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Re: [TowerTalk] Quick Disconnects

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Quick Disconnects
From: jimlux <jimlux@earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2019 07:06:28 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
On 8/21/19 6:47 AM, Dan Atchison via TowerTalk wrote:
I have been using Cinch Jones plugs/sockets (series 300) for quick disconnects in my shack for years, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. What are people using today for easy, multi-wire, in-line quick disconnects, i.e. rotor cables, stack matches, etc?


Anderson power poles - you can gang up to around 10 before the insertion/separation force gets pretty high.

Molex rectangular multi pin connectors - Not great for daily mate/demate cycles, but easy to install. Various pin sizes available for different currents. You can cut the latches off and they'll stay mated, at least in a low vibration environment.

Circular Plastic Connectors (like the MIL 38999) - easy to mate/demate, and they have that nice bayonet locking ring. Assembly is about the same as the Molex

In both of the latter cases, get some tooling to make life easy - the right crimper die and the little round hollow tool for inserting/removing pins from the housing. Total tooling cost is probably < $10.

XLR type connectors - great in 3, 4, 5 pin varieties. Rugged (you can step on them without breaking). I've not bought any for more than 10 years, but back then, the 5 pin were substantially more expensive. You also want to be careful using the 3 pin, if there's any audio circuits around that might get accidentally mated.




Things I've tried over the years that didn't work so well:

Sub D connectors - yes, lots of pins, dense, etc. but if you step on the plug side, the metal shroud bends. Pins are easy to bend and break.

Modular phone jacks - nice up to 8 conductors, but only accepts a few kinds/sizes of wire. Great for jumpers and patch panels, and there are modular to pigtail adapters.

Round DIN connectors in various sizes. The 5 pin is most common, but they're available with 8 or more pins, both in full size (roughly 3/4") to mini. The pins easily break or bend, and the metal shield seems to be easily damaged.

LEMO - multipin, really rugged when mated. Wretchedly expensive. Hard to assemble.



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