[Elecraft] K3--Trouble with Power Pole connectors

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Excellent question, Bob!!

You caused me to check. I have several APP cables about, to I hooked two of
them together and added weights to one while lifting with the other until
they separated.

My test pair separated at 1.2 kg or just over 2.6 lbs. I consider that
substantial force needed to separate them. I've never had a pair fall apart
without tugging on them with what I considered pretty strong force. 

Clearly, something different is going on with yours or are you are much
stronger than I. 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Tellefsen
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 5:48 PM
To: Reflector Elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] K3--Trouble with Power Pole connectors


I thought these PP connectors were supposed to be such
great stuff :-)

Mine keep falling out and losing power on the rig.

I assembled mine very meticulously, as I've read a lot of
the comments here about keeping the solder away from
the contact area.

I assembled mine with the blade standing vertical in a third-hand tool, so
the solder never came above the end of the cylinder that the wire end sticks
into.

The blades are pushed all the way into the plastic housings
so the curved end clicks over the little ridge to keep it in its own
housing.

When I insert the plugs into the receptacles on the back
of the K3, they go all the way to the end and bump up
against the end of the receptacle.  No problem about being 
pushed in all the way.

It seems to me that there is very little friction/pressure between the male
and female connectors to hold them together.  I tried the little cylinder
pin that is supposed to help hold them together, but it quickly got lost
when the male connector fell out for the third time.

Can anyone tell me if the blades in these connectors need
to be bent a bit to maintain a good contact so that will stay together?

Otherwise, I'll have to replace the PP connectors with something more
reliable.

Thanks and 73
Bob N6WG