Best price for Circuitron Swith machines?

As you noted, Chris, prices vary greatly. Don't forget to include shipping charges and tax when you calculate savings.

I have installed easily over 100 Tortoise motors in the last year. I have never used the card edge connector. I will solder all the wires to the motor before I install it, and run the wires to a terminal strip near the motor. I feel that the connector can be knocked off too easily and it is just an added expense that I can do with out.

Chris wrote:

C> Any recommendations for vendors providing the best prices on C> Circuitron switch machines? I see their prices vary enormously C> in MR. Also, isn't there also a "clip-on" accessory for attaching C> wires to the machine without soldering? If so, who provides that?

The "clip-on" thing is known as an PCB Edge Connector. Mouser might have something, unless Circuitron has the part.

C> Thanks in advance. C>

\/ Robert Heller ||InterNet: snipped-for-privacy@cs.umass.edu

Chris, for the Circuitron motors themselves you'll just have to shop around. The last batch I picked up (about 18 of them) was at a local GATS-type show. The price per unit was maybe a few cents more than the cheapest mail-order price, but considering I had already paid admission to the show and would save shipping etc., it was a wash. Go for convenience and a reliable vendor and don't worry if you spend a few pennies more for each machine.

For the connectors, you can try Parkade Hobbies at

Most electrical shops that carry this type of connector only have the more common 10-position variety (.156 centers and .062 board thickness, IIRC). If you get a good deal on them, you can buy locating inserts (or make them out of .060 styrene) and put one in each end to narrow them down to the necessary 8 positions.

One poster mentioned soldering directly to the Tortoise instead, and I have done that as well. But after trying the connectors, I like them better and have not had any problems with them getting knocked or pulled off. Actually, all the ones I have used are a tight friction fit and it would probably take quite a pull directly downward to dislodge them. To me, that's a good thing because it's sort of a "safety release" that might avoid some damage to wiring or switch machines should anything ever get snagged. But to each their own, and of course he is correct about the added cost.

HTH, Steve