[TowerTalk] Quick Disconnects

[jimlux]

On 8/21/19 6:47 AM, Dan Atchison via TowerTalk wrote:
> I have been using Cinch Jones plugs/sockets (series 300) for quick 
> disconnects in my shack for years, but they are becoming increasingly 
> difficult to find. What are people using today for easy, multi-wire, 
> in-line quick disconnects, i.e. rotor cables, stack matches, etc?
> 

Anderson power poles - you can gang up to around 10 before the 
insertion/separation force gets pretty high.

Molex rectangular multi pin connectors - Not great for daily mate/demate 
cycles, but easy to install. Various pin sizes available for different 
currents. You can cut the latches off and they'll stay mated, at least 
in a low vibration environment.

Circular Plastic Connectors (like the MIL 38999) - easy to mate/demate, 
and they have that nice bayonet locking ring. Assembly is about the same 
as the Molex

In both of the latter cases, get some tooling to make life easy - the 
right crimper die and the little round hollow tool for 
inserting/removing pins from the housing. Total tooling cost is probably 
< $10.

XLR type connectors - great in 3, 4, 5 pin varieties.  Rugged (you can 
step on them without breaking).  I've not bought any for more than 10 
years, but back then, the 5 pin were substantially more expensive.  You 
also want to be careful using the 3 pin, if there's any audio circuits 
around that might get accidentally mated.




Things I've tried over the years that didn't work so well:

Sub D connectors - yes, lots of pins, dense, etc. but if you step on the 
plug side, the metal shroud bends.  Pins are easy to bend and break.

Modular phone jacks - nice up to 8 conductors, but only accepts a few 
kinds/sizes of wire.  Great for jumpers and patch panels, and there are 
modular to pigtail adapters.

Round DIN connectors in various sizes. The 5 pin is most common, but 
they're available with 8 or more pins, both in full size (roughly 3/4") 
to mini.  The pins easily break or bend, and the metal shield seems to 
be easily damaged.

LEMO - multipin, really rugged when mated. Wretchedly expensive. Hard to 
assemble.