[Elecraft] K3 Accessory Connector

[Julian G4ILO]

I found this specification sheet
http://www.erni.com/DB/PDF/TMC/ERNI-TMC-Connectors-e.pdf which
suggests that these connectors are good for 200 mating cycles (bet
that doesn't get past the spam filter!) That's more than enough for
me, though I see a 500 cycle rated version is also available.

Anyone who needs to make more disconnections than that should make a
short flying lead with a more robust connector on the end of it.

Don't forget this is a small radio so it has to have small connectors.
Also why should every buyer have to pay the cost of expensive military
grade connectors with a life cycle that most users will never reach?
The connectors Elecraft is using are the same as used on every other
radio and you don't hear constant complaints about failure from every
ham.

-- 
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Ham-Directory: www.ham-directory.com


On 8/29/07, Charles Harpole <k4vud at hotmail.com> wrote:
> So called  " D connectors" have design specifications issued by various mfg
> of them.  Most list a limited life of 10 to 30 plug/unplug cycles.  That is
> from the designers.  Of course, hams often push design specs well beyond
> those published... a good example is my friend's 50 foot FREE STANDING Rohn
> 25G tower topped with a 5 el tribander (still standing after 16 yrs with no
> guys!!!!-- crazy)
>
> but much more than reliability is the issue of USE-ABILITY.  The K3 is a
> field radio and under the most remote and demanding condx, anderson
> Powerpole and these D thingies are the first frustrations.... UNLESS.... If
> u have
> 1. steady soldering hands
> 2. very good eyesight
> 3.  extra patience
> 4.  proper small soldering tools
> 5. a proper crimper
> 6. extra care when plugging and unplugging, and
> 7.  a large parts store locally in ur area,
>
> THEN, you can welcome these toy (D) or non standard (APP) connectors.  What
> is better, altho old stuff--- Cinch Jones (or even Molex) and below that,
> screw terminal strips and/or  binding posts.  If u r stuck with only bare
> wire and MUST make a connection, sticking a bare wire tip into a Jones
> socket is DO-ABLE, or even into a Molex.... try that with D s and even with
> the APPs.
>
> The JA folks who gave us DIN connectors are now roasting in Small Connector
> Hell, where they have to solder 30 pin DINs with the firey heat of their
> bare fingers and are dipped bodily into molten solder for every mistake.
>
> Oh wish.
>
> Charles Harpole
> k4vud at hotmail.com
>
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