RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion
INSTALLING LM-3S in PROTO 2-000
Alan:
Digi-Key is a major US supplier. So is Mouser and several others. Still, I would suggest doing your search directly in the JST catalog. https://www.jst-mfg.com/product/category_pdf_e.php
Once you find your connector then shop the electronics suppliers. I made a short list of the popular suppliers on this post: https://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php?topic=727.0
trainman605:
I purchased this Mini connector kit on Amazon, all thought it is pretty much over-kill and the crimper is just too big to use on these connectors I can use it elsewhere. I found that using a small pair of needle noise pliers works great for crimping and I do also solder the wires to the connectors, that's just what I like doing. Many smaller kits are on Amazon and they should work just fine, just find the one that works for you. I have also been a supplier for some of my RR buddies who just need a plug or two. https://www.amazon.com/Qibaok-Crimping-Ratcheting-Connectors-0-1-0-5mm%C2%B2/dp/B07ZK5F8HP/ref=sr_1_49_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=mini+connectors+2-10+pin+kit+with+crimper&qid=1610556884&sr=8-49-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWDZPTEtTTVlITTk2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTA3ODgyN1I2Vkk4MlVBNFpWJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MTc2NDUyTFA3SDVMTjFOVFFMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmX25leHQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl One other thing you need to purchase on Amazon is wire, look for the 10 color assortment in the 5' range, size 20-22 size should work for all voltages in your G scale engines, the only exception might be the smoke unit.
trainman
Tom:
Some progress, and more questions, see attached second photo. Photo does not show the two other two pin connectors, but I have them. Since these are the male connectors, I do not need any crimping tool, but have to solder.
First question, can these even be soldered by a human?
Second question: There would be 7 wires from 8 pin connector and two wires running from each of the 4 pin and two 2 pin connectors, a total of 13, going to the Ring 6 pin and 9 pin connectors. I think the Ring connectors are 30 GA, but the wires running to pickups on tender are bigger (see first photo). Does that matter?
Third question, if we get this far: there are two different pin shapes (see photo) bent and straight except for the 8 pins which are both bent, but done so differently. For either soldering, or putting together and then separating the connectors again, would one be better than the other?
Any comments will be appreciated, especially before I buy any pointy tipped soldering iron and throw more money away on this. The whole idea is to preserve the original wiring connections to make the reinstallation of the original decoder simple. Once set up, though, it might make installation or swapping out of the LM easier too. Right now I have an LM-2S available.
nodcc4me:
Those are fine wires, but they can be soldered. Slip heat shrink sleeves onto the wires before soldering. I use a small amount of flux to keep the connection as small as possible. After soldering, slip the shrink tubes down over the connection and heat them carefully until they tighten down.
The wire size shouldn’t matter. I think they use very thin wire to the trucks for more flexibility but they are not the easiest to work with.
The direction of the pins isn’t crucial and you may find that soldering them and keeping them from contacting one another may be easier if you bend every other pin.
Invest in a small soldering iron. It will get plenty of use. I use a fairly old Wahl that takes multiple tips and is rechargeable. Other guys may have different preferences.
Alan:
A cheap 15 watt iron is ideal for this work. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Line-15W-Soldering-Iron-w-Ceramic-Heating-Element-Ergonomic-Cool-Handle/184618785425?epid=1000146640&hash=item2afc231a91:g:GJ4AAOSwjJdfpHGm
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