power supply connectors

cheesyhoward · 06-12-2004, 04:15 PM

What is the best type of connector to use for the +12v and ground to a dcdc PSU (modded sproggy 2.7 with extra 2amp 12v circuit) so that it can be disconnected easily.

I have been using a male molex connector which made it easy to take the computer outta the car and test indoors using a normal ATX psu to power the sproggy. However, recently (during hot weather) the hard disk starting spinning down in the car. After some reasearch (which I should have done before deciding to use the connectors) I have found out that the connectors are only good for ~5 amps. So i guess during the hot weather more energy was being lost as heat and the voltage drop that was just too much for my current setup.

no1knows · 06-12-2004, 04:23 PM

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/mod...359&Products=1

and

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/mod...497&Products=1

Thats 10A per pin, split your chunky wire into 3 and use this, rated at 30A then.

henkbliek · 06-13-2004, 06:38 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by no1knows

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/mod...359&Products=1

and

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/mod...497&Products=1

Thats 10A per pin, split your chunky wire into 3 and use this, rated at 30A then.

That idea doesn't sound very wise to me (understatement). These are quite common mains connectors, can you imagine what happens when somebody plugs the 12V system into 115 or 230VAC mains???

I suggest you take a look around in a local electronics store to find a more suitable connector, or try an carelectronics shop.

no1knows · 06-13-2004, 08:16 AM

lol! henkbleik, a connector is a connector, if you plug one end into the mains and the other end into your car then that is being stupid, but you can connect whatever wires u like to these connectors like any others, what they were intended for does not matter.

Trust me, these are a good cheap solution to high current connectors.

cheesyhoward · 06-13-2004, 08:22 AM

found one with a fuse
just need to find out if good for 10amps

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Products/Mod...leNo=1503&MR=N

no1knows · 06-13-2004, 08:33 AM

Thats rates 6A per pin i believe

henkbliek · 06-13-2004, 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by no1knows

lol! henkbleik, a connector is a connector, if you plug one end into the mains and the other end into your car then that is being stupid, but you can connect whatever wires u like to these connectors like any others, what they were intended for does not matter.

Trust me, these are a good cheap solution to high current connectors.

Wrong. If you mess with electronics and build it so that you give users the possibility to act what you call 'stupid' then that makes you stupid as well. Especially if there are other ways to get around the problem!

BTW. Just thought about a possible nice alternative for this connection. I guess those blue Neutrik Speakon connectors might be a nice one. Don't know their current rating though...

no1knows · 06-13-2004, 01:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by henkbliek

Wrong. If you mess with electronics and build it so that you give users the possibility to act what you call 'stupid' then that makes you stupid as well. Especially if there are other ways to get around the problem!

Some amount of common sense needs to be assumed with any electrical advice, i assume theres little chance of cheesyhoward powering his SPROGGY (which in itself requires pretty decent electrical knowledge to build) from the mains. If this was a possiblity, then yes i am stupid.

I stand by my connector anyway, its the best solution i've seen to high current connectors, and ive had no problems with them, although i havent tried connecting it to the mains yet

Elektron · 06-13-2004, 02:13 PM

Are you sure you are not shutting down one of the DC/DC converters? If it is getting hot then it will go into over current protection.

cheesyhoward · 06-14-2004, 03:49 AM

it runs fine indoors plus got 10cm fans cooling the comp.