not careful. > > > > Second real problem is trying to use with wires of > > different sizes. Red > > is for wire sizes 22-18AWG. Blue for 18-14AWG, and > > Yellow is for > > 12-10AWG. So a lot of standard accessories will use > > 18-22AWG and > > connecting with a Blue requires very careful work to make > > the connection > > good. > > > > Interesting that Micro-Mark calls them suitcase connectors > > for model > > railroaders and sells a Scotchlok crimping tool to close > > them that looks > > a lot like a set of channel locks. > > > > They also make UDC connectors which are gel filled to > > protect against > > water in outdoor applications. > > > > Carey > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
