I use 2 of the 4 pin trailer connectors sets on my rotator cables. Hook one
of the male connectors to the rotator and the female connector for the
other cable to the rotator. You can then easily connect or disconnect
while holding on to the tower.
Dan, N5AR
On Tue, May 20, 2014 at 5:40 PM, Ed Williams <sunset392@cox.net> wrote:
> Hi All
>
> The one that was looking for 8 pin trailer connector might check out the
> following location.
> http://www.delcity.net/store/8!Way-Connector-Loop/p_8776
> I have bought from them and have had very good results.
>
> 73, de KN4KL/KG4KL ed
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Patrick Greenlee
> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 11:46 AM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] FW: Rotor control cable connectors
>
> Amen, MIke. It would be good to have a third hand when up a tower. With
> proper climbing gear a lanyard should hold you securely to free up your
> hands. It would be good to position the connector such that you can wrap
> your arm around a tower component and still use the hand on that arm to
> hold
> onto one side of the connector pair. I never pry the trailer type
> connectors apart as I have sufficient grip to pull and wiggle to get them
> apart one piece in each hand. In due time I may end up using pliers
> (probably Vice Grips) to hold onto the halves.) I tried several brick and
> mortar sources but never found 8 pin trailer type connectors.
> Two each 4 pin git 'er done and are likely easier to put together and pull
> apart.
>
> I am trying to set up my three towers and Hy-Gain Hy-Tower vertical such
> that I NEVER have to climb them or use a ladder to work with them.
> Over the years tower climbing has begun to be less fun.
>
> 73,
>
> Patrick NJ5G
>
>
> On 5/19/2014 5:59 PM, Mike wrote:
> > Whether you use 4, 6 or 8 pin trailer hitch type connectors, make sure
> > you are able to engage and more importantly, disconnect the mated
> > connectors with your hand. I've used the 4, 6 and 8 pin trailer hitch
> > connectors sold at auto parts store and found I had to use a screw
> > driver to separate the connectors when fully mated. A PITA when on top
> of
> the tower, etc.
> >
> > 73,
> > Mike, K4GMH
> >
> >
> > On Mon, May 19, 2014 at 4:55 PM, Tom_N2SR via TowerTalk <
> > towertalk@contesting.com> wrote:
> >
> >> The Wireman has what you are looking for. 8 pole molded male and
> >> female disconnect.
> >>
> >>
> >> https://www.thewireman.com/prodpix6.html
> >>
> >> I do not own The Wireman, nor do I work for them, therefore I have no
> >> interest. Just passing on information.
> >>
> >>
> >> Tom, N2SR
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> On Monday, May 19, 2014 11:01 AM, Patrick Greenlee <
> >> patrick_g@windstream.net> wrote:
> >>
> >> Matt, That is certainly a good pro way to handle the problem (older
> >> persons substitute word for "issue.") I am doing essentially the same
> >> thing at the terminal strip, exiting that terminal strip area with a
> >> made up cable (separate insulated wires with a couple layers of
> >> shrink over them and plenty of silicon rubber (RTV) inside over the
> >> terminal strip. Nicee and weather proof. Where you went with a
> >> J-box and internal terminal strip, I wnet with a pair of 4 pin polarized
> "flat 4"
> >> trailer connectors.; With a few wraps of tape and some RTV and you
> >> are weatherproof. Coax seal is even easier to put on and take off and
> >> would work good.as well.
> >>
> >> Comparing the two approaches is like arguing whether it is 50 cents or a
> >> half dollar. With a note paper inside the J-box as a reminder of what
> >> color wire goes to which number terminal (unless of course the other
> >> cable is same colors) and you are in business. About the only
> >> advantage I could claim is a little cost and the ability to connect
> >> and disconnect in the dark without needing a third or fourth hand and
> >> a light. I do not intend to be plugging and unplugging in the dark
> >> and the savings won't buy much these days.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Patrick NJ5G
> >> On 5/18/2014 10:53 PM, Matt wrote:
> >>> Hi Patrick,
> >>>
> >>> Just another take on the chronic problem with the older terminal block
> >>> design that you mention... My solution was to replace the terminal
> >> strip
> >>> with a blank-off plate through which I passed a short whip that
> >>> extends
> >> the
> >>> rotor wiring out to a weatherproof external J-box which houses the
> >> terminal
> >>> strip. I use small compression nuts that are similar to seal-tight
> >>> connectors at the blank-off plate and the J-box. J box is mounted to
> >> one
> >>> of the tower legs which also makes accessing the terminal strip a
> >>> lot easier.
> >>>
> >>> Matt
> >>> KM5VI
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> 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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> >>>
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> >>>
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--
Dan Hearn
N5AR
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