DC Power connectors

[Polmear]

Hello,

I'm considering putting together a 12V power junction box for my telescope, so that I can run a single high current cable from a 12V source and then have it fused and distributed to the different bits and bobs at the telescope.

I'm just interested in other people's ideas about suitable DC connectors,bearing in mind the conditions common to amateur astronomy (dew, temperature, movement etc.)

I know some people use RCA connectors, or DC power jacks. Are there any connectors that are more or less suited to this sort of application? I'm guessing that IP67 is overkill.

Tim

[DavidTrap]

I use microphone connectors from Jaycar because they screw in. My Evakool fridge uses one so I assume they can handle a bit of current.

A lot will recommend Anderson connectors - apparently favoured by Ham radio operators for their portable setups.

DT

[mswhin63]

I would get specific power connector as a first priority because of contact resistance under high load. If it is going outside or is going to be exposed to dew or some for of moisture it is best for IP67 rating but the choice is entirely yours. Possibly make provision for IP67 in the future just in case the system breaks down from the moisture.

If the system manages to stay well for a long time then the choice is just right, otherwise just change the connector when then break down.

The only thing I can think of is to seal the cable that joins to the socket so that moisture does not form on the cable itself. Copper strands act like a capillary tube and once moisture gets down there you will need to change the entire cable.

For inline connections I also use Anderson connectors as well.

[Polmear]

Yes I saw a thread here where Anderson connectors were mentioned.

So I checked their web site and the connectors look like pretty good value and with the connectors being genderless all I need to do is get an even number of each colour.

If I go for their PP15 connectors that would work. Except that means cutting square holes rather than round ones, and square holes are, well, not too difficult I suppose, just a bit more fiddly.

Hmm about IP67. I'll have another think.:question:

[Osirisra]

In the same boat here wanting to wire up tidy box from power supply with lots of plug in ports. Anderson plugs seem to be the go but with the dreaded dew and need for square holes it not totally ideal.

Really like the Kendrick ePacks but they use the stupid cig lighter connection for most of the connections, something like that be awesome tho.

The auto type fuse box distribution blocks the way to go for guts of the box?

[Barrykgerdes]

Versatility is the main requirement from a DC powersupply. There are so many different plugs and sockets used for items of equipment used

My power supply has two sets of standard red/black terminals. A breakout with two cigar lighter sockets and additional sockets for specific items.

The most important connector is the screw on terminals. That way you can be sure of handling anything til you make a specific connector.

Barry

[frolinmod]

I've embraced Anderson powerpole connectors (http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/powerpole-sets/15-amp-red-black-anderson-powerpole-sets.html) for all my 12V power connections. I bought a bunch of the crimp connectors in various sizes, a bunch of red and black shells as well as a TRIcrimp (http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/accessories/tricrimp-crimping-powerpole-contacts.html) crimper so that I can make my own cables.

I put a RIGrunner 4005H (http://www.powerwerx.com/west-mountain-radio/rigrunner-4005h-horizontal.html) on my mount and feed it with a 10 gauge cable (large gauge to reduce voltage drop, not to handle high current) through the mount. I've replaced the connector on the dew heater controller with powerpole connectors. I've also created 2.1x5.5 DC coaxial to powerpole connector adapters (http://www.powerwerx.com/adapter-extension-cables/21mm-right-angle-dc-coaxial-power-plug-powerpole-adapter.html) for my camera and focuser.

[smitty]

+1 for the Anderson Powerpoles!

Sean

[Osirisra]

Ta, that exactly the kind of gear I'm after :)

[mswhin63]

Remember Anderson connectors are by no means waterproof so care and attention to sealing is required.

[Osirisra]

yup, have a few ideas to tackle that one :)

[Polmear]

Potting resin :P

[DavidU]

I use these
http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=P0628