[Elecraft] K3s - 80W on 160 - Resolved

[Ray Sills]

I’ll agree with Don:  If you are going to use Andersen Power Pole connectors, you have to commit to getting a proper (yes, a proper) crimper.  Yeah, they are not cheap, but the savings of time and frustration in assembling the connectors is worth the price.  And, like any good tool, it’ll have value in the second hand market, should you decide you don’t need it any more.  I’ll let my heirs dispose of my crimper.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211



> On Dec 20, 2016, at 8:13 PM, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> 
> All the APP connector blades (inserts) that I have seen which will take #10 or larger wire (30 amp) must be crimped.  They have "fingers" that must be bent over the wire.  Use a proper crimper for PowerPoles, substitutes will make a mess of the job and mess up the contacts.
> 
> If you wish to use a bit of solder after crimping, that should be possible, but first crimp with a proper crimping tool.
> 
> The 20 amp contact blades can be soldered, but the largest wire they will accept is #12.
> 
> An alternative for less voltage drop is to shorten the cable rather than increasing the wire gauge.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>