Connecting power pack to layout

[nephthyr]

Hi All,

I want to hear what you guys are using and your thoughts around this. I have a small DC layout with a single powerpack. I want the powerpack to be "plug and play" and connect to the layout using a simple plug and socket mechanism on the layout fascia.

What is a good plug / socket to use for this situation?

thanks in advance!

 

[Larry]

I used an old plug off a Copier. U only need to hook up 2 wires instead of 16 like the plug had. Also, if you have a Radio Shack close by you can find something there.
How about soldering your wires to the track w/a 1ft lead & then a regular male/female plug between the powerpack & the track. make it simple. How about an automotive plug w/2 leads that are easy to disconnect.
If you are using sectional track you can get a piece of track w/the male plugin already attached & the female plug to wire to your transformer.

 

[nephthyr]

Thanks, I'll look around and see what I can find. I was thinking along the lines of a male / female plug but wasn't sure where to get one.

 

[Wastrel]

For simplicities sake you could even go with a polarised plug and outlet, just like you plug into your wall. The polarised blade ensures that you get hot to hot every time with no shorting. Best part, dirt cheap and can be found just about anywhere, and you even get a spare plug-in slot should you decide to add a second throttle later, hehe.

 

[Fishplate]

The AC-type plug and outlet Wastrel recommends would probably work. BUT...make sure nobody ever accidentally plugs it into a 120V outlet. You could end up with a fried power pack.

Radio Shack has coaxial DC power plugs and panel-mount jacks, like the ones on AC adapters and battery chargers. These might work for this application.