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Power Pole connectors

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Rick WA6NHC

Re: Power Pole connectors

Because the is no locking mechanism to keep them connected; far too easy to pull apart.

Not the black/red paired pieces, what they mate to. A lock like used in the auto industry connectors would improve them immensely.

73,
Rick wa6nhc

Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable

> On Feb 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Its a mystery to me why people don't like the APP connectors.
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Chris Hallinan

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Cut off debate on this list? Hah! Impossible. ;)

I'm the one who started this iteration of the APP debate, because I am
experiencing issues with them. In my initial post on the subject, I
reported that even a very slight movement of the radio kills power.
Tonight I've carefully inspected my cable and the connectors, and the
more I look, the less I like. On the cable end, I might not have had
the contact fully engaged on the black side, we'll see. It clicked
when I pushed it further. But it wasn't obvious to my eye. But on
the radio, the connectors on my brandy new K3 are loose. I can move
them from side to side, and the black one actually slides towards the
inside by about 1/32 of an inch or so when I mate them. I can
literally move them from side to side. I've taken a short video, but
don't want to attach it to this list posting. Perhaps I'll send it to
support in a dedicated e-mail, or to anyone else directly if you're
interested.

Is this movement of the RF board-mounted connectors normal? If so,
I'll live with it, and do what I can to make the connection more
robust.

If I could get a locking pin into the connector without taking the
entire radio apart, I will do that, and that would help keep the pair
on the RF board more rigid. I bought some of those, too.

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

Regards,

Chris
K1AY

On Tue, Feb 17, 2015 at 9:29 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

> We've weighed the pros and cons of APP connectors on multiple occasions, done careful testing and measurements, etc., and on balance we feel that APP is the best option. Not to cut off debate, but I'm just sayin'....
>
> I know of one gentleman who soldered wires to the RF PCB and attached a connector of his choice, outside the box. To each his own!
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Feb 17, 2015, at 4:49 PM, Dale Putnam <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Someone opened the door.. and here comes the flood...
>> some for.. some staunchly against.
>> I would like to suggest something that would make the tirade a giant leap
>> more tolerable., Please:
>> IF you like the PP.. then make a point of saying why specifically.
>> IF you DO NOT like the PP.. make a better connector, then describe it, so we can
>> all benefit. Tell us specifically what is wrong.. and what needs to be done to correct that
>> specific problem.
>>
>> My interest? Making something better... improving "stuff"... and ultimately, not wearing out my delete key.
>>
>>
>> Have a great day,
>>
>>
>> --... ...--
>> Dale - WC7S in Wy
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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--
Life is like Linux - it never stands still.
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Dominic Baines-3

Re: Power Pole connectors

Chris,

I had this issue with both of my KX3 #1082 and #2334 after using on and
off for about 12 months on DX trips from beaches where they get used
with the connectors being done/undone over and over.

The power barrel connector on the later model numbers (Elecraft will
have to advise) are not just soldered to the PCB but the body is glued
as well, the earlier ones were just soldered, what they told me at the
time. They sent me replacements which I fitted, and glued down as well.
There was not enough room to drill and cable tie too which i had
considered.... Anyway it means that nearly ALL the 'strength' is in the
connection to the PCB tracks, there is no use of the KX3 chassis to
secure it etc ... not good if you are rough in any way. Even an 'oops',
snagging the DC cable and pulling the KX3 etc or bang against the DC
connection might cause a problem.

I ended up doing this (might be what Wayne referred to).... used a small
square tab of velcro and attached the smooth (not the hooky side) under
the KX3 below the power connector. I then made up a pigtail with APP to
the barrel connector. The APP had the hooky side of the velcro on it. IF
I need APP then I used that. Otherwise I secured the DC lead with a loop
to the same velcro pad.

The connection unfortunately is not so solid it will suffer long term
abuse without failure.

I had thought about replacing the power with a chassis mount but then
you face the whole problem of end plate removal etc.... and a pair of
APP inside the KX3 would have been better but simply didn't fit.

72

Dom
M1KTA

On 02/18/2015 05:25 AM, Chris Hallinan wrote:

> Cut off debate on this list? Hah! Impossible. ;)
>
> I'm the one who started this iteration of the APP debate, because I am
> experiencing issues with them. In my initial post on the subject, I
> reported that even a very slight movement of the radio kills power.
> Tonight I've carefully inspected my cable and the connectors, and the
> more I look, the less I like. On the cable end, I might not have had
> the contact fully engaged on the black side, we'll see. It clicked
> when I pushed it further. But it wasn't obvious to my eye. But on
> the radio, the connectors on my brandy new K3 are loose. I can move
> them from side to side, and the black one actually slides towards the
> inside by about 1/32 of an inch or so when I mate them. I can
> literally move them from side to side. I've taken a short video, but
> don't want to attach it to this list posting. Perhaps I'll send it to
> support in a dedicated e-mail, or to anyone else directly if you're
> interested.
>
> Is this movement of the RF board-mounted connectors normal? If so,
> I'll live with it, and do what I can to make the connection more
> robust.
>
> If I could get a locking pin into the connector without taking the
> entire radio apart, I will do that, and that would help keep the pair
> on the RF board more rigid. I bought some of those, too.
>
> Thanks for all the helpful advice.
>
> Regards,
>
> Chris
> K1AY
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 17, 2015 at 9:29 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> We've weighed the pros and cons of APP connectors on multiple occasions, done careful testing and measurements, etc., and on balance we feel that APP is the best option. Not to cut off debate, but I'm just sayin'....
>>
>> I know of one gentleman who soldered wires to the RF PCB and attached a connector of his choice, outside the box. To each his own!
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR

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vk2rq

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Rick WA6NHC

You want the retention clip:
http://www.andersonpower.com/files.php?file=02628.pdf

73, Matt VK2RQ

> On 18 Feb 2015, at 4:03 pm, Rick Bates <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Because the is no locking mechanism to keep them connected; far too easy to pull apart.
>
> Not the black/red paired pieces, what they mate to. A lock like used in the auto industry connectors would improve them immensely.
>
> 73,
> Rick wa6nhc
>
> Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable
>
>> On Feb 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Its a mystery to me why people don't like the APP connectors.
> ______________________________________________________________
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Dennis Griffin-2

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Chris Hallinan

Dennis Griffin-2

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Rick WA6NHC

Properly assembled APP connectors won’t come apart of their own accord. I do like that they will separate willingly when moderate tension is applied to them. I have used them on motorcycles in power lines for heated clothing & HT’s or GPS’s attached to my person. Having forgotten these tethers a few times during a quick dismount, i.e. to render aid to a participant while supporting a public service event, I liked that an expensive device wasn’t ripped off and thrown to the ground, as it might have been with a different style connector. Same would apply when moving things around in a shack or during portable operations. I doubt they would be an ARES standard if most OM’s didn’t find them suitable.

Regarding other recent complaints, I have always found that genuine APP connector shells mate (dovetail) together very firmly. I typically use zip cord type leads, separated only slightly at the connector, or I use shrink wrap around separate leads near the connectors. So I first assemble the shells, then insert both the crimped terminals into the shells together until they click in. Using this method, I’ve found no need for securing the shells of a connection pair together by additional means. On the few occasions that I have used the split pins that come with some APP bulk connector sets, I have found that they need to be inserted with moderate force, such that they will not be falling out. I typically don’t use the split pins because I occasionally like to use the retention clips (to address Rick’s concern) that hold mated pairs together when they will be in a not readily visible area and I want them secured. These clips use the holes formed by the shells as part of their retention scheme.

Yes, they can be mis-connected if common sense isn’t applied, but confirming a proper mating visually or by feel isn’t difficult.

If used in corrosive or high frequency vibration environments, a light film of dielectric grease will keep the contact areas healthy and current flowing with minimal resistance. Oxymoron, I know, but it’s worked for me for decades on all my m/c electrical connectors..

Being a fan of interchangeability and interconnectivity, and with as many different mfr’s transceivers, power sources, adapters and cables that I have, I will continue to use and appreciate them with no complaints. I share Phil’s position on the dislike mystery.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

> On Feb 17, 2015, at 10:03 PM, Rick Bates <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> Because the is no locking mechanism to keep them connected; far too easy to pull apart.
>
> Not the black/red paired pieces, what they mate to. A lock like used in the auto industry connectors would improve them immensely.
>
> 73,
> Rick wa6nhc
>
> Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable
>
>> On Feb 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> Its a mystery to me why people don't like the APP connectors.

M0XDF

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

I hate them too - there was something similar on the lead out the back of my FT-857 - I moved the rig an 1/8" and it disconnected - it had gone intermittent, on the rig side. I replaced it with APP and no problem.
73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108) - waiting for the 'GO' with blowtorch in hand!
--
Power is no substitute for Skill.

> On 18 Feb 2015, at 03:39, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> P.S. The connectors that I really hate with a passion are those MOLEX connectors that ICOM likes to use for Power. If and when I become dictator of the world, we will burn all of the MOLEX connectors on the planet. I dumped all my ICOM gear because of those MOLEX connectors -- of course, I had bought the entire K-Line by then.

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ve3dvy

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Chris Hallinan

Ive looked at XT60s and the Deans connectors

Seems the Deans connectors are popular but look a little challenging
to solder The XT60s are a little better that way for soldering but
are more expensive 60 is for 60 amps I like overkill so it may
seem a better option but beware they are not patented so I am sure
there is a flood of cheep sub standard knockoffs out there.

That said I haven't had much trouble with APP's and everything in
the shack and car that is 12V is using them.

to prevent separation of the red and black I just touch the joint
between them with the soldering iron melting some of the plastic
together or a dab of crazy glue. I have when using heavy wire pried
up the little leaf spring in the connector body before assembly so
that it has a little more force on the connector pin. that seems to
help. I like the cost $15 for a baggy of 10 pairs at the local ham
shop. XT60 at the local hobby store are more than twice that. but
then again he sells APP for 4.99 a pair. XT 60s are much cheeper if
ordered online like Hobby King

David Moes
VE3DVY

> --- Original message ---
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors
> From: Michael Walker <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> Date: Tuesday, 17/02/2015 9:51 PM
>
> I use APP's with great success. Yes, I wish they were a little more
> firm
> in their locking, but I do like the speed of crimping.
>
> However, as I move forward, I will be switching to Dean's connectors
> or
> XT60's only for the fact they don't require an expensive crimper and
> they
> are very inexpensive.
>
> Mike va3mw
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KENT TRIMBLE

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Dennis Griffin-2

ARRL Midwest Convention, Lebanon, MIssouri, 2007 . . .

Possessing the only two K3s then in existence in the state of Missouri, N0SS (s.n. 8) and I (s.n. 21) were asked to set-up a booth displaying one torn apart and one on the air. Not an hour had elapsed before yours truly got his feet tangled up in the power cord, yanking it from the on-air K3. In that instant I became a lover of Anderson Power Poles when the $4000 rig stayed on the table and the $0.25 APP connector hit the floor.

73,

Kent K9ZTV

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Dennis Griffin-2

Re: Power Pole connectors

Now that is deserving of an Amen!

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

> On Feb 18, 2015, at 6:27 AM, K9ZTV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> ARRL Midwest Convention, Lebanon, MIssouri, 2007 . . .
>
> Possessing the only two K3s then in existence in the state of Missouri, N0SS (s.n. 8) and I (s.n. 21) were asked to set-up a booth displaying one torn apart and one on the air. Not an hour had elapsed before yours truly got his feet tangled up in the power cord, yanking it from the on-air K3. In that instant I became a lover of Anderson Power Poles when the $4000 rig stayed on the table and the $0.25 APP connector hit the floor.
>
> 73,
>
> Kent K9ZTV
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Dennis Griffin-2

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Dennis Griffin-2

It should be possible, with just a bit of practice, and maybe with a little initial help from a sighted person, for a visually impaired person with good manual dexterity to effect a good crimp with a proper crimping tool. The terminals can be easily indexed by feel. A few short, identifiable lengths of the various gauge wires being used, with ends that have been stripped and lightly tinned, would make good go/no go gages to allow a visually impaired person to select the appropriate 15 or 30 gage APP terminal for the wire gage being used, w/o possibly bird’s nesting the strands in the process. I think most would agree that a good crimp is sufficient, and soldering isn’t generally recommended for these connectors.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

> On Feb 18, 2015, at 5:30 AM, Gerry leary <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I really like Anderson's a lot. As a blind person I find them very easy to assemble. I usually get help soldering them but I find that the good crimping tool works well.
>
> Sent from my iPhone this time
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by ktalbott

I have to agree with the crimping of PP connectors and in Crimping in general.
It's my understanding that PP need the ability to flex a little to function properly.Crimp tools seem expensive at first, but they are cheap once you realize the ease of use.

I tried soldering PP in the past and they never seemed to mate quite right, the crimped ones work well.

From: Kenneth Talbott <[hidden email]>
To: "'David Ferrington, M0XDF'" <[hidden email]>; 'Chris Hallinan' <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

A proper crimp is far superior to solder! (Let the flames begin.) The
solder will wick up your stranded wire and make a solid conductor of your
nice flexible wire. The additional solid length will impart even more
torque on the APP connection. Perhaps more importantly for power in
general, an overcurrent condition will heat the junction and melt the solder
which will proceed to flow into the most unwelcome places! If you only own
one crimper, make it the West Mountain crimp tool for APP.
Ken - ke4rg

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David
Ferrington, M0XDF
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 10:23 AM
To: Chris Hallinan
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

PowerPoles are not fragile, when correctly assembled/soldered. I think there
is an issue, either with your assembly to the lead or possibly with the
units mounted on the PCB in the K3 (it has been known to be in the K3).

Although I crimp all mine (well worth getting the West Mountain Radio Deluxe
crimp tool if your going to use a lot of APPs) I have to use a reasonable
<snip>

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NK7Z

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by Dennis Griffin-2

I have had zero problems with Powerpoles, and would think it a bad thing
to not have them on the radio.
--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
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On Wed, 2015-02-18 at 06:31 -0700, Dennis Griffin wrote:

> Now that is deserving of an Amen!
>
> 73 de Dennis KD7CAC
> Scottsdale, AZ
>
> > On Feb 18, 2015, at 6:27 AM, K9ZTV <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > ARRL Midwest Convention, Lebanon, MIssouri, 2007 . . .
> >
> > Possessing the only two K3s then in existence in the state of Missouri, N0SS (s.n. 8) and I (s.n. 21) were asked to set-up a booth displaying one torn apart and one on the air. Not an hour had elapsed before yours truly got his feet tangled up in the power cord, yanking it from the on-air K3. In that instant I became a lover of Anderson Power Poles when the $4000 rig stayed on the table and the $0.25 APP connector hit the floor.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Kent K9ZTV
> ______________________________________________________________
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by KENT TRIMBLE

I think would have dropped my head and given a prayer of thanks that very moment.

From: K9ZTV <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email] Mailer" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

ARRL Midwest Convention, Lebanon, MIssouri, 2007 . . .

Possessing the only two K3s then in existence in the state of Missouri, N0SS (s.n. 8) and I (s.n. 21) were asked to set-up a booth displaying one torn apart and one on the air. Not an hour had elapsed before yours truly got his feet tangled up in the power cord, yanking it from the on-air K3. In that instant I became a lover of Anderson Power Poles when the $4000 rig stayed on the table and the $0.25 APP connector hit the floor.

73,

Kent K9ZTV

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Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

Re: Power Pole connectors

In reply to this post by daleputnam

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