Something better than cigarette plugs/sockets

ChrisV (Chris) · #1 08-05-2019, 03:26 PM

From my 12V battery or power supply, I've got a 4-way cigarette-plug socket box to power everything on my scope. Lately, the power intermittently failed on some things - a bit of a disaster when it was the scope. I've since figured out that it was the cigarette plugs. It seems they loosen a bit and lose connection (I leave my scope outside over the new moon for a few days, but keep it covered).

Any suggestions for a more secure type of connector? Or maybe a higher spec type of cigarette connector - compared to ones I buy from a local, well known electrical component retailer?

raymo · #2 08-05-2019, 03:36 PM

The cheapest and easiest solution would be to remove the cigarette lighter
components and hard wire the four cables. All you need is a soldering iron.
raymo

Startrek (Martin) · #3 08-05-2019, 04:23 PM

I use the heavy duty 12V cigarette plugs and sockets from Jaycar
From memory there 15amp rated instead of 10amp
I’ve had no issue at all , they plug in nice and tight and sockets have rubber caps when not in use to keep out moisture etc..
The multi socket 12V boxes are rubbish , I threw mine in the bin after trying a couple of different brands and now I run multiple cables (3) instead , bit of a pain but 100% reliability now no issues at all, you need reliability !!!

Merlin66 (Ken) · #4 08-05-2019, 04:48 PM

Chris,
All my 12V cables are still cigarette plugs.
Yes, I have had the occasional instance where the plug has "slipped" in the socket.....
What I do now is, where I have a "permanent" connection, to use a couple of wire ties to "lock" the plug into the socket.
Obviously won't work if you break down the set up often.....

ChrisV (Chris) · #5 08-05-2019, 04:50 PM

Thanks Martin and Raymo. It could actually be the multi socket unit. I considered hard working- but that would end up with live plugs flopping around which could short out.

I was thinking about trying merit plugs?

Imme (Jon) · #6 08-05-2019, 05:01 PM

Rc car plugs (deans plug) are great. Really cheap and very solid connection.

The_bluester (Paul) · #7 08-05-2019, 06:42 PM

I am using DT connectors in my setup. The cheap crimp tool for the better pins is about $50 (you want the solid pins not open barrel ones) and the connectors are supposed to be good for hundreds of connect/disconnect cycles without electrical or mechanical issues. They also have retaining clips so they will not come out by themselves and have a positive click when they are seated so you know for sure they are plugged in properly.

The DT with the #16 pins is good for 13A per pin.

DeWynter (ILYA) · #8 08-05-2019, 06:42 PM

Standard Anderson plug which is a standard de-facto for heavy duty 12V car/camping connections.

redbeard (Damien) · #9 08-05-2019, 07:12 PM

I’m starting to use these types of plugs for everything. Solid and screw locks on. Cheap on EBay and handle about 5 amps each. 👍

GX16 Aviation Plug Male&Female Wire Panel Metal Connector 2-10 Pin 16mm AU Stock

ChrisV (Chris) · #10 08-05-2019, 10:47 PM

Thanks all. You have spoiled me for choice. Don't know which to choose.

The_bluester (Paul) · #11 09-05-2019, 08:50 AM

In my case I used the DT connector as my race car is full of them.

Wavytone · #12 09-05-2019, 03:59 PM

Chris general rule with electrical cables and plugs is that the live (supply) side should have the female connector (ie the sockets) and the load side has the male connector (the part with pins sticking out).

This way if exposed pins are shorted or bent it won’t do much harm.

Shorting a battery can be quite hazardous - the high current will weld metal bits together, produce extreme localised heat (burns or fire), and if the electrolyte inside boils they can explode. Fuses are to protect the battery from short circuits and can be quite generous; they are not for protecting wiring, connections or the load.

tempestwizz (Brian) · #13 11-05-2019, 05:46 PM

I had a cigarette lighter connection that was built into a carry bag for a 12 volt gel cell battery that worked fine for about 12 years or so, then I found it would start giving intermittent connection. Very frustrating after you have done a multi-star refinement of your TPAS on the Argo Navis. After a number of frustrating events I did a close inspection in daylight and found there was originally a metal layer on the inside of the connector that had been degrading through abrasion or similar.
I’ve moved on to solid connections now, either screw strip, or soldered wires.

ChrisV (Chris) · #14 11-05-2019, 06:10 PM

Exactly what happened to me! An hour or so after star aligning an starting on an object it would sometimes cut out intermittently
. Uggghhh

Wilso · #15 11-05-2019, 07:07 PM

Most standard type cigarette plug/socket are only rated to 10amp max., I think they don’t really preform well under higher loads.
Engel sell an in-line bayonet/screw fitting for their fridge freezers which work well.

Outcast (Carlton) · #16 11-05-2019, 08:42 PM

I use Anderson powerpole connectors; permanent fitting to battery with a short lead, replace cigarette lighter connector with a red & a black anderson powerpole connector, make sure they are turned the right way round for the battery lead connection..

This way ensures you can NEVER connect up your leads with the wrong polarity & fry the sensitive electronics of your mount...

Simple, crimpable connection... takes about 5 minutes to achieve with minimal electronics knowledge other than being able to identify positive & negative wires... Comes in a range of amperage ratings & plug size varies accordingly.. from memory, I use the 15A ones...

Edit: Oh, and they are stackable so you can clip together multiple powerpoles if you want multiple connections.. you would just need multiple connection points off the battery to match...

Cheers

ChrisV (Chris) · #17 11-05-2019, 09:02 PM

Carlton. Are there panel mount socckets for the Anderson plugs.

Outcast (Carlton) · #18 12-05-2019, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisV

Carlton. Are there panel mount socckets for the Anderson plugs.

Good question Chris, I'm not entirely sure.. here is a link to the Anderson website, hopefully you'll find what you are after there...

http://andersonconnect.com.au/store/...xoCWfUQAvD_BwE

Edit: If this is what you are looking for then, yes apparently they do...

http://andersonconnect.com.au/store/...ex&cPath=36_41

gts055 (Mark) · #19 12-05-2019, 09:47 AM

I use "Merit" plugs and sockets for the 12v supply to mounts and dew heaters. They have a positve snap coupling, with far greater contact area than conventional cigarette plugs which only have a tiny point contact on the centre +ve pin and readily disconnect if bumped.
Jaycar have them https://www.jaycar.com.au/merit-plug/p/PP2090
Cheers Mark

sil (Steve) · #20 14-05-2019, 02:52 PM

How about just access the rear of your sockects and reheat terminals with a soldering iron. Thats the problem: shody soldering (typical for anything originating in China), easily solved be reheating/reflowing the solder properly. Or by finding complicated replacement options that require you to fire up a soldering iron anyway. The ciggy socket is a simple design and a defacto standard for 12VDC caravan/marine gear for a long time, the design isn't the prpblem its poor manufacturing.