[*180 degrees] Math & geometry can be hard sometimes. But replacing wires is now super easy. Thanks, Brian. You're the best battery-powered human around!
Everybody: when you're going to take apart the ferrite core, switch to your 1.5mm flathead bit. Much easier to wiggle in there. Great video, thanks a ton!
Probably the single most comprehensive guide out there on this topic in one place. Thank you so very much for putting the time and effort to put all this together 🎉
I followed one of your older videos to fix 9v train wires. This allowed me to get a really great deal on a complete (and otherwise mint) copy of 4535, because the wires were in such bad condition it was non-functional. Once i fixed them following your tutorial, it is 100% functional and looks brand new!
I have a bunch of 9 volt connectors. This is invaluable information to make it possible for me to repair them. Thank you very much for this instructional video.
Any tips when buying used wires specifically the 9v track wire if the cable is original or has been replaced before? Found your videos the past couple weeks and have been non stop watching and learning, what a huge help! Thank you so much for sharing and making these amazing videos!!!
Thanks! I have seen some sellers on Bricklink add a note to their wires if they are repaired or if they are the plastic insulation that doesn't flake off. If they don't specify I just assume they are the rubber insulation and will need repair.
It can be an awful feeling to find sets like that. Luckily the repair process is pretty easy and the other components should be fine if they don't have the batteries still in them
Although… new method for opening the ferrites…. Cut the wires off, and you can put a flat head driver in the slot for the wires and gently pry around to open it. It’s way quicker.
Thanks for the nice and informative video. What would you recommend for cleaning up 9v cable bricks? I got a few recently and the metal parts on the bricks are not very clean, since I get some connection problems, I want to clean them, before opening them up and checking the blades. I was thinking of using iso-propyl alcohol, but if you have another recommendation, I would definitely go with that.
iso-propyl alcohol is usually my first choice for cleaning most things. I need to look into this more, I have some 2x4 and 2x8 electric plates that are very dirty / corroded but I haven't really tried to clean them.
The 9v connectors used in the RC system are the hardest to find. As of yet I have not seen a third party making cables for them (although FxBricks is working on them). Your only real option is to find used cables online, hopefully at a fair price
Thanks for this guide. Highly fascinating. Do you care which side of the wire gets connected in the first connector? Since this would dictate the direction in which the current flows. This in turn would dictate in which direction a train would move while turning the dial clockwise. I have two original cables. They both act differently when using them and turning the dial clockwise. I‘d like to get your opinion on this.
I never pay attention to polarity. I think I have some cables one way and other cables the opposite. If I grab a cable that is the opposite of what I need I just turn the connector 180 degrees where it plugs into the regulator
@@BatteryPoweredBricks thanks a ton. Up until now I repaired all my cables with soldering because I could not find a good wire. But after seeing your video, I‘ll update my work from now on. 👍
Thanks for the great video. I have replaced all of my cables and they work as new. What is the choke on the train wire for? Of course I forgot to put it back on. Ha ha!
It's to limit EMI (electro-magnetic interference) in either direction. I don't really know enough to say much more than that or speculate how important it is for the train wires. If you wanted to use it, taking the 9v end off isn't too much of a hassle, not like starting over with the track contacts
If you are asking where to get them the only source is buying old used cables. I've bought lots of them on eBay and other sites. If there is ever a source for blank connectors I will definitely share with everyone, but I kind of doubt it would happen.
Headphone wire is usually very small gauge and has 2 conductors per wire. The ONLY wire I recommend is what's shows in the video and linked in the description. Other wire *can* work but my be quite a pain to get to work. I tried dozens of different wires over the course of 10 years before finding the wire I used in the video and nothing worked anywhere near as well. You are welcome to give anything a try but I can only give advice pertaining to the wire I used.
[*180 degrees] Math & geometry can be hard sometimes. But replacing wires is now super easy. Thanks, Brian. You're the best battery-powered human around!
Everybody: when you're going to take apart the ferrite core, switch to your 1.5mm flathead bit. Much easier to wiggle in there. Great video, thanks a ton!
Thank you so much friend!
I gave new life to a bunch of my old wires.
Your advice on buying the right wire and method is awesome.
Glad to help! Thanks for the comment
Probably the single most comprehensive guide out there on this topic in one place. Thank you so very much for putting the time and effort to put all this together 🎉
I followed one of your older videos to fix 9v train wires. This allowed me to get a really great deal on a complete (and otherwise mint) copy of 4535, because the wires were in such bad condition it was non-functional. Once i fixed them following your tutorial, it is 100% functional and looks brand new!
Awesome! It's definitely a good way to scoop up deals when others see the condition of the wires and don't want to bid
no way lmao I cant believe that never crossed my mind
Perfect! Works great! Thank you from the classic space world!
I guess we're neighbors, I have a summer home in Classic Space World (my galaxy explorer display which features a ton of 9v wiring) 😁. Glad to help!
WOW! This is amazing. Setting up for Christmas and had a ton of bad wires. You have saved the day.
Awesome! Glad to help! 👍
Haha, 1:22 "Not only does it look like crap..." Your videos are so funny.
I try to interject humor here and there, most of the time it's unintentional 😅
I have a bunch of 9 volt connectors. This is invaluable information to make it possible for me to repair them. Thank you very much for this instructional video.
Sure thing! I hate to think of these cables being thrown away, always glad to get a comment from someone who was able to repair their own!
Excellent! Thank you very much!
Any tips when buying used wires specifically the 9v track wire if the cable is original or has been replaced before? Found your videos the past couple weeks and have been non stop watching and learning, what a huge help! Thank you so much for sharing and making these amazing videos!!!
Thanks! I have seen some sellers on Bricklink add a note to their wires if they are repaired or if they are the plastic insulation that doesn't flake off. If they don't specify I just assume they are the rubber insulation and will need repair.
Very useful. Just pulled out a couple of sets form the loft and the cable insulation just crumbled away!
It can be an awful feeling to find sets like that. Luckily the repair process is pretty easy and the other components should be fine if they don't have the batteries still in them
@@BatteryPoweredBricks Ha! Alas one battery box was toast with old batteries in...
Can't wait to get my cables and connectors to be delivered!
Really nice video! Helped me a lot with the track connectors. 👍
A spudger is useful for opening these up. I agree the ferrites are a pain to get open.
Although… new method for opening the ferrites…. Cut the wires off, and you can put a flat head driver in the slot for the wires and gently pry around to open it. It’s way quicker.
Amasing!
Thank you!
10 points for the WIntergatan/Detektivbyrån background music! 🙂
All the points go to them for allowing the use of their music 😁
I made my own add hock 9V connector using a 2x2 block and copper tape
22:00 Ouch!!! Been there, done that, Got the Band-Aid!
Thanks for the nice and informative video. What would you recommend for cleaning up 9v cable bricks? I got a few recently and the metal parts on the bricks are not very clean, since I get some connection problems, I want to clean them, before opening them up and checking the blades. I was thinking of using iso-propyl alcohol, but if you have another recommendation, I would definitely go with that.
iso-propyl alcohol is usually my first choice for cleaning most things. I need to look into this more, I have some 2x4 and 2x8 electric plates that are very dirty / corroded but I haven't really tried to clean them.
is there another way to get the power functions connectors except aliexpress and taking apart lego connectors?
Not that I've seen. AliExpress is generally a last resort for me but as far as I know it's the only place to get them
@@BatteryPoweredBricks I found an alternative on ebay from china but it is a bit pricy. if you search "power functions line head" it will show up
Thanks for the info. Now, where to find a way to get RC connectors to double motor my 06 passenger train? Ali express or somewhere else?
The 9v connectors used in the RC system are the hardest to find. As of yet I have not seen a third party making cables for them (although FxBricks is working on them). Your only real option is to find used cables online, hopefully at a fair price
Thanks for this guide. Highly fascinating. Do you care which side of the wire gets connected in the first connector? Since this would dictate the direction in which the current flows. This in turn would dictate in which direction a train would move while turning the dial clockwise. I have two original cables. They both act differently when using them and turning the dial clockwise. I‘d like to get your opinion on this.
I never pay attention to polarity. I think I have some cables one way and other cables the opposite. If I grab a cable that is the opposite of what I need I just turn the connector 180 degrees where it plugs into the regulator
@@BatteryPoweredBricks thanks a ton. Up until now I repaired all my cables with soldering because I could not find a good wire. But after seeing your video, I‘ll update my work from now on. 👍
Thanks for the great video. I have replaced all of my cables and they work as new. What is the choke on the train wire for? Of course I forgot to put it back on. Ha ha!
It's to limit EMI (electro-magnetic interference) in either direction. I don't really know enough to say much more than that or speculate how important it is for the train wires. If you wanted to use it, taking the 9v end off isn't too much of a hassle, not like starting over with the track contacts
Thanks. Its back on!
What about the 9v connection tips?
If you are asking where to get them the only source is buying old used cables. I've bought lots of them on eBay and other sites. If there is ever a source for blank connectors I will definitely share with everyone, but I kind of doubt it would happen.
Is it OK to use a 500 meter long roll of headphone wire
Headphone wire is usually very small gauge and has 2 conductors per wire. The ONLY wire I recommend is what's shows in the video and linked in the description. Other wire *can* work but my be quite a pain to get to work. I tried dozens of different wires over the course of 10 years before finding the wire I used in the video and nothing worked anywhere near as well. You are welcome to give anything a try but I can only give advice pertaining to the wire I used.
Put the band aid before you start
Store brand really often isn't the same thing, and that's why I always buy Heinz ketchup!