[Elecraft] PowerPoles

[Edward R Cole]

I recently built some 75A powerpole connectors and bought the bonded 
version.  Had some difficulty getting a good insertion of the 
pins.  I wanted to use No. 10 wire and could not get a decent crimp 
that would allow insertion (granted I do not have the proper 
crimper).  I finally resorted to using short pigtail of No.8 wire 
which inserted with not too much effort.

I guess I will have to purchase the crimper if I am making many of these.

This cable was for my new 140w HF amp.  I did note that getting the 
connectors to seat so they would not pull apart (cat.4, below) was a 
bit difficult as I did not get the mating connector located thru the 
chassis hole far enough for them to click easily.

I built custom mounting pcb for the pcb power pole (an fairly pleased 
with the outcome):
http://www.kl7uw.com/LPFilter.htm

73, Ed

It appears this thread has broken into several topics based upon the readers
interpretation of the
problem. Let's break it into 4 categories:

1. Connecting the wire to the contact (crimping or soldering)

2. Inserting the contact into the connector body

3. Mating two connector bodies to form a power plug

4. Retaining the power plug in the receptacle on the back of the K3

My problem deals with number 4. I don't think the plug is securely retained in
the receptacle. I'm
using heavy gauge wire which tends to pull the plug out. Due to the stiffness
and weight of the power
wire, it doesn't take much force to break the connection. Due to the 
receptacle
being mounted inside
the back panel of the K3, there is no way to install one of the retainer clips.

73, Roger


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"