[Elecraft] APP Connector Weak Spot

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

While we're on the subject of APP connectors, let me point out the one issue
that comes up more often than another - intermittent connections when
plugged in and an tendency for the connectors not to stay mated. 

It's always been associated with improperly assembled connectors. 

After putting the connector together, hold onto the shell and tug sharply on
EACH wire. If the terminal comes out, it was not properly seated. 

The terminals slide in until they "click" in place. The blade terminal snaps
over the end of a spring in the shell, locking it securely in place so that
you'll break a wire or terminal before you can pull it out again. 

Using the "zip" wire Anderson (and Elecraft) provides, some builders get one
terminal mounted at an angle. They push them into the shells, which are
assembled side-by-side, and one terminal might click into place but the
other, pushed into the shell rotated at an angle, doesn't make it all the
way. That terminal may touch the corresponding terminal on the mating
connector, but it won't engage it properly. The result is a poor,
high-resistance and intermittent connection. Sometimes it's bad enough the
APP shells get hot. In the extreme case, the connectors may literally fall
apart in use. 

Look in the end of the assembled connector. Both terminals should look the
SAME and both should be locked over the end of the spring inside the shell. 

If you're not sure what they should look like, there's a drawing and
photograph in several Elecraft manuals. One is the XV50, XV144 and XV222
Transverter Kit Assembly Manual at:

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740095_Assembly_Manual_XV50_144_222-C.pdf

See Figures 27 and 28 on page 37.  

Ro, AC7AC