[sdiy] External power connectors

[Oren Leavitt]

I've thought about using C-4s and kin as power connectors for 
peripherals like keyboard controllers and such.
I think that they would work out well - rugged, common, inexpensive.

Mercy sakes live, looks like we got ourselves a convoy...
Oren



Cynthia Webster wrote:
> on 12/2/04 2:12 AM, Tom Arnold at xyzzy at sysabend.org wrote:
> 
> 
>>I'm hoping people have good opinions/ideas on this...
>>
>>I'm trying to settle on an external power connector to standardize on.
>>I've built a few rackmount supplies that give me +-12,+-15,+-5 and I want a
>>good connector to run to fracrac boxes and other rack units.
>>
>>I've been thinking of using CB mic connectors for this.  I used to know
>>these as the CBC4,CBC5,CBC6 connectors.
>>https://www.gijoesradioelectronics.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=147
>>has some pictures ( the C4,5,6 ).  They are just metal shell connectors with
>>a threaded locking collar.  The jacks are cheap, the connectors are cheap.
> 
> 
> These CB Mic connectors work really well for inter cabinet system power.
> Modcan uses a three-pin version for +/- 15 and Ground, and I have been
> known to use the C-4 connector with an extra pin to support a 5 volt pin
> in addition to the above.
> 
> For Connections from the synth to an ~analog~ keyboard and back, I supply
> an interface module with an eight pin CB connector (C-8) that sends the four
> power pins into the the keyboard, and returns trigger, Gate, and two control
> voltages back to the auxiliary bus to support duophony or pitch and modwheel
> configurations.  
> 
> So far these connectors have been working great!
> I even punched 5/8 holes for these same connectors into all of my SixPac
> enclosures so that interfacing to the outside world would be simplified.
> 
> Radio Shack sells the 4-pin version regularly, and
> they can also be found at Unicorn Electronics or any Calrad dealer.
> 
> I think that most Mics on CB radios today are more sophisticated than
> only four pins can support, so the impression that I get is that although
> they've been used for microphones for years... no one is really using them
> for this anymore?
> 
> Cynthia
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
>>I looked in Mouser at various connectors and the closest I see to something
>>like this in a decent quality connector would be one of those black plastic
>>with the seperate pins, where the pins themselves cost more then the cheaper
>>mic connectors.
>>
>>I think my answer is gonna be "Quality costs money", but I figure I'd ask
>>what other people use in case someone has a good option.
>>
>>Thanks!
> 
> 
>