Considering using 8-pin and 4-pin Molex miniature connectors for the lights in the shell on a Proto -> Proto2 conversion. One end smoke board has lights on four spring pads and the other smoke board has 8 springs, which apparently due to capacitors, etc., attached to the traces, can't be reused.
Wondering what your experience has been using Molex connectors in a similar manner?
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Most Molex connectors are a bit large, if you use the small ones, there's no reason they can't run lights.
Are you sure you can't reuse the spring contacts? They'd be a lot more convenient taking off the shell.
I never built anything using Molex connectors but I have worked with them in a number of different types of heavy machinery. No matter how much vibration and most of said equipment produces alot of it, the Molex product has proven to be very dependable. In fact, all of the problems I have seen with them over the years was do to mishandling.
That said, as John stated above getting them to fit in your application is a story I would like to hear the end to.
Molex has a huge catalog of connectors for just about any project. I've seen their stuff from big honkers to ones for tiny ribbon. If I recall correctly, Molex calls their very small line Micro-Fit.
Considering using 8-pin and 4-pin Molex miniature connectors for the lights in the shell on a Proto -> Proto2 conversion. One end smoke board has lights on four spring pads and the other smoke board has 8 springs, which apparently due to capacitors, etc., attached to the traces, can't be reused.
Wondering what your experience has been using Molex connectors in a similar manner?
Remember, many of these require a somewhat expensive tool to install. I have a drawer full of Molex installation tools for various connectors, but there always seems to be another one that I don't have! 
I was hoping to re-use the spring pad setup but someone posted that there are resistors in the traces that would screw up everything if I tried to use the pin connectors/spring pad setup that is on the smoke unit board.
So I was thinking of trying to get some that are about the same size as the ones used by MTH for the lights, etc.
Most Molex connectors are a bit large, if you use the small ones, there's no reason they can't run lights.
Are you sure you can't reuse the spring contacts? They'd be a lot more convenient taking off the shell.
Where did you find the right size, Ed?
Considering using 8-pin and 4-pin Molex miniature connectors for the lights in the shell on a Proto -> Proto2 conversion. One end smoke board has lights on four spring pads and the other smoke board has 8 springs, which apparently due to capacitors, etc., attached to the traces, can't be reused.
Wondering what your experience has been using Molex connectors in a similar manner?
The spring pads and springs, after a couple years, seem to lose the ability sometimes to make proper contact. I have a supply of male and female plugs similar to those used on MTH locos, from upgrades completed, and other sources, and if you leave enough slack, taking the shell off the chassis is no big deal. I don't do this to all locos I work on, but when I have problems with contacts and springs, it is easier than banging your head on the wall.
Where did you find the right size, Ed?
Considering using 8-pin and 4-pin Molex miniature connectors for the lights in the shell on a Proto -> Proto2 conversion. One end smoke board has lights on four spring pads and the other smoke board has 8 springs, which apparently due to capacitors, etc., attached to the traces, can't be reused.
Wondering what your experience has been using Molex connectors in a similar manner?
Remember, many of these require a somewhat expensive tool to install. I have a drawer full of Molex installation tools for various connectors, but there always seems to be another one that I don't have!
Some of the "generic" crimping tools use a common handle and allow one to purchase just the "tooling" and switch them out with a differant set whe needed. Anytime you buy a tool with the name Molex or Amp on it be prepared for sticker shock. We use a series that have orange handles and the smaller one have blue handles. The name of the company escapes me right now but we normally get them from Allied. Check there for info.
As stated above the Molex Micro Fit are very small but be carefull when crimping. It is very easy to distort the pins and they will not fit into the housings or they won't lock in as they should. Yes, I do speak from experience! Be very carefull with that locking spring on the side!
I was hoping to re-use the spring pad setup but someone posted that there are resistors in the traces that would screw up everything if I tried to use the pin connectors/spring pad setup that is on the smoke unit board.
So I was thinking of trying to get some that are about the same size as the ones used by MTH for the lights, etc.
Most Molex connectors are a bit large, if you use the small ones, there's no reason they can't run lights.
Are you sure you can't reuse the spring contacts? They'd be a lot more convenient taking off the shell.
I really doubt there are resistors in the traces! Maybe resistors on the PCB somewhere, but you can jumper those.
Remember, many of these require a somewhat expensive tool to install. I have a drawer full of Molex installation tools for various connectors, but there always seems to be another one that I don't have!
Well, I'd dispute "just as well", but as long as it gets the job done for you, that's all that counts.
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