Replacing cigarette adapters with better electrical connectors?

[Martin-Devon]

Virtually everything electrically in my imaging set-up connects with a cigarette adaptor. However, I've had several instances recently where poor and intermittent connections have caused issues. Last night my CCD refused to connect to Artemis capture software - many times before this has proved to be a USB issue, but after spending quite some time tracking down the cause it turned out that the cigarette adaptor was failing to make proper connection into it's socket. I've also had issues with my power supply as well, which again connects via cigarette adaptors - the smallest turn can make the difference between connected and not connected.

I'm now looking at what the options are to take out the cigarette adapter connections comletely from my set-up and replace then with more secure & reliable connectors.

So, I'd be pleased to hear from anybody that has gone down this path before and who has suggestions.

Thanks,

Martin

[Chris Rowland]

Yes, the cigarette lighter connection is a terrible connection, very unreliable.

I've tended to standardise on phono connections but for two pins would use 3 pin XLR connectors, we use them for connecting batteries on gliders and they prove to be reliable.

I've heard of something called a PowerPole connector but not sure where you can get them in the UK.

[Gina]

Yes, I use XLR connectors - far superior. I use phono for dew heaters. The sort of power connectors used on Atik cameras and SW mounts are alright for lower current. I have found them perfectly reliable but can be pulled out easily so best used where there can be no tension on the connector. 90 degree plugs also help. In addition to standard XLR there are mini XLR and I found some other connectors smaller than XLR with screw connection.

Links:-

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2a2a4e8cf2

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120630237248?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Lonestar70]

Hi Martin,

Yes, I agree... cigarette connectors are very unreliable.

I second the use of the 3pin (or more) XLR connectors... I use them for most of my power and data cables.

As Chris has stated... the Anderson Powerpole connectors are also a great option and can be stacked to form multipole connectors if required... they are used a great deal for Radio controlled models (electric flight etc) and also for amateur radio.

They are readily available in the Uk from the following: -

http://www.mardave.co.uk

http://www.northern-connectors.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Pole-Connector-Black-Anderson-Sermos/...

http://www.torberry.co.uk/powerpoles.php

They are also available from various ebay suppliers.

Hope this helps.

Best regards.

Sandy.

[continuum]

I agree that cigaerette plugs - and more so the sockets - are unreliable after a while. I have made up a junction box with six phono sockets so that all my equipment is now served by phono plugs with no problems whatsoever. The junction box power is connected to the 12v supply through banana plugs which again work satisfactorily.

The most difficult part is soldering the phono plugs, so if you use this method, buy a few extra plugs as you probably will spoil at least one ( it's the centre connection that is tricky!)

Ron

[Zakalwe]

Yep, I HATE cigarette sockets with a passion!

I made a neat little power box with some of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370625418118

and these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Connector-XLR-3-Pin-Female-Panel-Chassis-Socket-Black-00606-/200784517171?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item2ebfb09833

I mounted them in an alu project box and used some self-illuminating 12v DPST panel mount switches.

(ignore the big bolts in the left hand socket- I ran out of 3mm bolts)

The XLR plugs are really secure and nice to use.

HTH

[Davey-T]

I use Powercon plugs from Maplin same as XLR but a pretty blue colour

Dave

[kirkster501]

Whatever you do, make sure the plug system you adopt can survive the nighttime "trip test". You are 100% certain at some point to trip or kick out a cable walking round the scope in the dark. Pain though they are, at least fag sockets and plugs will disconnect and pull out if tripped over. You wouldn't want a "locked in" plug type since that could potentially damage something if kicked.

[Zakalwe]

Good point. I put a loop in the canle and secure it with velcro. That provides slack in the case of snagging.

The second thing is to put the power box under the tripod so it cant snag.

[r3i]

I've been planning to replace my collection of cigarette sockets with PowerPole connectors and bought a batch off ebay some time ago.

One question - a few of the cigarette 'plugs' have fuses inside. When swapping to PowerPole should I keep a fuse in the circuit by adding an in-line fuses or have you not bothered?

Waters & Stanton stock the very nice looking RigRunner distribution panels that include blade fuses but they're not cheap: http://www.wsplc.com/acatalog/West_Mountain_12V_DC_Power_Supply_Distribution.html

[Davey-T]

I have built in fuses for each plug, was going to use Anderson power poles but didn't want to buy the expensive crimping pliers,

Dave

[faulksy]

Whatever you do, make sure the plug system you adopt can survive the nighttime "trip test". You are 100% certain at some point to trip or kick out a cable walking round the scope in the dark. Pain though they are, at least fag sockets and plugs will disconnect and pull out if tripped over. You wouldn't want a "locked in" plug type since that could potentially damage something if kicked.

as kirkster says cigarete plugs and sockets will dissconnect easily without any damage or small amount. what i did to get a very reliable connection on cigarette plugs and sockets was i used a old 1p piece which is copper filed all the markings off, and soldered this to the inside of the socket, i also slightly reduced the diameter of the 1p piece by cutting it with wire cutters. now you can move the plug around in any direction and you never loose contact

[Davey-T]

And not all giggy plugs are born equal, some are really rubbish, the worst one I had was on an expensive Kendrick dew heater, you can get good replacements from Maplin etc.

Dave