Is this a standard connector? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 12:46:25 am
content: The DC side of this adapter:https://www.amazon.ca/Battery-Charger-Supply-Adapter-Balanced/dp/B01M3SQJMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488433728&sr=8-1&keywords=42+volt+power+adapterMy nephew has a "hoverboard" (hopefully it's not the same model that explodes) and the charging adapter stopped working so decided to open it just to see if i can troubleshoot it. It's an easy one, I get power at the DC output but not at the end of the cable, so it's something wrong with the cable or connector. I may just buy the new adapter, but figured if I can find that type of connector somewhere I can just replace it.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 01:41:57 am
content: It almost looks like some strange DIN connector.I am somewhat sure it's a standard, I just don't know what it is.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 02:00:14 am
content: No, it is not a "standard" connector. I would estimate your chances of finding an interchangeable replacement pretty remote.I would replace both sides of the connection with something more common and more robust. The fact that it has failed is a pretty strong indicator that you could do better than that.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 03:04:53 am
content: I can't say I've ever seen that style before - especially in that size. Seems rather small for my liking.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 03:11:24 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on March 03, 2017, 03:04:53 amI have a small Black & Decker rechargeable screwdriver with the exact same connector but with only two contacts. No idea what it is called.

author: MarkS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 03:13:30 am
content: I've seen that many times. As to what it's called and where to find it though...

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 03:24:31 am
content: I think I've seen it before. Look in the digikey or mouser catalog. It was near the same section as the old dell laptop plugs IIRC.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 04:12:16 am
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on March 03, 2017, 02:00:14 amThat's kinda my plan B. I might go with a standard barrel connector or something. It needs to handle 2 amps at 42 volts so that should not be too hard.It's kinda annoying as my sister just bought this for him not that long ago, he used it like 3 times until it stopped charging, all because of terrible workmanship. The company seems to have vanished off the face of the Earth. Typical. lol.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 05:03:20 am
content: It looks similar to the old Dell laptop connectors. They were a bugger because you couldn't just buy an off-the-shelf AC/car adapter, you had to buy the Dell one. It seems these days they have adapters.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 03:16:20 am
content: That looks darn similar to a mini xlr connector, they are great, but not when they are just made out of plastic.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 03:27:21 am
content: Hmmm you're right, I have a wireless mic that uses something similar I should check if it fits, then I can at least have something to search for. Worse case I might just order that plug pack, but on the other hand I kinda want to just mod a new connector as it will be cheaper and more fun.The existing PSU does provide power so that part actually still works fine.Think I'll search around Amazon and see if I can find a fitting plug/socket combination and go from there. Digikey would be the fastest though but don't like ordering from there unless it's a large order so I can get free shipping. .... and this is how i end up buying $200 of "stuff I might need one day".

author: richard.cs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 01:06:38 pm
content: To me it looks a lot like the Bulgin mains inlet connector that was used on a lot of UK equipment before the IEC connector took over.There were two sizes, the smaller one was also used for the 24 V on at least some Weller soldering irons. Re-wireable screw terminal and solder bucket ones are available, they're now not recommended for mains because most designs can be disassembled without tools.I think this is one of the big ones:https://www.cricklewoodelectronics.com/BMLS3P.htmlbut I have bought the small type in the last couple of years.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 05:49:29 am
content: Ended up just buying off Digikey after all. Went with these:http://www.digikey.ca/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&itemSeq=220908913&http://www.digikey.ca/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&itemSeq=220908923&Did not check out yet, just debating on other misc stuff to add to the order to make the shipping cost more worth it.

author: @rt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 08:50:58 am
content: It’s a Bulgin plug, common for Leak and Marshall amps in the day, and there’s still modern version with the same nameused by the last company I worked for.I had to chase the vintage version for my Leak TL12 Plus.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 09:16:00 am
content: Looks like a reversed or female XLR connector.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/xlr-connectors/0458024/Or on second thaughts its a microphone plug/socket.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-4-5-6-8-Pins-Microphone-Chassis-Sockets-Plugs-Male-Female-CB-Ham-Radio-/231359930831?var=&hash=item35de2061cf:m:mTX8ahsP3iD6U8AKD5DvjuQ

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 02:23:29 pm
content: It appears that everyone is considerably over-estimating the SIZE of that connector. If the original photo cited by @Red Squirrel is accurate, that connector is perhaps 1/4 or maybe 1/3 the size of an XLR (or those old threaded-ring) connectors. It looks like that connector is 1cm or smaller in diameter. It is nothing like a mini-XLR connector either, as the pin diameter and location are quite different. It is in the genre of those proprietary power/charging connectors seen on some notebook computers, docking stations, etc. I have very low expectations that the connectors the OP ordered will be even remotely compatible.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 03:10:45 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on March 05, 2017, 09:16:00 am+1 on the microphone connector - you beat me to suggesting it.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 03:36:54 pm
content: Black & Decker charger - two pin version.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 11:24:20 pm
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on March 05, 2017, 02:23:29 pmWe do have a wireless mic at church that uses mini XLR so I could check to see if it fits (powered off of course! lol) but I ended up ordering a completely different one anyway. A plug and socket, so I'll just swap both out and call it a day.

author: jdraughn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 01:50:15 am
content: I actually just bought nearly the same adapter, just got it in the mail two days ago.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HXMY0TE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1I actually cut the connector off the end and soldered one of these on insteadhttp://www.banggood.com/Ten-Pair-Of-Fireproof-T-Plug-Connector-For-RC-ESC-Battery-p-987711.html?rmmds=search