Alan: The connector screws right into the bus line that's in place. You align the connector and then screw the cap on tight. The common bus line is pierced by a metal prong that provides the connection. Look at the first photo in my post. I can hook up 5 feeders to one connector which attach's to the common bus line. Stay cool and run steam.....
I bought enough to complete the DCC wiring on my under construction layout. O'Reilly Auto Parts stocks them in several sizes. Great idea. Thanks for the tip. Went right out the day after your first post and loaded up. Doc
I'm glad they worked out for your wiring. It does save alot of time and the connector doesn't loosen at all. Stay cool and run steam....
Can you use them for both rails or just the commom rail. I seen on here where you just used them for the common rail. Did you use them on the hole lay out
keithw: I use DCC on the JJJ&E. The posi-tap connectors connect feeders to each common bus line. ( one bus line for each rail) Every section of track on the JJJ&E has a feeder dropped from each rail to the two common bus lines. The Posi-tap connector connects four or five feeders to the appropriate bus line. It's really very easy to do whether it's DCC or DC. Stay cool and run steam....
I was asking qustions about using suitcase connectors. and they told me that thy cause resistance and to soder all my connections. I have not bought mt dcc unit yet I was trying to read up and ask qustion about wiring and other things before I get one .
It's not necessary to solder all your connections. I've used DCC for 6+ years and have used the Posi-Tap connectors for almost a year now. The Posi-Tap connectors create no problems with DCC or DC for that matter. Stay cool and run steam....
You can connect at least five feeders to a common bus line using the Posi-Tap connectors. Stay cool and run steam.....
I just thought I'd bump this thread up for those who are beginning to wire their layouts. Stay cool and run steam......
When this was first posted I bought the connectors at an O'Rilley's Auto Parts. I used them to connect my bus drops. The job took no time and was so easy and its worked great. I added a branch line later and had it connected and powered in a couple of minutes. I know there are cheaper ways, but you would be hard pressed to find a faster , easier, hassle free way. And no burn marks or back pain. Doc
I've been reading through all (yes, all) of the TB threads, oldest to newest, trying to get the best ideas from all of you. This looks like the greatest thing since sliced bread and perforated toilet paper. If I can build my layout without ever having to solder a wire, I'll be a happy camper. Thanks for sharing your find, Bob. Phil
Holy cow...this sounds great AND I can order direct (Walmart won't have them here cuz in this part of the world we just got that eye-lect-ricity) Can't wait to try em John
John: You might check with the Walmarts in your part of the world. I ordered directly from the company for the green Posi-Tap connectors. My wife found the black Posi-Tap Connectors about twenty miles from my home. The local Walmart store didn't have them. The super stores usually stock them. They save alot of time soldering feeders to bus lines. With the black connectors you can wire four 20-22 gauge wire feeders to bus lines. The green connectors increases that to six feeders for each connector. They work extremely well and are easy to install. Stay cool and run steam......
Phil: You probably will have to solder feeders to the track, but the Posi-Tap connectors will hook up 4-6 feeders to the bus line depending on which color Connector you use. I've used both the black and green Posi-Tap connectors on the JJJ&E. Stay cool and run steam.......
We have two Super Stores here, but they really don't stock much. I will be sure to check those and the one 30 miles from here in Colorado. They sound great. Its funny, I was just looking at the underside of the Module 1 and wondering if there were an easier way to hook up all those feeders from the roundhouse, turntable, and feeder track... John
I use a similar splice for my feeders, I get these at Home Depot, and I think Walmart as well. Tap Splices: (click splice connectors) http://www.trickcableandswitch.com/mall/flagtapsplice.asp They are cheap, and quick, but not tool-less. You need pliers to squeeze the splice together.
The Posi Tap connectors just have to be screwed together by hand or with a small pliers to give the joint a final twist. Stay cool and run steam.....
