I need to install another cab panel (UTP) to my layout and I would like to know where other members get there control bus cables from. I do know that DCC COncepts have them in their stock range but these ready to go cables are 3m & 4m in length. I need a 5m cable and DCC Concepts can make them 'made to measure' and a 5m cable would cost £9.25, plus postage. Is there any cheaper alternative or somewhere to purchase the cable from ?? Cheers, Gary.
Not being a DCC person yet I might be completely wrong, but after a bit of looking they connect by standard old RJ12 connectors. These come from anywhere like jaycar. https://www.jaycar.com.au/5m-rj12-6p-6c-extension-cable/p/YT6034 Does that help? It's easy to make your own ones too, I used to have the crimping tool somewhere, not sure where it is now though unfortunately. Cheers Tony
Hi Gary I make mine, using 4 core or 6 core flat cable (in the UK telecom wire works) with RJ 12 (6P6C) connectors (6P4C RJ11 are all that is required for a UTP uplink, the 6P6C - PCP to PowerCab use the extra two connections for power). You will also need a 6P crimping tool. The cable is wired Pin to Pin i.e. Pin 1 to Pin 1, 2 to 2 ...... 6 to 6. Trim off the sheath from the cable. The sheath has a rounded top and a flat bottom with a seam running down the middle. On end 1, insert the trimmed cable into the plug with the tang pointing down and the bottom of the cable upwards. Insert in to the crimping tool and crimp. On end 2, insert the trimmed cableinto the plug with the tang pointing down and the top rounded cable upwards. Insert in to the crimping tool and crimp. It's worth testing using a tester (can be bought as part of a kit with a crimping kit) and test out the cable to ensure all is correct, also useful for checking all cables before setting off for an exhibition. It will be dearer for the first cable, but will allow you to make custom lengths, and take spares just in case. Paul
I actually purchased this exact cable from Jaycar and it does not work as telephone cable is wired differently... Cheers, Gary.
Hi Tony Those cables look ok - note at one end the cable enters with the smooth rounded side up, the other end has the flat lettered side up, so are the correct polarity for NCE. For clarity here is the spec for Registered Jack 11 & 12 (RJ11 & RJ12) UTP to UTP connections only require a 4 wire connector RJ11, however use a RJ12 connector with extra 2 wires reserverd for future use. The physical size of the RJ 11 & 12 plugs are the same so both can be used in the same socket. As mentioned earlier the PCP to Master PowerCab uses the full RJ12 6 wire cable (the long flat cable supplied with the PwerCab) using the outer two wires for track power. Paul
Gary check if the cable enters the same way at each end, if they do then you can cut off the end and re-terminate.
Gary as Paul has said you can make your own I have done and they all work. I have the crimping tool from Jaycar and the wire just make sure the cable is reverse orientation at one end, that’s why the standard phone cables don’t work as the orientation is the same way. The helper opening packet
I found that Australian Modeller has 3.6m cables for $14.50, which is cheaper than a pair of crimps ! Only problem is, they have sold out ! MRRC at Blacktown has 4m cables for $15.00. Might pay them a visit after returning the other cable back to Jaycar... Cheers, Gary.
Good call Gary For me having the crimping tool is essential as I’ve had to make up a lot of cables but for you needing only one it’s a bit of overkill, I think Gary at MRC makes the cables to suit as well if you need a specific length. Several of the DCC systems use the same cable, so for me it’s a must have. If you were a bit closer I’d say pop round and we can make one up but the fuel cost will be more than double the cost of buying it from the hobby shop.
Thanks Chris, you are right, for one cable the expense is a tad too much, as for the travel, well it's always good visiting the Central Coast ! I'll get out on Saturday and pick up a cable and new hand held throttle (Cab06). Cheers, Gary.
Your welcome any time Gary The Cab 6 are a great little hand held throttle We have a old Cab 5R up at the club basically the same without the LED display and several members prefer to use it due to the control via a traditional style rotating knob.
I have a Cab 06R - the one with the pot rather than the encoder version. Only drawback, is you have to rotate the throttle to zero before taking over a loco. So if you tend swap between loco while they are still in motion, then the encoder version may be more suitable. Great little controllers, especially if handed over to less experienced users. Paul
I'll be taking a trip up to Blacktown for the cable and then to Seven Hills to pick up a Cab 06 on Saturday. Might buy another shorter cable and UTP for River Dee Meats as well whilst I'm out and about. Cheers, Gary.
