Please suggest a connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Gall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 02:57:32 pm
content: Hi,Some time ago I used old USSR connectors RP-10. They look like oversized D-Sub and are rated 10A per pin. I'm afraid that they will be out of stock soon so I wonder if there are other similar connectors. I don't need a direct replacement, just something that I can use and that is a bit more future-proof. Any suggestions?

author: nixfu
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 04:06:14 pm
content: Maybe one of the Anderson PowerPole connectors since you want to carry a good amount of current.http://www.andersonpower.com/products/

author: mij59
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 05:41:43 am
content: Here is a link to some industrial connectors.http://www.conrad.nl/ce/nl/category/SHOP_AREA_34925/Industriele-connectoren-rechthoekig

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 07:04:27 am
content: They look a lot like some of the old Brit stuff,as well as the multiway connectors on some Tek & SonyTV studio equipment.They were pretty much unobtainium back in the '80S & '90s,unless the OEM supplied a bunch amongst their spares,so you may battle to get them now.Also,have a look in a RS Components catalogue (a real one,not the stupid website).

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 10:38:37 am
content: You can get "ComboD" connectors which are in usual da/db/dc/dd/de shell sizes, but have 20A (iirc) contacts. Coaxial contacts are also available. Check mouser/ digikey/ Newark.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 10:54:22 am
content: Well, first of all define how much current and how many separate voltages do you need. Do you actually use all those 11 pins in the connector, do you carry up to 10A per pin?There's lots of connectors..If you don't need D-Sub style or insulated from water etc, you could use for example the Mini-Fit series series from Molex, same stuff used for PCI Express power connectors, about 13A per contact.

author: Gall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 11:40:12 am
content: Thanks!I usually need something like 5-6A per pin in 4 or 5 pins and may be some other pins for small current control lines. I use mostly the 7-pin version and sometimes the 11-pin one. The cable is thick and not quite flexible, so the connector has to be quite strong to hold that beast. A metal shell would be nice.I know about D-Sub combos. They are really 30A per pin which is an overkill and mostly come in 2 or 3 pin versions. I've seen other options in the equipment but they're quite hart to obtain. And the shell is not so robust as the old Soviet one.These Mini-Fits are nice but they don't come with a shell. I use them for inside connections but this is the outside one. Yes, I don't want to expose the PCB through a hole.At now, PowerMod are very close to that what I'm looking for.BTW, is the Soviet RP-10 connector an original device or a copy of something? USSR used to copy other's products.vk6zgo, which Brit products do you mean?

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 12:05:24 pm
content: Perhaps the Wieland revos HD or other Revos connector?http://www.wieland-electric.com/en/products/heavy-duty-connectorsEdit: english version

author: Precipice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 02:22:23 pm
content: Good quality (machined pin, normally crimp connected in my experience) D-types will do 5A or more per way. I probably wouldn't use them in a production environment, where the temptation to replace them with cheap pressed-contact lookalikes would be overwhelming, but for stuff I build in-house, they're great. Cheapish, easily available, and crimping cables for looms is substantially quicker and easier than soldering and heatshrinking.I can't see part numbers from here. Search for machined pins and the ability to take 18G wire (maybe 20G?) and you'll see candidates. You generally buy the housings and the pins separately.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 12:21:41 am
content: Quote from: Gall on June 24, 2014, 11:40:12 amQuite honestly,I'm not sure who made them,but they were fairly common on Brit stuff up until the early 1970s.They look to have a military origin,though.

author: xquercus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 05:05:01 am
content: nixfu already suggested APP products. I don't know your full set of requirements but the singlepole line is extremely flexible. They connect together so you can come up with a custom interconnect at a very reasonable price. They are commonly used by radio amateurs so there is a lot of easy to follow documentation available.http://www.andersonpower.com/products/singlepole-connectors.html

author: Gall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2014, 01:12:17 pm
content: Thanks! It seems to be close.Rant: what is wrong with the zigzag pin arrangement? It is more compact than just dual-in-line.