[Elecraft] Anderson Powerpole connector

[Wes Stewart]

Although I soldered the Powerpole connectors for my K3 because I didn't have the appropriate crimping tool, I submit that in general, crimped connections are far more reliable than soldered ones.

Try and find a soldered connector pin in an automobile, aircraft or missile.  Likewise, swaged (a related process) connections abound in the same applications; hydraulic, A/C and fuel hoses, control cables, etc.

As long ago as the 1960s we were crimping the several sections of the TOW missile fuselage together using Magneforming. 

That said, every time I move my K3 on the desk it disconnects itself.  My TS-870 with a Molex connector doesn't.

Wes  N7WS

--- On Thu, 3/24/11, Vic K2VCO <vic at rakefet.com> wrote:


> I solder them too. What I do is push
> the wire up to the top of the contact, heat the 
> little tube, and apply solder to the very top, the part
> closest to the contact surface.
> 
> I'm careful to only use a minimum amount of solder. Because
> I've heated the tube, the 
> solder flows into it, not onto the contact surface.
> 
> This helps avoid the problem of the solder wicking back
> into the strands of the wire, 
> making a stiff section right at the connector which can
> break. I too have never had any 
> problems with these connectors.
> 
> I solder all kinds of things. It makes me feel secure.
> Crimps make me nervous.
> 
> On 3/24/2011 2:55 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> > At the risk of re-energizing an old debate, I have
> *never* crimped a
> > PowerPole connector and have *never* had a problem.
> All of mine are soldered
> > just as Elecraft recommends if you don't have the
> correct crimp tool.
> >
> > In the APP Power Supply Cable Kit instruction sheet is
> a detailed cut-away
> > drawing of how the APP connector contacts insert into
> the shell and lock for
> > solid, reliable contact.
> >
> > Ron AC7AC
> 
> -- 
> Vic, K2VCO
> Fresno CA
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
> __________________________________________