Unreliable cigarette lighter connections

[JimsShed (Jim)]

I'm sure this is an old question, but what have you found is a good alternative?

Numerous options...
Anderson plugs
2 pin bullets https://www.jaycar.com.au/2-pin-bull...ocket/p/PP2034
EC3 2 way connectors https://www.jaycar.com.au/ec3-bullet...ocket/p/PT4456

My thoughts are to replace all cigarette lighter connectors from mount leads, skyfi, dew heater etc, and fit inline fuses. Also wire in commensurate connectors to battery packs.

[Nath2099]

Hey mate, have you checked these out:
https://powerwerx.com/west-mountain-...igrunner-4010s

[JimsShed (Jim)]

Thanks but not what I'm after as I'm not in an obs, field tripod only.
Just need better connectors. I note this device does use Anderson connectors, which says something.

[AndrewJ]

+1 for Andersen connectors
I have changed everything over to them and absolutely no problems anymore. Easy to fit, but a bit expensive unless you buy bulk chinese knockoffs on the net.

Andrew

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by JimsShed

I'm sure this is an old question, but what have you found is a good alternative?

Numerous options...
Anderson plugs
2 pin bullets https://www.jaycar.com.au/2-pin-bull...ocket/p/PP2034
EC3 2 way connectors https://www.jaycar.com.au/ec3-bullet...ocket/p/PT4456

My thoughts are to replace all cigarette lighter connectors from mount leads, skyfi, dew heater etc, and fit inline fuses. Also wire in commensurate connectors to battery packs.

Hi Jim,
Yes, I share your pain.
Tried various options.
Have not been totally happy with them.
As Kermit puts it:
"Waiting for something better to come along."

If you find it please post it.

[Mosc_007 (Charles)]

I use Deans connectors. Same as used on RC cars. Easy to purchase and very reliable.

Clones are ok, but sometimes a bit lose. Clones call them T Connectors.

[JimsShed (Jim)]

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

+1 for Andersen connectors
I have changed everything over to them and absolutely no problems anymore. Easy to fit, but a bit expensive unless you buy bulk chinese knockoffs on the net.

Andrew

Thanks Andrew. I've never used these connectors before. Are they problematic to pull apart when it comes time to pack up? I noticed that you can buy little handles to assist disconnection which makes me think they hold on pretty hard.

Jim

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jim

The big grey ones may need the handles, but the small (Black/Red) ones are very easy to fit/pull apart with light finger pressure.
They come in say 15A and 30A sizes, but the connector itself is exactly the same size, the only difference is the size of the ferrule that the wire goes into.
What i have done is cut off the ends of all my plugpacks and battery chargers and fitted connectors. I then have a range of leads and a range of termination types ( ie 5.5x2.5 male, 5.5x2.5 female, 5.5x2.1 fem/male, RCA male/female, an insert to allow a multimeter to be put inline etc )
I then just put it together like lego based on the mount ( or dewheater ) i am using.

Andrew

[rrussell1962]

Jim, you could try locking XLR plugs used in pro audio applications. I have one on the powered groundboard. Welcome to have a look at it if you want.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Anderson plugs. I am an electro-novice, complete dumbass when it comes to doing things with wires and it was easy. Bintel sell the Rigrunner boards, can be bought cheaper elsewhere but I try to support Aussie astro sellers!
Only thing I learned was get a way of testing polarity, a basic multi meter will do to make sure you are connecting thing up correctly. There are some things (handsets for SW mounts for example I discovered) that do not like reversed polarity.

Malcolm