hints2 » Page 1 of 1

Site Navigation

Hints and Kinks

Power Connectors

The Molex type connector is the older of the two. It is readily available at Radio Shack (Part # 274-222 (tin plated version)) or at most electronic parts supply stores (gold plated pins). It will handle a moderate amount of current (8 to 10 amps for the tin plated variety and 12 to 16 amps for the gold plated variety). It is not made to handle the current requirements of a portable HF rig (usually about 20 amps). It will handle 16 to 22 AWG wire (which is sometimes to small to handle higher current applications).
The Anderson Powerpole is a newer type connector and the version that is coming into vogue as the new ARES/RACES standard is the 30 amp model. It will handle most any current application (short of a portable 1 kw amplifier). The Powerpole will handle 10 AWG wire and smaller. It is much easier to assemble and is "genderless". They are about the same size as the Molex connector. In many states that have integrated communications organizations (such as California's ACS), they have adopted the 30 amp Anderson Powerpole as their standard. They are available from Powerwerx (http://www.powerwerx.com), Cable X-perts (http://www.cablexperts.com) and, in smaller quantities (10 or less) from Universal Radio (http://www.universal-radio.com). Prices are about the same as the Molex connectors. It is recommended that if you are using the Molex connector for your equipment, you buy a couple of the Anderson Powerpoles and make "jumper cables" (one Powerpole to Molex male and one Powerpole to Molex female). See the Cumberland County ARES/RACES Resource Manual (available for viewing and download on the Documents Page) for instructions on assembling the Anderson Powerpole.

It is recommended that if you are just starting out in emergency communications and have no standardized connectors, you equip yourself with the Anderson 30 amp Powerpole and make two patch cords that go to the male and female Molex connectors. If you currently have all Molex connectors, it is recommended that you purchase two Anderson 30 amp Powerpole connectors (2 red housings, 2 black housings, 2 roller pins and 4 metal tongues) and make patch cords that go to the male and female Molex connectors.

Alkaline Battery Shell

You can't always be near a source of power to recharge the batteries in your handheld. It's wise to have a backup you can depend on and a source of power that is available.

The alkaline battery shell is a very handy item for any emergency communicator. Imagine, if you will, being out at a site with no power to recharge your battery pack(s) and having one go dead. You are, for all practical matters, out of the emergency communications business. The alkaline battery shell is available for most every handheld radio produced since the early '80s. Depending on your handheld, the shell will take 3 to 12 alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries normally have a larger capacity and do not self discharge as fast as comparable rechargable batteries. Another advantage is that they are readily available at most any corner "Mom and Pop" store (something that can't be said for your rechargable battery packs). Alkaline battery shells can usually be picked up for $ 25.00 or less. Some hams have found that they use the battery shell exclusively in place of their rechargable packs.