Topic: Ideas for good DC power connectors?

[Chuck]

I'm looking for new connectors to use for DC power cables. I've used 4 pin Neutrik XLRs (slightly too big and bulky) and I'm currently using RCA plugs (easy to use, but don't lock). Though I haven't ever had a problem with them.

Have any of you found a good alternative connector type to use? I'm in the process of re-configuring my batteries and cables and would like to get everything just exactly perfect this time. I'm leaning toward going back to the 4 PIN XLRs.

I even thought of Molex connectors, like those used on IDE hard drives. But, I have read that they are not designed to be plugged and unplugged often.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[DigiGal]

Hirose 4-pin connectors are smaller and lock, about the size of an S-VHS connector.  They are used for power on some Sound Devices gear and a few others as well as battery distribution boxes.

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Video-Connectors/7-PIN-EIAJ-Camera-Connectors/Hirose-Electric-USA-Inc/HR10A-7P-4P-73.xhtml?HR10A7P4P

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Video-Connectors/4-Pin-EIAJ-Camera-Connectors/Hirose-Electric-USA-Inc/HR10A-7P-4S-73.xhtml?HR10A7P4S

[Chuck]

Thanks DigiGal. They look good, except for the price.

[tgakidis]

Mini xlr?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I've recently looked into locking barrel connectors like this one:  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/369666.html

Terry

[Chuck]

Mini xlr?

Yeah, I've thought of using those. That's a good option, I might end up using.

I've recently looked into locking barrel connectors like this one:  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/369666.html

Terry

If there were locking mates for those and they were cheap, that would be good. I have seen the panel mount mates, but not locking cable connectors.

[page]

F molex... I hated working on hard drives for that reason.

How about Deans? The resistance loss is really low and they are really cheap. Then do 2 cables that when joined together equal: battery end > deans > gear end. My hobbyshop dude recommended them.

[Chuck]

I have never seen the Deans. Are they locking? Or at least difficult to disconnect?

These might work.

[ScoobieKW]

Switchcraft makes locking 1/8th inch connectors. Trs or ts available. Do you need 4 conductors?

[Chuck]

Switchcraft makes locking 1/8th inch connectors. Trs or ts available. Do you need 4 conductors?

That would be good too. What's the part number?
I could use 4 pairs.


Edit to add:
They look great, but are pricey.

[KenH]

I use these.  Cheap, easy to setup, don't lock, but rock solid connection.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3870003

[Chuck]

I really like those and I have bought some to try. The only bad thing is that I have to spice the wire to attach them to existing cables. Which to me isn't ideal.

So far, I really like the Deans plugs. It looks like they make good solid connections, they are cheap and small.

I did find these that appear to improve on the Deans with more gripping (to disconnect) than the Deans:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pairs-New-Deans-XT-style-Ultra-connector-Plugs-/150764347393?_trksid=m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63

10 bucks for ten pairs.

[Chuck]

I just found the Anderson Powerpole connectors. They look ideal. Do any of you have experience with those? They're relatively cheap and look easy to use.

Edit to add photo:

[Chuck]

F molex... I hated working on hard drives for that reason.

How about Deans? The resistance loss is really low and they are really cheap. Then do 2 cables that when joined together equal: battery end > deans > gear end. My hobbyshop dude recommended them.

Thanks for getting me to look at RC connectors. I hadn't thought of those. I'm going to pick up some of the HXT 3.5mm connectors locally.
I can get 10 for $4.49

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

If you're going w/ RC connectors, I probably have some Tamiya Connectors you can have...  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS249&q=TAMIYA+CONNECTOR&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5737493381706344421&sa=X&ei=LVpeT6S4FYSYiQL7gK3bBA&ved=0CGsQ8gIwBA#

If not, they are dirt cheap at Rat Shack... 

Terry

[Chuck]

If you're going w/ RC connectors, I probably have some Tamiya Connectors you can have...  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS249&q=TAMIYA+CONNECTOR&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5737493381706344421&sa=X&ei=LVpeT6S4FYSYiQL7gK3bBA&ved=0CGsQ8gIwBA#

If not, they are dirt cheap at Rat Shack... 

Terry

Thanks for the offer Terry. But, I'm a bit leery of the Molex type connectors for repeated connecting and dis-connecting.
I'm going to buy some of the 3.5mm HXTs after work tonight and try them. I've been reading up. They are built for repeated use and are used by a lot of the RC guys. It won't cost me much to try them either.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

If you're going w/ RC connectors, I probably have some Tamiya Connectors you can have...  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS249&q=TAMIYA+CONNECTOR&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5737493381706344421&sa=X&ei=LVpeT6S4FYSYiQL7gK3bBA&ved=0CGsQ8gIwBA#

If not, they are dirt cheap at Rat Shack... 

Terry

Thanks for the offer Terry. But, I'm a bit leery of the Molex type connectors for repeated connecting and dis-connecting.
I'm going to buy some of the 3.5mm HXTs after work tonight and try them. I've been reading up. They are built for repeated use and are used by a lot of the RC guys. It won't cost me much to try them either.

Hmm...  Those looks like connectors I tried years ago with my car stereo...  They work great for a while, but eventually the plastic sheath came off of the pin...  As for the Tamiya, I always hated them b/c I thought they were a bitch to pull apart.

Let me know what you find, I've got a possible project in mind, and I'm looking for locking power connectors...  melikes the 4pin hirose and the 4pin mini-xlr right now...

Terry

[Chuck]

So, I bought some HXT's and tried them. They are easy to work with and inexpensive, but I found that some of the wires I am working with are too thin. When filling up the solder cup on the HXT's, the wire wicks up some solder and makes the transition between the solder and the wire very brittle. I noticed that with just a few wiggles, the wire snaps off of the connector.

Since I really like the connectors, I'm going to try just soldering the very bottom of the connector to the wire and filling the rest of the solder cup with silicon to act as strain relief. Also, If I don't fill the solder cup with solder the wire won't wick it up all the way to the top of the solder cup. Hopefully that'll make the wire less brittle at the junction. I'll also try two applications of heat shrink on the wire the next time.

[DigiGal]

Those HXT power connectors like like or very similar to the battery power connectors used inside computer Back UPS which would use a larger wire, but they appear to be solid connectors.  Thanks for the progress update.

[macdaddy]

i use the tamaiya 'cos that is what comes attached to the batteries i use. but they can, as said above, be difficult to pull apart. but once you get used to handling them, they are fine (they rotate). but the connection is secure, and the connectors are crimped not soldered, which might be a bonus for you...

[notlance]

Here is another option.  These power connector used for bicycle lights so they are both locking and waterproof.  The lock is very secure.  It is the common size 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel with an o-ring lock and seal, so it will connect to a non-locking 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel also.

http://www.batteryspace.com/connectoradaptoronepairtrailtechcoaxislockableconnectorwith8coilcord.aspx

The above link shows both the male and female version of the connector.  These connectors are also available attached to a non coiled cord.

I've used this connector for both my bicycle and audio gear for a few years now without a problem.

[Chuck]

i use the tamaiya 'cos that is what comes attached to the batteries i use. but they can, as said above, be difficult to pull apart. but once you get used to handling them, they are fine (they rotate). but the connection is secure, and the connectors are crimped not soldered, which might be a bonus for you...

Radio Shack has these, that are similar. I even have a package of them at home. How do the Tamaiya's hold up after repeated connects and dis-connects?
I'm a bit leery of whether they can be repeatedly connected and dis-connected.

[Chuck]

Here is another option.  These power connector used for bicycle lights so they are both locking and waterproof.  The lock is very secure.  It is the common size 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel with an o-ring lock and seal, so it will connect to a non-locking 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel also.

http://www.batteryspace.com/connectoradaptoronepairtrailtechcoaxislockableconnectorwith8coilcord.aspx

The above link shows both the male and female version of the connector.  These connectors are also available attached to a non coiled cord.

I've used this connector for both my bicycle and audio gear for a few years now without a problem.

Those look OK, except the connectors are permanently attached the wires. I need bare connectors that I can solder myself.

If I was going to splice wires, I'd go with these. http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=154149.0;attach=106407;image

Which are starting to look really good to me now. They have nice beefy wire and a nice tight fit. I'd have to figure out a good way to splice into them though.

[flipp]

If I was going to splice wires, I'd go with these. http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=154149.0;attach=106407;image

Which are starting to look really good to me now. They have nice beefy wire and a nice tight fit. I'd have to figure out a good way to splice into them though.

Those look like a 2 wire version of the 4 wire connectors that are commonly used for trailer lights. Perhaps a visit to your local RV/boat/U-Haul dealer is in order if you need more than two wires.

[Chuck]

If I was going to splice wires, I'd go with these. http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=154149.0;attach=106407;image

Which are starting to look really good to me now. They have nice beefy wire and a nice tight fit. I'd have to figure out a good way to splice into them though.

Those look like a 2 wire version of the 4 wire connectors that are commonly used for trailer lights. Perhaps a visit to your local RV/boat/U-Haul dealer is in order if you need more than two wires.

Thanks. I'll look into that.

[Chuck]

Well, I decided to go back to the RCA connectors I've been using. They provide a rock solid connection, are cheap and easy to source and are very easy to work with.

I do have a few of the HXT connectors left (6). I'd be happy to send them to some of you if you want to check them out. I'll put them in a bubble mailer and send them USPS for free. Please PM me with your address if you want a couple to check out. I really don't have many, so only PM if you think you really might be able to use them. I'll let you know if/when they are all gone.

[macdaddy]

i use the tamaiya 'cos that is what comes attached to the batteries i use. but they can, as said above, be difficult to pull apart. but once you get used to handling them, they are fine (they rotate). but the connection is secure, and the connectors are crimped not soldered, which might be a bonus for you...

Radio Shack has these, that are similar. I even have a package of them at home. How do the Tamaiya's hold up after repeated connects and dis-connects?
I'm a bit leery of whether they can be repeatedly connected and dis-connected.

fwiw, the tamaiya connectors work time after time. the crimp is inside the plastic - the only issue is that the plastic has to be rotated the right way to make the connection work; this is a feel thing, and once you figure it out, it ceases to be an issue. 

[Chuck]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll pick some of those up to try. The ones I got from Radio Shack don't really lock. I just needed to assemble my battery system again so I can use it over the weekend.
I probably won't switch everything back until I exhaust all the options.

[Chuck]

Are these the connectors you are refering to?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-SHIPPED-New-Mini-Tamiya-Connector-Male-Female-2-sets-airsoft-RC-airplane-/200726374797?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebc39698d#ht_1805wt_9

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062133&filterName=Type&filterValue=Repair+kits#

[Chuck]

It looks like I can get them here:

http://www.hobbytown.com/Shop/7-2V-Connector-Tamiya-Type-Set/

Locally too, for less $. I'l pick some up today after work.

[ero3030]

Are these the connectors you are refering to?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-SHIPPED-New-Mini-Tamiya-Connector-Male-Female-2-sets-airsoft-RC-airplane-/200726374797?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebc39698d#ht_1805wt_9

hey chuck, those r the mini version, just as good.  i too like the tamiya plugs.  cheap on ebay with wire leads coming out of the plug.  just tin the ends.  i have a pack of 10 female full size tamiya plugs with 8 inch wire leads.  they r yours if u want them.  i still owe u buddy!!!  the female side, is the side with the latch u push down to unlock.  let me know if u could use them, i think u will like the way they lock and feel.   ed

[Chuck]

Are these the connectors you are refering to?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-SHIPPED-New-Mini-Tamiya-Connector-Male-Female-2-sets-airsoft-RC-airplane-/200726374797?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebc39698d#ht_1805wt_9

hey chuck, those r the mini version, just as good.  i too like the tamiya plugs.  cheap on ebay with wire leads coming out of the plug.  just tin the ends.  i have a pack of 10 female full size tamiya plugs with 8 inch wire leads.  they r yours if u want them.  i still owe u buddy!!!  the female side, is the side with the latch u push down to unlock.  let me know if u could use them, i think u will like the way they lock and feel.   ed

Thanks for the offer, But I can source them locally pretty cheaply without the leads attached, which I prefer. I'll get some to play around with eventually. I'm sticking with the RCA's until I have more time to test the Tamiya's.

Also, I have not received any PM's regarding the HXT connectors. So, if anybody wants them PM me.

[KenH]

Those look like a 2 wire version of the 4 wire connectors that are commonly used for trailer lights. Perhaps a visit to your local RV/boat/U-Haul dealer is in order if you need more than two wires.

That's exactly what the connectors that I pictured are...   I converted to this type after major frustration with Molex, which fall apart, the metal part comes out, etc.