Power connectors/jack connectors. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ramonest
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 07:49:21 am
content: I've encountered a very frustrating problem. My (in theory same size) power jack connectors won't match. Since I started doing electric/electronic projects I wanted to use same size power jacks so I could be able to use the same wall adaptor for different projects(is it a good idea?).The store I buy the components can't get me matching ones... (I mean I go there with one that works with an anterior project and they sell me one that won't work or have a bad connection), is it normal or I should just stop buying them there?If having same size connectors for many projects is good should I buy a bunch of female and male matching jack connectors on Ebay or there are better options than jack connectors?Thanks.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 09:37:45 am
content: If you use the "standard-ish" 5.5 mm barrel/coaxial power jack, then please be aware that there are several sizes for the central pin.The most popular are the 2.1 and 2.5 mm.A smaller male will not fit into a larger female and a larger male will make a bad connection or no connection at all in a smaller female.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 09:53:02 am
content: Also be aware that the centre pin of cheap PCB mount coax power connectors often develops a bad contact where it is riveted into the rear terminal. While this can be alleviated by inserting a plug to support the pin then scraping the plating and soldering round the rivet, the real cure is to buy good quality leading brand ones from a reputable supplier in the first place.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 09:59:07 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on October 09, 2015, 09:53:02 amBad contacts can also happen between the outside contact and the associated solder tab, as many of these jacks rely on the plastic for the crimping tension.If you solder them and use too much/too long heat, the plastic can deform easily. In addition, the solder tabs can be oxidized badly and the solder may have difficulty to wet them.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 10:10:22 am
content: I hate the standard concentric DC power jacks, they're universally horrible.Try these instead, they're much better:http://www.toby.co.uk/content/catalogue/series.aspx?id=2&category=135

author: ramonest
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 10:23:37 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on October 09, 2015, 09:53:02 amAny recomended good brand? I think I'll get a bunch of male/female and prob solved

author: ramonest
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 12:40:31 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on October 09, 2015, 10:10:22 amHm I'll consider it if I can't get a bunch of matching ones thx!

author: Tandy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 12:54:19 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on October 09, 2015, 10:10:22 amPersonally I find those mini-din style connectors a PITA, bent pins, especially as people can't figure out which direction the plug goes in. Barrel connectors are much easier providing you have matching pin sizes.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 01:22:32 pm
content: I think you'd struggle to bend the pins on those. Although they resemble mini-Din, their pins are much fatter, and much less prone to damage.The only fault I've ever seen with one is incorrect assembly, which isn't entirely surprising as they do come in many parts that need careful assembly to ensure the latching mechanism works correctly.