I'm addicted to Anderson Powerpole Connectors for low-voltage DC wiring projects. In case, like me, you've missed the revolution and the religion that is Powerpole, a picture is worth a thousand words:
Powerpole connectors are either "clever" or "genius", depending on your point of view. I think they're a little of both. They're little snap together electrical connectors that can be used in a ton of DIY projects.
The pure simplicity of a few bits of plastic and properly shaped metal makes me happy.
You see, my skills with the soldiering iron never got beyond the "dripping hot metal all over things phase", so I was pretty excited to discover that PowerPole connectors almost completely eliminate the need for me to bust out the iron.
Instead, I can use these little wonders (along with a crimp tool and wire stripper) to make whatever I need.
They're apparently all the rage in the Ham Radio and RC Plane communities. And now they're the backbone of the solar charging rig for my glider as well.
If you're looking to buy some, I highly recommend PowerWerx.com. They've got connectors, cable, pre-made cables, crimp tools, and more. And if you want a bit more hands-on info, Fly RC Magazine published an article called Using Anderson Powerpole Connectors that's quite helpful as an introduction.
Posted by jzawodn at February 22, 2006 02:28 PM
Nice. I think I am currently running a lifetime 1:1 ratio of minor finger burns to soldering projects. I'll have to check these out.
These connectors strike me as merely a cosmetic improvement over the old method of twisting the wires together and wrapping in electrical tape.
It's kind of funny to read your post about bloggers getting oral from PR people and then to read this post.
Why?
Do you think a marketer from Anderson Power Products contacted me?
Jeremy,
Good timing. I just got my Bluesmirf bluetooth rx/tx receiver module and I'm getting ready to start my wireless robotics project. These will come in handy.
Robert
Just a word of caution. We have similar if not exactly these connectors on the back of some of our DC loadbanks and the connections are not always perfect. Occasionally we have had to disconnect and then reconnect them in order to regain a good connection. I am not sure if the issue is some sort of corrosion in the connector or a problem in the crimp. Granted these are fairly large connectors and fairly large stiff wires.
I use Powerpole 30 amp contacts (13 gauge wire) in airplanes at up to 80 amps. The don't even get warm, the wire does though. It is very important that you solder or crimp and assemble them correctly.
The contacts must "float" inside the housings. If they are jammed in tight because of solder blobs or improper crimping they will not work correctly.
See my article in FlyRC magazine.
http://www.flyrc.com/articles/using_powerpole_1.shtml
I've seen the Powerpoles around for a while, but here in the UK we don't use them a lot. However, I've just bought my first batch of them, plus an MFJ-1229 distribution rail, and you are completely right...these things do indeed 'rock' as you state!
If it's 12v, and you have a need for a damned good connector...buy Powerpole! The fact bthat the red/black connectors can fit together in any format, and they are genderless, does mean that you can arrange your wiring so that only one set of wires will fit in a mirror image.
I use the Powerpole connectors in Amateur Radio, and as I'm always unplugging things, and swapping things...they're ideal!
The standard format is 30A connectors, but keep a bag of 45's and 15's handy for those odd times you'll want them.
I don't work for, or know anyone associated with Powerpole by the way...I just like their gear!
Graham (Ham = G7EVY)
