I'm getting ready to start a digikey order. I need the connectors for the Lionel TMCC/Legacy boards and the RCMC boards. I also need the capacitor for the R2/R4LC for LED lights in engines. I do run MTH DCS with PS/2 engines mostly but do have PS/1 and 3 too. What else should I add to the order?
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How about some transient voltage protectors and resettable fuses. I don’t have the GRJ recommended part #s but a search in the electronics sticky forum should work
Here it is...
PTC and TVS - Some Commonly Used Sizes and Part Numbers (from other threads)
This started in another thread and some thought it would good for future reference. It's a list of some commonly used resettable fuses and TVS diodes to help protect against damage to electronics. I will add to the list when/if more information becomes available.
Original thread here: Electric RR and PTC Resettable Fuses - (GRJ) - gunrunnerjohn
PTC resettable Fuse - 750mA hold, 1.5A trip for ERR Cruise Commander Lite - Digi-Key: MF-R075-0-99-ND - Notes: These go in one of the motor leads to protect a the drivers from a stalled motor. Only used for the Cruise Commander Lite. (GRJ)
PTC resettable Fuse - 130mA hold, 250mA trip for passenger car LED lighting - Digi-Key: 490-4808-1-ND - Notes: As long as the trip is around 250mA, the hold takes care of itself for LED passenger car lighting applications. (GRJ)
PTC resettable Fuse - 0.5A hold, 1A trip for Fastrack Uncoupler tracks drawing about 1.8A - Digi-Key: MF-R050-ND (other brands of un-coupler tracks may have similar requirements?) (Info - PLCPROF; Part #'s - NVOCC5, PLCPROF, GRJ) Update 09/20/2016 - Gargraves un-coupler tracks use approx. 2.1 amps and the old Lionel UCS tracks use approx. 1.2 amps. No info on recommended PTCs for these items, none have been tested. (Info - RJR)
PTC resettable Fuse - 50mA hold, 100mA trip for MTH smoke fan motors - Digi-Key: MF-R005-0-ND - (MTH smoke fan motors should not draw more than 50mA) (Info from a question in this thread started by WillyGee. (GRJ, WillyGee)
TVS Diodes are used to help guard against voltage spikes on a layout. Some recommended locations for them around a layout would be across the transformer outputs and across the tracks at each track power drop.
TVS - Conventional - Digi-Key Part Number 1.5KE36CALFCT-ND - 1.5KE36CA - 36 volt, bi-directional - Sized for a PWZW when the whistle button is depressed. This peaks over 33 volts if the compensation winding is considered. (Part number recommended by many, explanation by Dale H) (Digi-Key part numbers from GRJ)
TVS - Command Control - Digi-Key Part Number 1.5KE33CALFCT-ND - 1.5KE33CA - 33 volt, bi-directional - Sized for the modern 18 volt bricks. The 18 volts peaks a bit over 25 volts. (HiRailers Unlimited & Independent HiRailers Group, explanation by Dale H) (Digi-Key part numbers derived from GRJ's above for 33 volt version)
For the TVS, I believe the 1.5KE36CA is the most recommended here on the forum and also the most widely used as it seems it would be suitable for either the modern bricks or the transformers with whistle buttons.
In the thread: TIU no power through fixed 2 after spark there is discussion about using a 1.5KE39CA (Digikey: 1.5KE39CALFCT-ND) for folks using 19-22 volts for track power (Z-4000 at full power for example). The higher 19-22 volts are reaching the limits of the TVS supplied in TIUs (1.5KE33CA) and these may last much longer and still provide protection. Also, note that any power to Lionel command control equipped products should not exceed 19 volts maximum to the track. (Per Lionel instructions stating not to exceed 19 VAC or damage to the product may occur.)
Here's some added info on chokes used with DCS to help eliminate interference with the DCS signal from other devices. The thread is here: TIU Active vs Passive Mode DCS Signal Voltage. The part (selected by GRJ) is Bourns Inc. SRP1770TA-220M from Digi-Key. It's 12 amp and can be used on the TIU channel's full power which is a maximum of 10 amps. (Adrain! and GRJ)
@cjack posted:How about some transient voltage protectors and resettable fuses. I don’t have the GRJ recommended part #s but a search in the electronics sticky forum should work
Cool. I'll add that. I have two loops of track, one per loop? Before or after the TIU?
I’m not up on the tiu, but I’d protect engines with a tvs after and maybe one before to protect the tiu?
The resettable fuses are great between the pickups inside an engine.
@cjack posted:I’m not up on the tiu, but I’d protect engines with a tvs after and maybe one before to protect the tiu?
The resettable fuses are great between the pickups inside an engine.
Thanks. Got them added.
@Trainlover9943 posted:I'm getting ready to start a digikey order. I need the connectors for the Lionel TMCC/Legacy boards and the RCMC boards. I also need the capacitor for the R2/R4LC for LED lights in engines. I do run MTH DCS with PS/2 engines mostly but do have PS/1 and 3 too. What else should I add to the order?
I have a whole list you can add and just have them drop-ship to me. 
The JST-EH connectors are the 2.5mm connectors used on a vast majority of TMCC stuff.
The JST-PH connectors are the 2.0mm connectors also used on TMCC and some Legacy.
The JST-ZH connectors are the 1.5mm connectors widely used on Legacy.
The Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm connectors are also used in a number of Legacy applications.
Finally, the Molex Micro-Fit 3.0mm connectors are the black power connectors used for TMCC power connections.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I have a whole list you can add and just have them drop-ship to me.
The JST-EH connectors are the 2.5mm connectors used on a vast majority of TMCC stuff.
The JST-PH connectors are the 2.0mm connectors also used on TMCC and some Legacy.
The JST-ZH connectors are the 1.5mm connectors widely used on Legacy.
The Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm connectors are also used in a number of Legacy applications.
Finally, the Molex Micro-Fit 3.0mm connectors are the black power connectors used for TMCC power connections.
Thanks. 
You got the connectors for MTH too? Just to check I'll list the connectors I have in my cart to make sure I'm ordering the right items. As far as contacts go, could I just use the contacts for the JST connectors or do I need different styles for the Molex ones? I have 25 of each kind of JST and PicoBlade connectors (2-8 positions, I didn't see a need to go above 8, correct me if I should go above 8). I have 10 of 2,4 and 6 position Micro-Fit connectors. 10 TVS diodes, 25 R2/R4LC capacitors and 10 PTC fuses
For any connector, you need the matching contacts. Even though many look similar, they almost never fit.
The 3V MTH type are in the Digikey 2011 catalog page 137 Tyco/ AMP 2.0mm HPI Connectors.
Easier to find are the JST-PH line, also compatible.
5V type are Hirose DF3 product line in 2mm spacing. Mouser catalog page 1610.
MTH PS/3 pre-wired connector pins
BC-1000008 - Wire (22 gauge)
BC-1000009 - Wire (28 gauge)
For connector parts, you can use these HIROSE parts for tethers as well.
DF11-10DP-2DSA - 10-pin male straight connector
DF11-10DS-2C - 10-Pin female housing
DF11-2428SC - CONN SOCKET 24-28AWG CRIMP TIN
Lighting, couplers, etc.: Molex Mini-SPOX Connectors
Molex 0050375023 Housing
Molex 0022035025 Header
@gunrunnerjohn posted:For any connector, you need the matching contacts. Even though many look similar, they almost never fit.
The 3V MTH type are in the Digikey 2011 catalog page 137 Tyco/ AMP 2.0mm HPI Connectors.
Easier to find are the JST-PH line, also compatible.
5V type are Hirose DF3 product line in 2mm spacing. Mouser catalog page 1610.
MTH PS/3 pre-wired connector pins
BC-1000008 - Wire (22 gauge)
BC-1000009 - Wire (28 gauge)
For connector parts, you can use these HIROSE parts for tethers as well.
DF11-10DP-2DSA - 10-pin male straight connector
DF11-10DS-2C - 10-Pin female housing
DF11-2428SC - CONN SOCKET 24-28AWG CRIMP TIN
Lighting, couplers, etc.: Molex Mini-SPOX Connectors
Molex 0050375023 Housing
Molex 0022035025 Header
Thank you. I'll add all the contacts for the connectors. Everything else look good?
I added the contacts. JST-EH, JST-PH, JST-ZH, Molex PicoBlade, Molex Micro-Fit
@gunrunnerjohn posted:The 3V MTH type are in the Digikey 2011 catalog page 137 Tyco/ AMP 2.0mm HPI Connectors.
Easier to find are the JST-PH line, also compatible.
Would the JST-EH be the same as above just with the 2.0mm spacing? It looks like digikey has the HPI ones though.
I'm a novice when it comes to electrical work. How would I connect and where would I place the MF R050 PTC resettable fuse for my Fastrack Uncouplers? Could it also help to protect Fastrack Operating Track Sections?
Richard, they go in series with one of the power leads to the uncoupling track, consider them a fuse.
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