[Maltese]

I have noticed that folks bost about having a nice fat wire for their motor-to-guide connection. However, as in the Scaley track power unit the wire appers to be 22 gauge (size?), the thin stuff. I wonder how much the thin wire impares performance if any.

How thin is too thin? Does a 20V PS pump out enough juice to hurt the thin wire? I figure it's probably more of an AMP issue than voltage.

I am looking at customizing my controller connections and making them use modular jacks and wires. I figure that RF45 would have higher amp and volt ratings than rj11. I'm also working on fun things to do with the remaining 5 wires if I can.

Am I stupid for thinking of using RJ45 cabling?

Is there any motor one would expect I could not run?

Thanks so much for helping me build a monster!! I really do need your help.

(I really SHOULD be working, but this is WAY more fun!!)

-Maltese

 

[a Bill]

I tend to go overboard so I won't quote any wire sizes as being mandatory. I'd suggest 12g stranded copper wire going to each lane. When you say RF45, do you mean RJ45 connectors like those used on standard Cat5 cables? If so, don't bother with them. They are designed for low voltage and are solid wire. I'm currently using 13g wire on my controller and alligator clips. All the fancy connectors are neat looking but the standard is alligator clips because guests aren't always going to have the right connectors to use with your track.

Those are just suggestions. Take them as you will.

Oh, you can use the Cat5 as signal wire if you have a desire to use it.

 

[Maltese]

I try to be a good listener and I listened. I appreciate your helping a newbie.

It seems as if scaley's power lines are that skinny (sport/Classic) so I figured I would be safe. It was going to be an alternative connection as I would keep the current, common ones. I am working on an experiment which needs a couple more wires...wires that would be using the same power supply...but it sounds like I should not go that way for either lack of power or fear of burning down my place.

I appreciate your helping me out.

-Maltese

 

[a Bill]

Your only concern should be burning the house down

Nah, in reality the wire will probably fail first if it is too thin.

The factory power pack wires ARE thin, way too thin. However, the factory power pack has very low amperage so there is no danger. You'll be happiest with a minimum of 1 amp per lane. Two amps per lane is better and three amps per lane is very good. Running higher amperage will burn up the thin wires in a hurry. Even if they last they will not get all the amperage to the car so you still lose.

I came from the HO world so in the 1/32nd arena I'm a newbie too

 

[Nep72]

There's a trick that many rally racers in Spain use: they add a thin wire between controller and track. This creates a voltage drop (around 1-2 volts) necessary to tame most hi-speed motors such as NC5, NC6 and so.

If you want a REAL connector for the controller I reccomend Neutrix XLR or compatible audio connectors: extremely low impedance, high current and safety lock. That's what I use and I'm glad with this system.

 

[Maltese]

Neutrix, eh?

Thanks for that info, Nep. Also, thanks for the info, Bill.

I will look for it.

I really needed it.

-Maltese

 

[Nep72]

Sorry, sorry, sorry, I mean 3-pin Neutrik XLR. Handwriting error (x->k).

Neutrik is the brand, but there are cheaper, equivalent connectors. You can find more info and datasheets here-> http://www.neutrik.com

My controllers with 4mm banana and 6.35 jack adaptors:

If you want to wire'em, here's the schema:

Maybe I already showed this picture before...

 

[Maltese]

Thanks very much!!

 

[elicend]

ouaou!

Nep72, do you allow me to put you schema on my site ?

thanks
elicend

 

[Nep72]

Sure!

How do you say... "ne pas problem".

XLR schema is: female, connection side; male, solder side.
Transformador is transformer
Pista is track
Mando (Controller):
Resistencia -> resistor
Máximo -> maximum
Freno -> brake
Cursor... ehem... ;-)

 

[Swissracer]

Maltese, take a look at the size of silicon wire supplied by various people (Slot.It, NSR, PM etc etc) for use in slotcars as replacements for the factory standards.
This should give you an idea of gauge required.
Ideally wires used between transformer and track/track and controllers, should be at least one gauge higher, but for sure not smaller than those used in your controllers.
Most standard wiring systems for tracks (Ninco /Scalextric/Carrera) use wire that is far too thin and once an upgrade transformer or power supply is used - as has been stated - they quickly fail (usually at the solder points - especially Ninco and Scalextric).

I also agree with Nep72, that XLR conections are about the most failsafe and useful connectors you can get. Adaptors for almost every other system in use in the slot world are easy to purchase or make.

For more info on wiring tracks, controllers and cars, have a browse around Professor motors front page - it has an excellent collection of resources.

Professormotor.com

 

[elicend]

QUOTE (Nep72 @ 29 Jun 2004, 22:22)How do you say... "ne pas problem".

XLR schema is: female, connection side; male, solder side.
Transformador is transformer
Pista is track
Mando (Controller):
Resistencia -> resistor
Máximo -> maximum
Freno -> brake
Cursor... ehem... ;-)
thanks a lot!!!

in fact we says :
"No problemo... hasta la vista baby" (reference : Terminator!)
or
"no probleme" (incorect french...)
and the gramaticaly correct one :
"pas de probleme" (in french speaking... not in literature!)

Thanks a lot for your translation too !

what is alrededor? mass?

elicend

i'll make the topics on my site and i'll give you the url

as soon as i can!

 

[elicend]

here it is!!
http://elice.end.free.fr/html/modules.php?...showpage&pid=11

thanks a lot!
elkicend