Power pole connector problems

John - K3MA

Bob Needleman

KY6LA_Howard

Anderson Powerpole Connectors are the design standard for all emergency communications centers If you want to sell your equipment in the USA to the emcomm environment you must use Powerpoles. It’s not a price point decision. It’s a compatibility and interchangeability requirement So all this talk about cost savings is irrelevant. By the way. I have never had an issue with Powerpoles on the dozens of equipment I have installed over the years. In high vibration situations there are locking pins and other auxiliary holders available Voltage drops are easily corrected by applying deoxit

Lionel

Never had problem-for years all ok.

Neal Pollack, N6YFM

Neal Pollack, N6YFM

Patrick

A well designed connector does not require corrective actions or devices to be reliable.  

Patrick

For distribution I use Blue sea systems distribution panels, used for years in the boating industry and use universally available and cost affective and tough, crimp connection or soldered devices.  I have used them for 20+ years, never a problem.  No expensive crimper tool or proprietary parts.  One can go to any hardware store and get parts.  I only have one (no choice) option with my Flex and it failed after six years.  Understand I love my 6500 but I don’t like the Power Poles period..... a $5000 radio deserves better.  

KY6LA_Howard

Bob Meeker KA4SNM

I've actually tie-wrapped Power Poles together to prevent them from separating, so I                    agree - A $5,000 radio deserves better!

BTW - Just realized I've tie-wrapped my FLEX 6600M (extension) power cable together fearing separation......

Patrick

The difference between you and me is that I do not try to belittle people and their opinions.  If you want respect then offer respect.....

Bob Needleman

KY6LA_Howard

I am stating FACTS such as

1. PowerPole Connectors are required if you intend to sell into the EmComm world
2. Millions of Power Pole Connectors are in use with no issues
3. PowerPole Connectors are used on Low and Mid Priced Radios such as the 6000 series as well as many much high priced EmComm/ Commercial radios and other equipment
4.  Only a very few Hams have ever had any significant issues with PowerPoles
5. Flex Radios are also used in the EmComm/Commercial world
6. PowerPole Connectors are used because they provide easy compatibility with various power sources and easy interchangeability

If stating FACTS implies that one is disrespecting another's opinion then clearly there must be some error in basis of another's opinion that needs correcting.  If facts make one feet that their opinion is belittled then clearly the opinion is contrary to the facts. 

Bottom Line: PowerPole connectors are unlikely to change and it really is not an earth shattering issue..  if you do not like them spend a few pennies and change them to whatever you think will make you happy.

Patrick

KY6LA_Howard

As I said... PowerPoles are no big deal..

if you don't like them for a few pennies you can easily swap them out for one of the many solutions suggested in this thread

The time you are wasting on this thread trying to provoke an "ugly" fight could likely be better spent changing them out to something that would make you much happier...


I personally like powerpoles because of their convenience and easy swap compatibility.  

In fact, there are 10 different radios and at least a dozen peripherals currently in my shack at home and likely as many at the contest station I used to support.  Long before Flex came on the scene, I changed out all the connections on the Icoms and Yaesus to PowerPoles (IIRC the K3's already had them?) so that we could easily swap the radios around.  When I was active in Emcomm I could easily supply a number of radios for the emergency and not have to worry about bringing cable to fit.   I have never had an issue with the dozens of powerpoles that I support..

Sure there are much better connectors out there but using them would force Flex to give up the EmComm/Commercial Markets...not a good business decision...

KY6LA_Howard

If you do not like PowerPoles, spend a few pennies and swap them out for something that makes you happier... its just not that difficult to do...  Likely take you less time to accomplish than you have already spent on this thread.

Patrick

Oh, I plan too, but depends on whether If I keep this particular radio.  You should not be so critical, as in stating that the contributors are MALCONTENTS and some of the other descriptions I have seen you use. It seems that you don’ understand the nature of communities like this.  You will always see the thin edge of problems that come to the surface.   My contribution was to inform, not to criticize anyone or any group or organization.  The failure mode I described can happen to any device and was just a warning.  The suggestions put forward by all the contributors were appreciated and I used some in my applied fix.  Working well now by the way.  My advice to you Howard, is to keep personal and social barbs out of your comments.

Patrick

You are the only one being ugly, you forced me to defend myself, I don’t like or tolerate bullying of any kind.  You did not need to try to prove something.  It was a better discussion without you.

KY6LA_Howard

Paul_Mills

Like these?  https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/wmt-58257-1092

KY6LA_Howard

I have used those for high vibration mobile installations with great success.  

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Great idea!

Bob G W1GLV

AA0KM

henrylance

Pat.  Am I correct that this was a Flex supplied power cord  ??

Patrick

Yes, the original....

Patrick

Very good for reliability, but not safe.....

Patrick

My comments reflect two different issues.  The first was the current failure and the second was my personal opinion of the design of the connector.  I was clear on both points.  My comments were not meant to sway anybody from not using them, in fact we are kinda held hostage to there use. Changing out the connector for most users  might void the warranty.  In my case not a problem, unless I wanted to trade in for another radio with Flex.  My main concern about the design is that it can become unstable due to a number of possible mechanical scenarios.  And I had that happen.  So my point is to say is just watch out, keep the connector protected in some way, mechanically to prevent a loose connector condition that could cause excessive heat. It comes under the category of “Lessons Learned”.   And my purpose in this post is to spread the word on my lessons learned for all to be aware of.  Nothing sinister here, as some contributors have intoned.  PS: I love my 6500!

Patrick

The cost as an individual project to make an improvement, is not out of bounds cost wise.  As pointed out earlier, cost of manufacturing is an issue based on cost per unit.  So companies will make compromises for the purpose of cost reduction of many units produced.  

Patrick

Never claimed it as a major issue.  Just that the this failure type can happen to Power Poles and to be aware and keep an eye on your installation.  I kept mine very secure for years.  Like most mechanical devices they can wear out too.