You can buy the exact connector that MFJ/Hygain uses at Mouser. Much cheaper
than from MFJ. The metal plate and cable clamp on the bottom on the rotator are
pretty cheap direct from MFJ. Add a short piece of 8 wire cable and you can do
the whole conversion for under $20. Takes about an hour to replace the wiring
inside the rotator.
Needless to say I’ve done several conversions and it is well worth the effort.
Not as simple as your solution but it keeps the rotator in standard
configuration.
Ken K6MR
From: Patrick Greenlee
Sent: Sunday, 18 May, 2014 13:49
To: towertalk@contesting.com
I was looking for connectors to add to older HY-Gain rotors using 8
wires. My new production unit came with connectors but the older units
use an 8 position terminal strip that is not so wonderfully weather
proofed. So you get your unit refurbed or it is still working fine but
still has the old terminal strip... not satisfactory...
So I'm searching Mouser, Digi Key etc and then... and then... the
little over my head light came on, dimly but noticeably illuminated.
Flat 4 pin trailer connectors for hooking up the lights on a trailer to
be towed. Need 8 pins. Connector has 4 pins. One side is 3 males and a
female and the mating connector is 3 female pins and a male. Take one of
each male and female and using the supplied pigtails put on ring
terminals and install the pair of flat connectors to the terminal
strip. Flood the terminal strip with Silicon rubber (RTV) or your
favorite weather proofer and put on the cover. Another pair of
connectors terminates your cable run at the rotator end.
This gives you polarized connector action. You can't plug the cable run
from the controller into the wrong connectors at the rotator. The
trailer type flat 4 pin connectors are made to be exposed to the
elements in their normal application. I like belt and suspender type
weather proofing so... Wrap the connectors with tape or coax seal or
whatever you prefer to boost the weather resistance if you are worried
that these inexpensive connectors could do a good job. Electrical tape
and a little RTV does a marvelous job and is easy enough to remove if
the need arises.
I kinow, I know, no material certs, no mil-spec, NIH, too inexpensive to
be good etc etc...
73,
Patrick NJ5G
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