Which Molex Connectors?

They are not Molex, they are Leoco. you will have to build your own harness. Go to the Lionel parts site and under part # box, not product, type in 691CN and hit enter. This will give you the information you need.

Thanks, Chuck! I've ordered the parts from Lionel to build harnesses.

I searched to see if Leoco connectors were available elsewhere, but came up empty. Does Leoco only sell in bulk to manufacturers?

Molex is a brand name that has become generic "slang" for nylon/plastic plugs.

  Sometimes you can mix brands, not always.  Spec sheets list dimensions.

Adriatic posted:

Molex is a brand name that has become generic "slang" for nylon/plastic plugs.

  Sometimes you can mix brands, not always.  Spec sheets list dimensions.

Gee, now you tell me. ;-)

I discovered this when the 2.5 mm Molex-branded female connectors that I initially ordered didn't fit.

So does anyone (Chuck??) have the correct part number for the 2 position one that goes into the coupler receptacle on the boards, and do you use the wiring harness shown  on the second page such as 691- CN - 625-BLK . Thank you

You don't need Leoco connectors as they're impossible to find.  Fortunately, the JST-PH 2.0mm connector line is 100% compatible, those are available at Digikey, Mouser, and probably everywhere else.

Leoco are unobtainium unless you buy 1,000 or more, good thing there are replacements.

modeltrainsparts posted:

So does anyone (Chuck??) have the correct part number for the 2 position one that goes into the coupler receptacle on the boards, and do you use the wiring harness shown  on the second page such as 691- CN - 625-BLK . Thank you

The connector would be either 691-CN20-002 or 691-CN25-002, not sure which. At .40 each, order 1 of each. the number for the wire you have correct.

Digikey has over 400,000 of the 2-pin connectors, they're ten cents each.  You'll need contacts as well, at the bottom of the product page they have contacts and also pre-crimped wires.  You'll pay around $3.50 for first class shipping from Digikey, a lot cheaper than the $10 minimum at Lionel.

JST Sales PHR-2  

Matt_GNo27 posted:

Adriatic posted:

Molex is a brand name that has become generic "slang" for nylon/plastic plugs.

  Sometimes you can mix brands, not always.  Spec sheets list dimensions.

Gee, now you tell me. ;-)

I discovered this when the 2.5 mm Molex-branded female connectors that I initially ordered didn't fit.

Well, at least it's a high quality plug if real molex. Buy the mates and use them "wherever".   (I hope that was a joke. I recall recall using Molex on a board like that but may have. That's a "jack"; solid mount female pin out.  or male receptale. Not a "Molex" even by slang to ME, but I recall someone else using Molex to desicribe that (and understood... Like you know )

Pick a style and stick to it and it's very cost effective. Wire ends might be for solder, quick crimp, S.A.E.'s U to m crimp, etc.. many variations of pin; metals, high amp. The customization ability is impressive really.

If you do lean to plugs, there are often terminal removal tools that can greatly ease removal of some some pins and sockets for replacement and re-use. (Metal Tubing is the artful hackers method on many). Made of nylon mostly, always tough with a lifetime rebuild and customazation ability. (Except for some types of mounting legs, Molex has great industrial design , quality and cost appeal Imo.

Adriatic posted:

Well, at least it's a high quality plug if real molex.

Well, we may have to agree to disagree on that point. Molex was always regarded as the "economy" connector in my line of work. They have some higher quality connectors, but the cheap plastic ones we're talking about aren't in that list.

Thank you, all for your helpful replies!

While we are at it, does anyone know what type of connectors the Williams True Blast II and the ERR RailSounds boards use?

The Williams uses the JST XHP Connector, the ERR RS boards (single board) use the JST-EH (2.50mm) and the JST-ZH (1.5mm).  All are available at Digikey.

John, Thanks for the info; just placed an order with Digikey.

Followup question: John and other knowledgeable folk, is there a particular connector type that you would recommend to make a tether detachable?

I have a Lionel Hudson Jr. in which I have installed ERR RailSounds. A tether connects the locomotive to the tender in order to synchronize the chuffing. If I want to disconnect the tether, I have to remove the tender shell. I am thinking about cutting the tether and putting in an external two-pin connector, so that I can disconnect the locomotive from the tender. Should I just use something like a JST PH series board-to-wire connector, and solder the through-hole pins to the tether wires, or is there a good wire-to-wire connector, ideally in black, that you can recommend? Or, is this folly?

If you want tethers up to four pins, my choice is the Miniatronics Micro-Mini Connectors, they are ideal for low current connections.

I wasn't doing aviation, lol. Molex as company is pretty good. Compare those economy plugs to similar from other companies and the Molex usually won out. Now I have to dig up that crimper thread I accidentally closed. I've needed a better pair for a decade. I was never able to find the die shape I like. I think thats it. I'll just say thanks here John. (Matt, look at them... it matters)