[sdiy] connectors for power

[Colin Hinz]

On Mon, 4 Oct 2004, TIm Daugard replied to Roy:

> > While we're on the subject of connectors,  what do all of you
> > home-brewers use to distribute power among variout modules and
> > boxes and such?
>
> > Say for example I have a dual-output 15 volt supply _and_ a 5
> > volt supply for things like some logic, LEDs, etc...
>
> I use Molex type connectors for power - large, easy to connect,
> and inexpensive if bought in bulk. Pins are on the order of 6 cents
> each in quantities of 100 from Mouser. I use two pin power +12V
> and ground. Connector bodies are on the order of 10 - 20 cents.
> One module with its associated power cable end runs less than 50
> cents for power connections.

Which Molex connectors, exactly? Some of them are horrid -- single
contact surface plus weak "springyness" in the contact means that
with moderate vibration the connections go intermittent. I'd rather
pay for reliable connectors than risk a botched performance.

Speaking of which (reliable connectors, not botched gigs), I just
lucked onto a (small) supply of 5-pin XLR connectors. Made by
Switchcraft, so they're built like tanks. Unusual number of pins,
so I won't be accidentally frying mics and mixers when hurrying
through setup. A pretty standard connector type, so if one gets
destroyed, I can still purchase a replacement. They sure won't
be as cheap as the ones I just bought ($3.50 for cable M + panel F,
both!!) but they *will* be available.

Naturally, these connectors are for box-to-box, not board-to-board.
My plan is to relegate the power supply (heavy iron, heavy magnetic
fields, lots of heat from linear regulators) to a separate box which
gets to sit on the floor, away from the actual bloopy bits.

- Colin Hinz
  Toronto, Canada