[Elecraft] Power pole connection comes loose

[Don Wilhelm]

Greg and all,

OK, I made assumptions - if you do not have the proper crimping tool for 
APP connectors, do not use a substitute (there are several suggestions 
for substitutes on the web) - solder the connectors. When soldering, be 
careful not to get solder on the flat blade of the connector, and do be 
aware that the solder may creep up onto the wire.

If the wire is subject to vibration (mobile or aircraft), do NOT solder 
because with vibration, the wire flexing will cause an eventual break 
right where the end of where the solder has wicked. This is not usually 
a problem with home station installations.

If you must solder the connections in a vibration prone situation, plan 
to secure the wire to the same object as where the connector plugs about 
2 inches away from the connector - that will substantially reduce the 
chance for flexing at the point where the solder wicking has ended.

If you have a vibration prone situation, crimping is the only approved 
method, get the proper tool and learn how to use it - a poor crimp is 
worse than a soldered terminal.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/3/2012 9:40 PM, Greg Troxel wrote:
>    I was working cw with about 95 watts when my K3 shut down.  I checked the
>    power pole connection and it had come slightly loose and was pretty warm,
>    so I let it cool and then re inserted it to the radio, and this seems to
>    work OK.  I've seen some comments about how to make this a more positive
>    connection.  I don't see the roll pin hole on the radio connector?
>
> The other powerpole issue is using a cheap crimp tool, where the pin can
> be bent.  While I concur 100% with Don's advice about the pins clicking
> over the lower pieces, even with them in place they can make bad contact
> if they are bent.
>