[Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
Reasons not to solder PowerPoles: 1) It is very hard to control the wicking of solder into a stranded wire. Allowing this to happen can create a failure point in applications where vibration is present. And there can be a surprising amount of vibration in a rack mounted piece of electronic gear. 2)Heating up a metal object that is intended to function as a spring loaded contact changes the metal and makes is softer. This is not conducive to reliability. 3) A properly crimped powerpole more reliable than a soldered powrpole. 4) Aircraft connectors are not soldered. Be thankful of that the next time you are in a airliner at 30,000'. Dennis KG4RUL This comes from my experience in aircraft wiring harness assembly. I was trained and certified so I do know what I am talking about.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics Baden, Ontario, Canada www.ve3tjd.com (personal) www.eraradio.ca (Linked repeater system)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
I've seen poorly made Chinese made clones that were junk, and I've seen the real Andersons that almost needed Channelocks to pull apart. I've also seen ones with defective plating and insufficient spring tension get so hot they melted the bodies. You get what you pay for. If all you've seen is the clones, then you experience will tell you that yes, they are junk. BTW the Johnson 8655 900mhz mobiles have a set of chassis mount Powerpoles mounted in the back panel. Really surprised me the first time I saw them. And Eric's suggestion about pre-gluing the bodies is a good idea. Mike WA6ILQ At 08:41 AM 03/24/07, you wrote: What is the problem? The directions say, Push in until they click. How hard is that? The little ones go together just like the big ones. Anybody with one eye and half sense can do it. They are the greatest thing to come along since caned beer. I use West Mountain rig runners in my truck, in the shack, in my travel trailer. I've never had any problem. Fred N4GER -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Metzger Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 10:31 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all. Honestly I was a little shocked when I started seeing these little buggers marketed for emergency amateur radio purposes. The bright side I see in that is everyone can connect with minimal fuss. But if the connectors were improperly built, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these tapped up during a real disaster in order to keep them from falling out of their other mating half. For years, I myself have utilized the larger SB 50A Anderson connectors on my primary Amateur Radio (TS-450 / IC-910) and Solar system at my home QTH. Now try and pull those babies apart. Talk about contact tension. You can't accidently tug on you power harness and pull these apart. One more thing, my jaw dropped when I had built my K2-100W. It uses a chassis mount variant of the tiny power pole connectors out from the rear of the unit. Well, just my two cents. Paul Metzger K6EH --- On Mar 24, 2007, at 06:42, Tedd Doda wrote: On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics Baden, Ontario, Canada www.ve3tjd.com (personal) www.eraradio.ca (Linked repeater system) Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
Whatever PowerWerx sell. That's the only place I've purchased. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Morris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 1:12 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I've seen poorly made Chinese made clones that were junk, and I've seen the real Andersons that almost needed Channelocks to pull apart. I've also seen ones with defective plating and insufficient spring tension get so hot they melted the bodies. You get what you pay for. If all you've seen is the clones, then you experience will tell you that yes, they are junk. BTW the Johnson 8655 900mhz mobiles have a set of chassis mount Powerpoles mounted in the back panel. Really surprised me the first time I saw them. And Eric's suggestion about pre-gluing the bodies is a good idea. Mike WA6ILQ At 08:41 AM 03/24/07, you wrote: What is the problem? The directions say, Push in until they click. How hard is that? The little ones go together just like the big ones. Anybody with one eye and half sense can do it. They are the greatest thing to come along since caned beer. I use West Mountain rig runners in my truck, in the shack, in my travel trailer. I've never had any problem. Fred N4GER -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Metzger Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 10:31 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all. Honestly I was a little shocked when I started seeing these little buggers marketed for emergency amateur radio purposes. The bright side I see in that is everyone can connect with minimal fuss. But if the connectors were improperly built, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these tapped up during a real disaster in order to keep them from falling out of their other mating half. For years, I myself have utilized the larger SB 50A Anderson connectors on my primary Amateur Radio (TS-450 / IC-910) and Solar system at my home QTH. Now try and pull those babies apart. Talk about contact tension. You can't accidently tug on you power harness and pull these apart. One more thing, my jaw dropped when I had built my K2-100W. It uses a chassis mount variant of the tiny power pole connectors out from the rear of the unit. Well, just my two cents. Paul Metzger K6EH --- On Mar 24, 2007, at 06:42, Tedd Doda wrote: On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics Baden, Ontario, Canada www.ve3tjd.com (personal) www.eraradio.ca (Linked repeater system) Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.17/731 - Release Date: 3/23/2007 3:27 PM
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
I've never had an issue with the bodies coming apart. When I slide them together they're a pain to get apart. I read some place that some CA. ARIES groups decided to reverse the standard polarity. One may not want to glue your go box radio connecters. Fred N4GER -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Morris Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 12:13 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I've seen poorly made Chinese made clones that were junk, and I've seen the real Andersons that almost needed Channelocks to pull apart. I've also seen ones with defective plating and insufficient spring tension get so hot they melted the bodies. You get what you pay for. If all you've seen is the clones, then you experience will tell you that yes, they are junk. BTW the Johnson 8655 900mhz mobiles have a set of chassis mount Powerpoles mounted in the back panel. Really surprised me the first time I saw them. And Eric's suggestion about pre-gluing the bodies is a good idea. Mike WA6ILQ At 08:41 AM 03/24/07, you wrote: What is the problem? The directions say, Push in until they click. How hard is that? The little ones go together just like the big ones. Anybody with one eye and half sense can do it. They are the greatest thing to come along since caned beer. I use West Mountain rig runners in my truck, in the shack, in my travel trailer. I've never had any problem. Fred N4GER -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Metzger Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 10:31 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all. Honestly I was a little shocked when I started seeing these little buggers marketed for emergency amateur radio purposes. The bright side I see in that is everyone can connect with minimal fuss. But if the connectors were improperly built, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these tapped up during a real disaster in order to keep them from falling out of their other mating half. For years, I myself have utilized the larger SB 50A Anderson connectors on my primary Amateur Radio (TS-450 / IC-910) and Solar system at my home QTH. Now try and pull those babies apart. Talk about contact tension. You can't accidently tug on you power harness and pull these apart. One more thing, my jaw dropped when I had built my K2-100W. It uses a chassis mount variant of the tiny power pole connectors out from the rear of the unit. Well, just my two cents. Paul Metzger K6EH --- On Mar 24, 2007, at 06:42, Tedd Doda wrote: On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics Baden, Ontario, Canada www.ve3tjd.com (personal) www.eraradio.ca (Linked repeater system) Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
I too have used the SB-50 power pole connectors and they are GREAT ! All of my DC stuff here is standardized around the SB-50's I have installed them on my Son's big John Deere tractors to power accesory equipment, on his dairy farm Nortel uses the SB-50's (Black) on their fibre equipment and access nodes. This eq. runs on -48 volts The 30 amp units at times seem to have a somewhat weaker spring and recently I had some that were made by AMP and the spring in them seemed to be quite a bit stiffermade the connectors harder to pull apart. Soldering these 30 amp units can cause problems if solder or flux moves down on to the surface of the bladeso I only crimp them now and no further problems with that. The crimp tool from West Mountain Radio works great for the 15, 30 45 amp connectors...AES handles this tool...I just pick up one in Orlando, cost just under 50 dollars. 73 John VE3AMZ Waterloo Ontario. - Original Message - From: Paul Metzger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 11:31 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all. Honestly I was a little shocked when I started seeing these little buggers marketed for emergency amateur radio purposes. The bright side I see in that is everyone can connect with minimal fuss. But if the connectors were improperly built, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these tapped up during a real disaster in order to keep them from falling out of their other mating half. For years, I myself have utilized the larger SB 50A Anderson connectors on my primary Amateur Radio (TS-450 / IC-910) and Solar system at my home QTH. Now try and pull those babies apart. Talk about contact tension. You can't accidently tug on you power harness and pull these apart. One more thing, my jaw dropped when I had built my K2-100W. It uses a chassis mount variant of the tiny power pole connectors out from the rear of the unit. Well, just my two cents. Paul Metzger K6EH --- On Mar 24, 2007, at 06:42, Tedd Doda wrote: On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics Baden, Ontario, Canada www.ve3tjd.com (personal) www.eraradio.ca (Linked repeater system) Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
But can't you say that about anything? An improperly built repeater will not be as reliable as one that is properly built. Is that the fault of the equipment or the builder? Joe M. Paul Metzger wrote: I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
Were they authentic Anderson Power Poles or some other brand. I've been using them for years (some over 20 years continuous) and I've never seen a problem with them. Second question: How were they installed? Was an 'appropriate' crimp tool used or was a cheap one used that perhaps bent the contacts resulting in the poor connection. An example of the 'good' one would be like the $50 one from West Mountain, or higher priced/quality one. A cheap one - the $10 one that seems popular, one from Radio Shack, or similar. Joe M. Chuck Kelsey wrote: I've had the 30-amp powerpoles go intermittent. Kind of disappointing for what I thought was supposed to be a premium power connector. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Paul Metzger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 11:31 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power I second that. I myself have found these little power pole connectors (which are recommended by emergency groups) to be a bit too delicate for me. And if improperly built, will have little or almost no contact tension at all. Honestly I was a little shocked when I started seeing these little buggers marketed for emergency amateur radio purposes. The bright side I see in that is everyone can connect with minimal fuss. But if the connectors were improperly built, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these tapped up during a real disaster in order to keep them from falling out of their other mating half. For years, I myself have utilized the larger SB 50A Anderson connectors on my primary Amateur Radio (TS-450 / IC-910) and Solar system at my home QTH. Now try and pull those babies apart. Talk about contact tension. You can't accidently tug on you power harness and pull these apart. One more thing, my jaw dropped when I had built my K2-100W. It uses a chassis mount variant of the tiny power pole connectors out from the rear of the unit. Well, just my two cents. Paul Metzger K6EH Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
Answered in previous posts --- -Whatever brand PowerWerx sells - if they sell junk ones, then that's why -No crimper, they were soldered. -No, the solder nor the flux traveled to the contact area. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: mch [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 4:09 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power Were they authentic Anderson Power Poles or some other brand. I've been using them for years (some over 20 years continuous) and I've never seen a problem with them. Second question: How were they installed? Was an 'appropriate' crimp tool used or was a cheap one used that perhaps bent the contacts resulting in the poor connection. An example of the 'good' one would be like the $50 one from West Mountain, or higher priced/quality one. A cheap one - the $10 one that seems popular, one from Radio Shack, or similar. Joe M.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
There are three ratings of PP that all use the same size shell. These are the 40 Amp, 30 Amp, and I believe the third is 15 or 20 Amp. Most of the ones you see sold are the 30 Amp version. The 40A is built obviously heavier than the other two. My previous comments were all relative to the 30A version. Joe M. skipp025 wrote: Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power Hi Ted, Smaller being the typical size power-pole you see being sold for much of the Amateur Radio aps. There are a number of distribution panels sold by MFJ, Powerwerks, Saratoga Power and flea market tables using the common small size. I would guess the dealers might even rate these smaller connectors to what...? 25, 30 or even more crazy at 50 amps? When I mean big powerpole connectors... I'm thinking about the hundred(s) of amps size I used in my electric car. What I would call the original standard size powerpole connectors used for say... battery jumper and welding cables. The contact metal spring tension is nothing special... high current applications can follow a path to fault when conditions are not the best (hot or really warm metal parts with reduced contact pressure). Like the LMR-400 story... I seem to find all these problems at repeater sites no less than 4.5 hours driving distance... on a week night of course. I've had to miss Trains and Locomotives on RFD once or twice because of these problematic parts. cheers, skipp Tedd Doda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
The only difference is the size of wire that will fit. -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of mch Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 3:18 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power There are three ratings of PP that all use the same size shell. These are the 40 Amp, 30 Amp, and I believe the third is 15 or 20 Amp. Most of the ones you see sold are the 30 Amp version. The 40A is built obviously heavier than the other two. My previous comments were all relative to the 30A version. Joe M. skipp025 wrote: Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power Hi Ted, Smaller being the typical size power-pole you see being sold for much of the Amateur Radio aps. There are a number of distribution panels sold by MFJ, Powerwerks, Saratoga Power and flea market tables using the common small size. I would guess the dealers might even rate these smaller connectors to what...? 25, 30 or even more crazy at 50 amps? When I mean big powerpole connectors... I'm thinking about the hundred(s) of amps size I used in my electric car. What I would call the original standard size powerpole connectors used for say... battery jumper and welding cables. The contact metal spring tension is nothing special... high current applications can follow a path to fault when conditions are not the best (hot or really warm metal parts with reduced contact pressure). Like the LMR-400 story... I seem to find all these problems at repeater sites no less than 4.5 hours driving distance... on a week night of course. I've had to miss Trains and Locomotives on RFD once or twice because of these problematic parts. cheers, skipp Tedd Doda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power
The 40A ones look heavier. I was also told that they are made from a different material, but don't recall exactly what it was - something like tin vs silver plated or something. Joe M. The only difference is the size of wire that will fit. -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of mch Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 3:18 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power There are three ratings of PP that all use the same size shell. These are the 40 Amp, 30 Amp, and I believe the third is 15 or 20 Amp. Most of the ones you see sold are the 30 Amp version. The 40A is built obviously heavier than the other two. My previous comments were all relative to the 30A version. Joe M. skipp025 wrote: Re: Power-Pole connectors NOT for power Hi Ted, Smaller being the typical size power-pole you see being sold for much of the Amateur Radio aps. There are a number of distribution panels sold by MFJ, Powerwerks, Saratoga Power and flea market tables using the common small size. I would guess the dealers might even rate these smaller connectors to what...? 25, 30 or even more crazy at 50 amps? When I mean big powerpole connectors... I'm thinking about the hundred(s) of amps size I used in my electric car. What I would call the original standard size powerpole connectors used for say... battery jumper and welding cables. The contact metal spring tension is nothing special... high current applications can follow a path to fault when conditions are not the best (hot or really warm metal parts with reduced contact pressure). Like the LMR-400 story... I seem to find all these problems at repeater sites no less than 4.5 hours driving distance... on a week night of course. I've had to miss Trains and Locomotives on RFD once or twice because of these problematic parts. cheers, skipp Tedd Doda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *Smaller* being what Skipp? I've had excellent results using the 30 amp contacts on equipment that pushes the current rating of these to the limit (and then some). On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:01:17 -, skipp025 wrote: I try not to use the small powerpoles any more.. the smaller made power-poles don't have adequate contact tension/pressure and have been real trouble makers for me. Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
