Module Information Please

[Pauwels Mike-rycl90 <Mike.Pauwels@motorola.com>]

Scott & Co.,

You'll pardon my compulsive tendencies, but almost 40 years in engineering have conditioned me to check all details.  I have reviewed the module wiring information on the website, but it has raised a number of questions which I would like to have answered as I am updating this module (Club #3).  I will be happy to codify the answers into a standard for future members.

1. Is there a minimum wire gauge for the wiring?  I have been using 20 AWG on my home layouts, but I can understand that a larger gauge might be desireable for larger layouts.  There seems to be two different gauges on this module, and the largest is no bigger than 20 AWG.

2. Is solid wire acceptable?  This might result in slightly shorter life of the pigtail ends, but even with solid wire I would not expect to see a failure in my lifetime.  The connections move very little during operation. 

3. What is the minimum (and maximum) pigtail length from the end of the module?  Wire has weight and the modules are clamped tightly together. It seems that 4-8 inches would be adequate, but this module has lengths from 6 to 14 inches (not including connector).

4. The wiring on this module comprises a six wire cable and a four wire bundle.  I have looked for multi-wire cables from local sources an only can find 5 and 7 wire (18 AWG solid) thermostat wire.  This is not color coded according to the wiring charts.  Does anyone have a source for recommended cable.  I would prefer to have bundled cable rather than wrap my own.

As for the timing of this work, I am anxious to complete it as soon as possible as it is taking up a lot of room.  However, I am doing a bit of experimenting on ballast and landscaping and that has slowed me a little.  I promise it will be ready for GATS in January.

Regards,

Mike Pauwels