I have a problem reaching part of my layout with the 7ft flat cable (6 wire) cable supplied with my NCE power cab. The NCE systems use chords that are the same size as phone cables so I thought this might be of some help. I looked at walmart and all of theirs where 4 wire (which will work to connect additional cabs). Where can I get a 6 wire cable that has a phone line sized head? Ethan
Eathan, I have purchased the 6 wire cable from my local Ace Hardware. It came in a 100 foot pack which should be enough for most applications. I also know that NCE sells a 14 foot ready made cable which is the one I first purchased. This should be available from any NCE dealer and Walthers. You might also consider a double female connector and you could increase your distance that way. On my layout, I went with the 6 pin connector to go from one plugin to additional plugins.
Ethan: No matter where you purchase it, be sure that you get the orientation of the plugs correct. There are two orientations, data and telco. Look at your cable and you will see a little raised dimple running along the length of one side in the middle of the flat part. You need to make ABSOLUTELY sure that the orientation of the plugs to that dimple matches the cable or it most likely won't work. If you are going somewhere and planning of having a clerk or technician crimp the ends for you, I suggest that you take the cable that came with your system with you.
Some clarification may be in order. What Bob has said regarding the naming convention of the cables is correct. But I want to put it on a level that is not dependent on ribs on the cable sheathing. If the orientation of the conductors is the same at both ends of the plug, you have a data cable, i.e. if the conductor at pin 1 is the same color at both ends. If the orientation of the conductors is reversed from one end to the other, you have a phone cable. In the illustration below, you can see the rib on the sheath of the cable and that the rib is aligned with the lock tab on both ends; this is a phone cable. Bottom line, make certain that type of cable you are acquiring/making matches those that are used by your system.
I've been through the issue of a Digitrax guy making me a cable that wouldn't work on EasyDCC. Also the IT guy at the office doing something wrong when he tried to make one. Radio Shack had a 25' cable that was the only 6 wire in the store. Can't remember which type it was.
Digitrax systems need the data type cable. EasyDCC systems with the Command Station and the older Booster 3 or Booster 5 need the phone type cable. EasyDCC systems with the Command Station and the new Zonemaster boosters can use either, but if you are using more than one booster, I recommend using the data type cable; if you use the phone type cable, the bus wires in every other power district must be reversed coming out of the Zonemasters. NCE systems use the data type cable.
I am not too sure just where this is leading. But for NCE users, please refer to page 25 of your manual. There is a detailed illistration of the cable and connnectors and an explanation as to what each wire does. It states that it is a 6 wire cable and uses RJ-12 connectors and shows how the cable ends should look when done correctly.
Ethan: Looking at documentation that I could find on the NCE website it looks to me like you need a data type cable. The same as my system uses. Let me know how long of a cable you need and email me your address and I will send you one. I have plenty of cable and connectors. Bob
To me, one of the most important things about using this cable is the importance of the dimple on one side. It is invaluable when using it in longer lengths as one doesn't have to try and follow the length with one's fingers (impossible if it goes through walls unless you are a mouse) to make sure that you get the ends correct. I realize that the end wires are different colors, but the dimple makes things so much simplier. Just Remember: Telco Cable: Pins on Connectors both up facing the dimple side as in Keith's picture. Data Cable: One pin up facing the dimple side and one pin down on the opposite side of the dimple.
Ethan Your cable is on its way to you. Do not worry about sending me anything for it. All I ask is that you pass along something to the next generation of model railroaders when you get the opportunity in the future and remember me as one of your mentors. Most of all enjoy our hobby!
