[Elecraft] power connectors

[Charles Harpole]

My vote for 12 VDC power connectors goes to the Cinch Jones line... used on 
the back of the HyGain rotor controller ... the newer ones.... and available 
for years very widely.  Of course, if u lack such a plug, u r stuck with 
sticking bare wires into the socket holes, not at all good, but do-able in 
an emergency.  They have a strain releif clamp, are large enuf to get ur 
fingers onto, installing and using, and come in many pin sizes (all need 
solder but not a special crimper).  And u can plug them in ONLY ONE WAY even 
if blind.

The Drake TR-7 main power plug was a really butch version of Jones, with 
four large pins, a center pin to key against upside down plug ins that also 
added strength, and a hefty shell with strain clamp.  Still the socket 
version took up less than a sq. inch of panel space.  The only weakness I 
saw in this one is the lack of a mechanical hood over the exposed plug pins, 
which could prevent damage if steped on, for example.  Currently used mic 
plugs have such a protective extended hood, but the socket at the end of a 
cable does not... i.e., the in line socket for today's mics lack protective 
hood.  XLRs are butch, too, but maybe not for 12 VDC.

If u go to Skycraft in Orlando Fla, a stop I guess everyone wants to make, u 
will see at least a dozen sizes of Jones as well as maybe two dozen versions 
of pin numbers.... really informative.  The octal socket and plug adapted 
from larger tubes ... like on Collins KWM-2.. is also nice.

Long ago the ham community shoulda arisen up and rejected the following from 
stupid mfgs...

DIN
small Molex, maybe all Molex
connectors where the supply voltages are on PINS and not sockets (re current 
mic panel sockets etc.)
Power Poles. ..... what is ur favorite no-no?

In desk top ham rigs, small is a not a blessing.  When I get rich and make a 
ham rig, I am gonna set the thing on its tail and use what is now  the top 
for the front panel and I am gonna have every control on a single shaft or 
switch, gonna have ooodles of them, and lots of lights and screens....  and 
not a single menu.   THAT is ham radio... not these dinky toys.... Where are 
the guys who operated
Johnson Valiant?
HQ-180  ?
75A-4?
wonderful NC-300?
WRL Globe King?
and, not to forget, the BC-610 ?

THOSE were real radios...... ah, take me back....... did I say that?  73

Charles Harpole
k4vud at hotmail.com

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