[Elecraft] bad choice: Anderson PowePole connectors

[Richard Thorne]

John:

I was just going to make that reference to R/C airplanes.

I fly large electric planes, my largest being almost 12 pounds.  I run 
10 lithium polymer batteries in series for a total of just over 34 volts 
at full load which draws approximately 62 amps.  I'm using 45 amp APP's 
and they work just great.  I put the plane through some very high G 
maneuvers and have never had a problem with the APP's coming apart.  
However I do use a separate battery for my receiver so if I lose power 
to my motor I still have control of the plane. 

I think the issue is proper installation.  Since I use lots of APP's I 
went ahead and purchased the ratchet crimping tool from West Mountain.  
However, if I just had one set of APP's to deal with, ie a K2 I don't 
think I would want to purchase the crimper and would probably solder 
them.  But I think the trick here would be to watch the amount of heat 
applied to the connector.

Rich - N5ZC


John Payne wrote:
> See bottom post:
>
> Phil Kane wrote:
>> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 03:44:08 +0000, Charles Harpole wrote:
>>
>>  
>>> ARRL's idea to standardize on Anderson is similarily a
>>> mistake... and their idea is especially applied to emergency
>>> comm... the very place where weird fixtures are another disaster.
>>>     
>>
>>   Our ARES group has standardized on the Anderson PPs and they
>>   have been installed on all equipment used by our members.
> I can't for the life of me understand the hatred some show of APPs.  
> Like any other connector, if installed PROPERLY and used for the 
> intended purpose, they do a great job.  ANY connector can fail if 
> installed in a ham-handed manner, even the most expensive.  My local 
> ARES group has standardized on these, and not just because "the ARRL 
> said so", as some imply.  They truly are a superior connector if 
> installed to manufacturers spec.  Crimp or solder, your choice, 
> although if crimping is good enough for NASA, Boeing, 
> McDonnell-Douglas et al, it's good enough for me.
>
> Also, the roll pins are NOT recommended  by most sellers of APPs, nor 
> Anderson.  They do not stay put, and can cause a disaster if they fall 
> into the wrong place(see Murphy's Law).  Better to use a drop of Super 
> Glue or similar after the connectors are dovetailed together.   The 
> clip made to hold sets together is a great idea, although it does add 
> to the expense.
>
> BTW, RC modelers use APPs extensively with no trouble or unwanted 
> disconnects, and this is certainly a harsher environment than most of 
> us will use them in.
>
> Just my 2 cents, now back in my hole!!
>
> 73 de John AI4JH
>