[Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

[Dennis Griffin]

Properly assembled APP connectors won’t come apart of their own accord. I do like that they will separate willingly when moderate tension is applied to them. I have used them on motorcycles in power lines for heated clothing & HT’s or GPS’s attached to my person. Having forgotten these tethers a few times during a quick dismount, i.e. to render aid to a participant while supporting a public service event, I liked that an expensive device wasn’t ripped off and thrown to the ground, as it might have been with a different style connector. Same would apply when moving things around in a shack or during portable operations. I doubt they would be an ARES standard if most OM’s didn’t find them suitable.

Regarding other recent complaints, I have always found that genuine APP connector shells mate (dovetail) together very firmly. I typically use zip cord type leads, separated only slightly at the connector, or I use shrink wrap around separate leads near the connectors. So I first assemble the shells, then insert both the crimped terminals into the shells together until they click in. Using this method, I’ve found no need for securing the shells of a connection pair together by additional means. On the few occasions that I have used the split pins that come with some APP bulk connector sets, I have found that they need to be inserted with moderate force, such that they will not be falling out. I typically don’t use the split pins because I occasionally like to use the retention clips (to address Rick’s concern) that hold mated pairs together when they will be in a not readily visible area and I want them secured. These clips use the holes formed by the shells as part of their retention scheme.

Yes, they can be mis-connected if common sense isn’t applied, but confirming a proper mating visually or by feel isn’t difficult.

If used in corrosive or high frequency vibration environments, a light film of dielectric grease will keep the contact areas healthy and current flowing with minimal resistance. Oxymoron, I know, but it’s worked for me for decades on all my m/c electrical connectors..

Being a fan of interchangeability and interconnectivity, and with as many different mfr’s transceivers, power sources, adapters and cables that I have, I will continue to use and appreciate them with no complaints. I share Phil’s position on the dislike mystery.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

> On Feb 17, 2015, at 10:03 PM, Rick Bates <happymoosephoto at gmail.com <mailto:happymoosephoto at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
> Because the is no locking mechanism to keep them connected; far too easy to pull apart.
> 
> Not the black/red paired pieces, what they mate to.  A lock like used in the auto industry connectors would improve them immensely.  
> 
> 73,
> Rick wa6nhc
> 
> Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable
> 
>> On Feb 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Phil Hystad <phystad at mac.com <mailto:phystad at mac.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> Its a mystery to me why people don't like the APP connectors.