I'm in need of some Motorola power connectors. You know, the two-prong things you find on Maxtracs, GM300s, mid-power Spectras, CDM1550s, you get the idea. I can find pigtails in 10ga (too hard to run) and 16/18ga (too damn small). I need them in 12 or 14 ga... or I need genuine Moto power kits. I really don't want to pay Mother $12/kit for the pleasure...
I need at least a dozen connectors, oh, yesterday. I could use several dozen for stock. Does anyone know where to find these damn things? Or have a poo of Moto power kits and want to share?
Thanks...
Motorola power connectors
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Yes, it would be nice if someone made just the connector, in several pieces, which you could attach your own wire to, then use a screw or ty-wrap to keep it closed.
There are several places that sell 10ga and 16ga wire jumpers, about 1 ft long, which I usually cut in half and get twice as many pigtails out of.
16ga should work fine if it's only a few inches. Not enough voltage drop to worry about on radios under 45 watts. It's good enough for 10 amps or so.
Bob M.
There are several places that sell 10ga and 16ga wire jumpers, about 1 ft long, which I usually cut in half and get twice as many pigtails out of.
16ga should work fine if it's only a few inches. Not enough voltage drop to worry about on radios under 45 watts. It's good enough for 10 amps or so.
Bob M.
Aren't those the same connectors used on travel trailer wiring? I know Ford used to use them on car radios back when AM radio was about it.
Chris,
Hamming 31 years
http://www.wa2zdy.com
Wesley Chapel, Pasco County, Florida
Snow? What's that?!
The human race is proof that Darwin was wrong.
Hamming 31 years
http://www.wa2zdy.com
Wesley Chapel, Pasco County, Florida
Snow? What's that?!
The human race is proof that Darwin was wrong.
Yes they are. I got a bunch of thin-gauge cables for about $1.19 each from http://www.truckandsport.com. The wire seems like 18ga, but it's fine for a 12w radio or any other accessory in a repeater cabinet.
Check http://www.pl-259.com as they have short power cable jumpers in 10 and 16 gauge that are reasonably priced.
Bob M.
Check http://www.pl-259.com as they have short power cable jumpers in 10 and 16 gauge that are reasonably priced.
Bob M.
For the benefit of those who haven't tried this yet... It results in half of your cables being color coded backwards (black +, red -). I decided that not even I am that cheap, and just cut off the wrong connector, leaving half as many cables twice as long with the color coding intact. Suit yourself, but be careful if you decide to allow backwards coded cables!kcbooboo wrote:There are several places that sell 10ga and 16ga wire jumpers, about 1 ft long, which I usually cut in half and get twice as many pigtails out of.
Jeff
Yup, that's the big problem with these 12 inch "extension cord" cables.
I just go by the intended use, whether it will be attached to a source of power (the exposed terminal is ground) or if it will be attached to an accessory (the insulated terminal is ground). One of the connectors will have the appropriate colors correctly oriented for one use or the other; choose the proper end to attach to the power supply.
It takes a bit of thought initially, but the ability to have items unpluggable is easily worth the slight confusion when assembling the repeater. I don't bother with the wire colors once they're properly connected; I just match the polarity and I'm good to go.
But it definitely IS worth mentioning. If in doubt, use a voltmeter when finished to make sure the power leads are connected properly.
Bob M.
I just go by the intended use, whether it will be attached to a source of power (the exposed terminal is ground) or if it will be attached to an accessory (the insulated terminal is ground). One of the connectors will have the appropriate colors correctly oriented for one use or the other; choose the proper end to attach to the power supply.
It takes a bit of thought initially, but the ability to have items unpluggable is easily worth the slight confusion when assembling the repeater. I don't bother with the wire colors once they're properly connected; I just match the polarity and I'm good to go.
But it definitely IS worth mentioning. If in doubt, use a voltmeter when finished to make sure the power leads are connected properly.
Bob M.