[Amps] SHV Connectors and B-

[Paul Christensen]

> "Over the past several years I have been recommending 5-pin XLR
connectors between the amplifier controller (assumed to be part of the
RF deck) and a remote HV PSU. The aim is to keep the HV-minus, control
and ground connections all together, so that the HV PSU cannot be
enabled separately without that connector plugged in."

XLR connectors are excellent for their electrical and mechanical 
reliability.  In my case, I'm thinking of using two connectors between the 
amp and PS.  The first will pass B+ through a chassis SHV connector.  The 
second must pass 240V to the HV transformer as well as relay control for the 
HV Lo/Hi setting.  In looking at suitable connectors, I'm leaning toward a 
20A 8-pin Cinch-Jones or possibly a Mil-Type ITT/Canon/Amphenol multi-pin 
connector.   A female chassis connector would be installed on the PS, and a 
recessed male chassis connector placed on the RF deck.  With 8-pins, I can 
double-up on 240V and ground wiring.  In doing so, an accidental pull of 
that plug will kill the AC primary and B+ would bleed down in several 
seconds.  I could see placing the B- to chassis diode at the PS as well as 
leaving the existing diode inside the RF deck.

Since the PS will not have its own AC power plug, I would be depending on 
the double-ground pass through the Cinch-Jones connector.  I can add a 
ground bolt to the PS chassis, but I want to ensure safe operation without 
having to depend on that bolt.  The ground pass-through seems adequate to 
me.  Anyone see other issues?

One issue I'm wrestling with is the the base design of the PS cabinet.  I'm 
leaning toward designing my own cover panels in software but the Dahl 2A CCS 
transformer weighs 86 lbs.  I can order cut steel plates or just stack two 
steel relay rack panels to help support the transformer weight.  Maybe Jim 
and/or Vic can chime in on this.  2A is overkill and I'll inquire if they 
can drop the weight down by custom winding it with a 1.2A or maybe 1.5A spec 
at 3200V.  That will result in about 4.3KV on the plate.

Just got the quote back from Hoyt on the 250-degree panel meters.  Ready for 
this?  USD $400 ea. x 4 = $1600 for the set.   Pricing includes custom 
legends and back-illumination.  Simpson wasn't much better at $325 ea.  They 
do look cool though...

Paul, W9AC