How do you make quick disconnect power lines?

**Snortonnorton** · 06-30-2007, 01:58 PM

I'm going to build my first car computer with an M2 ATX PSU.

where do I find 8 gauge wire? I found the inline fuses at walmart but no power wires there.

Also, how do I make a quick disconnect with wires so I can remove the computer for maintainance? ( I don't know the names of different wire ends/caps I could possibly use)

thanks in advance.

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-30-2007, 02:14 PM

go to a car audio shop for power wire.

use a terminal strip for a quick disconect solution. that way you only have to disconnect one side of the wire to remove it from the car.

I've done this on the case in my car, here's a pic:

Or like the longer one in this pic (that's 8 gauge on the bottom right last 3 terminals):

**sebberry** · 06-30-2007, 02:48 PM

^

more pics?

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-30-2007, 08:44 PM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/work...ne-tuning.html

**sebberry** · 06-30-2007, 11:20 PM

Thanks, I found the pics, that's a really impressive install! I hope mine will eventually look like that...

And to the OP: I am using mini-fit Jr connectors for my power, display and USB... They're cheap (buy a bunch of extra crimp terminals because you will need them) and pretty compact. http://www.molex.com/cgi-bin/bv/mole...ction%20Matrix

**Snortonnorton** · 06-30-2007, 11:54 PM

thanks guys, this forum rocks.

**Snortonnorton** · 06-30-2007, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by sebberry

Thanks, I found the pics, that's a really impressive install! I hope mine will eventually look like that...

And to the OP: I am using mini-fit Jr connectors for my power, display and USB... They're cheap (buy a bunch of extra crimp terminals because you will need them) and pretty compact. http://www.molex.com/cgi-bin/bv/mole...ction%20Matrix

on that link you have, which ones are you using of the "mini-fit junior connectors?

**sebberry** · 07-01-2007, 03:17 AM

I'd give you part numbers but they vary depending on how many circuits, etc...

Basically you want a plug (with male crimps) that will be on the computer side and receptacle (with female crimps) that will carry the power from the car.

I'll get some better pics in a few days of my setup...

The big white connector on the left by the fan is a 16 circuit male plug. The male crimp pins are attached to the wires and then inserted into the housing.

In this case, the big plug is carrying VGA and USB signals.

The smaller one on the right side is a 6 circuit male plug. This is the one I have the power coming through, and will also run the ATX momentary contact switch and fan power through.

Since I haven't build a nice case for it all, the "panel mount" style connectors were mounted with epoxy putty to the base. Rather crude, but it worked (did that after the above pic was taken)

I order everything through Allied Electronics. Fast shipping, good prices on these parts (I have sen them for double from other suppliers) and they haven't botched an order yet.

http://www.alliedelec.com/Catalog/In...F&N=4294825770

They have a good graphical online catalog of the parts. Be sure to order the extractor tool as well, or you won't be able to get the crimps out of the housings. I ordered a bunch of extra crimp terminals because I knew I'd be experimenting with them too. Nice to have extras around.

You do not need to order their fancy $400 crimp tool either. Most electronic supply stores carry some decent GC/Waldom crimpers for $15.

**GoHybrid** · 07-01-2007, 03:55 AM

i've always used wire cutters for my quick disconnects.

when i'm not in such a hurry i use molex or AMP mate-n-lok connectors

**shotgunefx** · 07-01-2007, 04:15 PM

If you are looking local, even Radioshack carries some of these types of sockets. (At least mine does), also got the pin extractor there. Crimp tool on the other hand... probably not, but even if they did, I wouldn't buy it there

I just redid my setup to streamline removing it.

Originally Posted by sebberry

...
I order everything through Allied Electronics. Fast shipping, good prices on these parts (I have sen them for double from other suppliers) and they haven't botched an order yet.

http://www.alliedelec.com/Catalog/In...F&N=4294825770

They have a good graphical online catalog of the parts. Be sure to order the extractor tool as well, or you won't be able to get the crimps out of the housings. I ordered a bunch of extra crimp terminals because I knew I'd be experimenting with them too. Nice to have extras around.

You do not need to order their fancy $400 crimp tool either. Most electronic supply stores carry some decent GC/Waldom crimpers for $15.

Another relatively cheap crimp tool I've had good luck with is a Molex P/N 63811-1000, around $50-$60 USD.

I've had it a few years and have done hundreds of crimps with it, works with everything from SL/KK stuff to big stuff. From roughly 26ga to 14ga wire. I've done larger than 14ga, but that is the limit it says on the box YMMV.