Connecting KPA100 to Daiwa PSU?

[Michael Cook-2]

Hi guys. I'm relatively new to the HF scene (I'm trying to get into  
it with my K2) and I've got a seemingly simple question that seems to  
have stopped me for a second. I need to connect my KPA100 to a Daiwa  
SS-330W power supply. It has two binding posts for output. Now the  
power cable for the KPA (12 gauge wire) is obviously too big to wrap  
around the binding posts, so how do I connect this? I could use  
banana jacks in the center of the binding posts, but I don't think  
they'll handle the current.

I've been looking for some little fork/spade terminal to use, but I  
can't find any where the opening on the fork is big enough to fit  
around the binding posts (they are a little under 1/4" diameter).

Suggestions?
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[Don Wilhelm-3]

Banana plugs are rated for a goodly amount of current, so do not eliminate
that as a possibility.  The problem that I find with banana jacks and plugs
is that the plug and lead usually stick straight out into the air where they
are subject to accidental abuse.

My real preference for power supply connections are ring tongue terminals
(the terminal has a hole the completely surrounds the bolt of the
connector).  If the terminals are of the 5 way binding post type, sometimes
the top covers screw off and sometimes they do not.  If they screw off, then
the ring tougue terminals can be used, but if they do not come off, then
either use the open lug terminals or cut a section out of the ring terminal
just wide enough to fit tightly (with some extra force) over the round part
of the mating terminal.  If you have no other source of terminals, check out
your local Automotive Parts store - they often have a variety of crimp-on
terminals.  The local Home Depot or Lowes store is another source, or ask at
your local Electrical Supplier.  Crimp terminals can also be soldered if you
do not have good crimping capabilities, the cheap crimpers just do not do an
adequate job for high current applications, and IMHO, the Gardner-Bender
crimper that is inexpensive and commonly available does not do a good and
consistent job even in experienced hands - a quality rachet type crimper is
required for consistent and reliable results, and they are definitely not
inexpensive.  If you do not have access to a proper crimper, I advise you to
solder the connections.

Whatever your solution, be certain the terminals are tightened - a loose
terminal connection can cause a lot of mysterious conditions, not to mention
heating of the connection area and the attendant fire hazard.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> Hi guys. I'm relatively new to the HF scene (I'm trying to get into
> it with my K2) and I've got a seemingly simple question that seems to
> have stopped me for a second. I need to connect my KPA100 to a Daiwa
> SS-330W power supply. It has two binding posts for output. Now the
> power cable for the KPA (12 gauge wire) is obviously too big to wrap
> around the binding posts, so how do I connect this? I could use
> banana jacks in the center of the binding posts, but I don't think
> they'll handle the current.
>
> I've been looking for some little fork/spade terminal to use, but I
> can't find any where the opening on the fork is big enough to fit
> around the binding posts (they are a little under 1/4" diameter).
>
> Suggestions?
>

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