I ran into an article and saw they had used a connector for their portable z layout. I thought what a great idea it is, makes it more simple to connect instead of feeding those 4 wires one by one into the Marklin controller. I don't run my z-scale trains often and most of the time it's behind Plexiglass. But when I do run it, I want to have a simple connection.

What type of connector is that (looks like these can be found in tower computers?), any other connectors that would work and be easy to find? Any help/suggestions appreciate, thanks.

Edited by user 12 October 2020 01:16:46(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Chiemgau
The connector you show is a Molex
You may find them in computer parts store or at Farnell http://www.farnell.com/datashee...daLE94XTA6xoCUxMQAvD_BwE
They require a cramping tool and may require an extractor
Cheers
Jean

personally rather than use the Molex connectors I would use standard D type connectors as used for serial ports on computers. A 9 pin connector would do what that Molex one does, and they are more compact. If you need more pins then go to a 15 or 25 pin version.

The Molex ones do have one problem I have come across is that it is very easy to bend the retaining lugs on the pins that stop them from pushing out the back of the connector. The connector body design is such that the pins do not stay central in their hole, especially if the wire is being pushed to one side, and then when attempting to mate a connector pair the pin gets pushed back. The bit that sticks out from the side of the pin then bends and curls over, leaving the pin pushed back, and it is awkward to get out because of the bent latch piece. They are really not designed for repeated mates and demates.