Multi-pin disconnect recommendation

Well, I'd use two different connector styles.

I'd use something like Anderson PowerPole connectors for the power and ground feeds.  They handle lots of power and are pretty bulletproof.

For the switches, I'd look into a multi-pin low current connector, no reason to have the size and expense of power handling connectors for Fastrack switches.  Something like a DB-25 connector sets would work out well, they are good for a lot of insertions and will carry more than enough current for the switches.

Knowing that this would be for a 5 year old's layout, maybe the simplicity of using a single plug for all 21 (minimum) connections would be preferable.

Maybe something like this 24 pin connector would be what you're looking for, probably in the range of [EDIT $40 for all 4 ~$70 for] parts plus shipping:

Here are links to the Male: https://www.te.com/usa-en/prod...pNkwj3kaAvUBEALw_wcB

Female: https://www.te.com/usa-en/product-206837-1.html

and cable clamps: https://www.te.com/usa-en/prod...=false&instock=N

If this option is appealing, I would suggest double checking compatibility among parts before ordering, this was just a quick search to demonstrate this possibility.

I think aerospace/military connector types are probably overkill for this application.   A male/female DB-25 connector set will be more like $10 and be perfectly satisfactory for the switch control linkage.

The AMP connectors aren't that bad, but each pin is 50 cents on Digikey if you buy twenty-five of them!  The female pins for the other shell are similarly priced.  By the time the smoke settles, you're knocking at the door of $100 for the connector pair!  Then there's the crimp tool, the AMP crimp tools I have ranged from $300 to $500!

Who needs a crimp tool?  John (Craftech) loves to solder.

Those Anderson ones look nice, but it looks like a pair of red and black ones are like $10-15?  What about the Molex connectors that Lionel uses on their PowerHouse transformers? Those are like $2-3 and there are versions that are multiple pins.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I think aerospace/military connector types are probably overkill for this application.   A male/female DB-25 connector set will be more like $10 and be perfectly satisfactory for the switch control linkage.

The AMP connectors aren't that bad, but each pin is 50 cents on Digikey if you buy twenty-five of them!  The female pins for the other shell are similarly priced.  By the time the smoke settles, you're knocking at the door of $100 for the connector pair!  Then there's the crimp tool, the AMP crimp tools I have ranged from $300 to $500!

This one seems well suited for the switches:

https://www.amazon.com/Breakou...aps%2C107&sr=8-8

John

@Craftech If you go with a DB-25 connector, how do you plan to keep the mating parts together?  In my experience, they can be easily bumped and will disconnect if not screwed together.  The screw bindings on the side can also be difficult to start (for a youngster) and are easily stripped.

My recommendation based on experience, may be overkill, but from years of use and abuse in live sound, the AMP 24 pin connectors are very rugged and hold-up well to daily plugging and unplugging.  Their other big advantage it that the housing's outer ring easily screws onto the mating part without tools or much hand strength.  There's no denying they're considerably more expensive, but may make up the difference with simplicity of connection, durability and less potential for user frustration.

@Craftech posted:

This one seems well suited for the switches:

https://www.amazon.com/Breakou...aps%2C107&sr=8-8

John

Just buy this 10-foot male/female DB-25 cable for $10 and lop it in the middle and use the two cable sections to connect together.  As for keeping them together, there are nice long thumbscrews for DB-25 cables, I have a bunch in my parts box, I can even send you a couple.

I used to do aerospace equipment design, and we used a lot of those really expensive connectors.  Sure, they work well, but for the price they sure ought to work well!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Just buy this 10-foot male/female DB-25 cable for $10 and lop it in the middle and use the two cable sections to connect together.  As for keeping them together, there are nice long thumbscrews for DB-25 cables, I have a bunch in my parts box, I can even send you a couple.

I used to do aerospace equipment design, and we used a lot of those really expensive connectors.  Sure, they work well, but for the price they sure ought to work well!

I didn't even think of that.  I have a lot of those in my basement with my computer parts.  Great idea.

Thanks John

John

As long as it's a full cable with 25 wires, you're all set.

@SteveH posted:

@Craftech If you go with a DB-25 connector, how do you plan to keep the mating parts together?  In my experience, they can be easily bumped and will disconnect if not screwed together.  The screw bindings on the side can also be difficult to start (for a youngster) and are easily stripped.

My recommendation based on experience, may be overkill, but from years of use and abuse in live sound, the AMP 24 pin connectors are very rugged and hold-up well to daily plugging and unplugging.  Their other big advantage it that the housing's outer ring easily screws onto the mating part without tools or much hand strength.  There's no denying they're considerably more expensive, but may make up the difference with simplicity of connection, durability and less potential for user frustration.

I may end up doing that, but since I have so many with my spare computer parts I may try it and then pretend to be a five year old to test it.    I can always order the beefier connectors.  Since the layout will be stored vertically behind a dresser either his mother or father are going to have to set it up on his bed and connect it up for him.

Thanks Steve,

John

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

As long as it's a full cable with 25 wires, you're all set.

It is and thanks for the offer.  Forgot my manners.

John