Instrument Panel Power Distribution

wrote:
Jim,

Do I see the PowerPole illustration correctly -- two separate
connectors for positive and negative? I'll take the German speaker
plugs my V2 came with over that, but I am looking for something better
(and not Molex either!) ...

A lot of people in my club use XLR connectors. They are big, tough three
pin locking connectors designed for professional audio use. Its a safe
bet the last Big Rock Group you saw used them to cable up their PA. They
are also pretty good for glider power connectors.

--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. |
org | Zappa fan & glider pilot

A lot of people in my club use XLR connectors. They are big, tough three
pin locking connectors designed for professional audio use. Its a safe
bet the last Big Rock Group you saw used them to cable up their PA. They
are also pretty good for glider power connectors.

--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. |
org | Zappa fan & glider pilot


I have more experience with XLR connectors and big rock groups than
anyone in their right mind wants (sorry Martin, never worked with FZ).
Prefer to keep audio connectors for audio. There is no standard as to
which pins to use for DC. Canon made a "LNE" XLR connector (Line,
Neutral, Earth) a while ago, but they went out with 8-track tapes and
polyester suits. Have used XLR for microphones, line level, speakers
and power all on the same stage, and have seen "Ooops!" (the actual
language may vary) happen with them too.
The PowerPoles are connectors popular with amateur radio people, made
specifically for low voltage power. As Tom noted, they clip together to
make multiple pin connectors. The standard configuration is one red and
one black. When you build the connector with the wire and the smooth
side of the connector towards you, the red is on the right. Unlike many
other connectors, there's no need to guess how it's wired. You can see
the standard configuration on the RigRunner. The availability of power
distribution like the RigRunner and decent use-specific connectors is
far better than ye olde barrier strips, badly done crimps, and Molex
connectors.
You may have noticed that these connectors are used on the CBAII
battery tester discussed in the "Battery Health" thread earlier.

http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp...331&CtgID=3586

Unlike the XLR, DIN or even Powerlet connectors, PowerPoles are
lightweight and therefore don't get thrown about by turbulence, as the
cables are sufficient to damp their movement.
A friend just delivered my RigRunner 4005, with 1 input and 5
outputs. It looks great, perhaps a little large. We discussed fusing...

Has anyone had luck replacing a blown fuse in flight? Usually it
blows again, as there had to be something really wrong for the first
one to go.

Looked at Tom's "Powerlet" link, They look OK but I'd still go with
the Anderson / West Mountain approach, especially behind the panel.
No, Ted I wouldn't want single-conductor connectors either.
Jim

wrote:
Jim,

Do I see the PowerPole illustration correctly -- two separate
connectors for positive and negative? I'll take the German speaker
plugs my V2 came with over that, but I am looking for something better
(and not Molex either!) ...