Quick disconnect for electronics

[dbecker68]

I have a GPS and a depth meter that are not permanently mounted on my boat, and I plug and unplug them every time I go out on the boat. The problem is that after a year or two of exposure to the elements, the connectors have become corroded, and either do not make a good connection, or they are too difficult to plug/unplug. Does anyone know where I can find good quality quick disconnect plugs? I have tried the auto parts store and Lowe's/Home Depot with no luck.

 

[mccauley13]

Have you considered Radio Shack?

 

[dbecker68]

Tried there, too.

Have you considered Radio Shack?

I'm looking for something that will be somewhat waterproof. Radio Shack has the same thing the auto parts stores have.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Here's a thought- why not try Sailboatowners.com and their own chandlery??

Here's a page of connectors, for boats, from your hosts, right here-

http://shop.trailersailor.com/cat.php?50912/12v Power Outlets

 

[philwsailz]

Depending on the number of contacts per plug needed, know that pro-sound plugs from companies like Neutrik and Switchcraft are built rugged, tough, and from components and materials that will handle even the rough life of being on the road as part of a pro-sound touring reinforcement company. I know you can buy male and female conenctors that will handle a 48-channel mixing console's input "snake", and each channel typically is three conductiors... that is 144 terminals...

I regularly use a Neutrik Speakon 8-conductor twist-lock connector that is overkill current-handling-wise, but might be ideal for your application, as it is designed to be plugged in and unplugged daily as part of its service life....

Thinking outside the box might provide a rugged solution that will work for you.

 

[Joe]

My first thought was to just call the instrument manufacturer for a replacement plug.... but then I considered that you might be looking for something a little different. So I took the liberty of googling electronic parts stores in the Mobile area for you.... this might be a good place to start... http://www.yellowbook.com/yellow-pages/?what=electronic+parts&where=mobile,+al

You could also refine the search by specifing "marine grade connectors" or something similar. Good Luck.

 

[Bill Roosa]

ww.digikey.com
order the catalog as it has much better pictures so you can RAPIDLY get to what you are looking for. The search function makes you open each data sheet individually and is quite the pain

 

[Mike B1026]

How many wires are you needing? We use these(waterproof):

http://coastalsolarsales.com/450_Pigtail_2-Way_paired_op_218x159.jpg

http://coastalsolarsales.com/440_Weather-Pack-Caps-435.jpg

Better picture about half way down the page:
http://coastalsolarsales.com/Products.html

We also apply a small amount of NO-OX-ID to the contacts.

They also have more connectors available:
http://www.whiteproducts.com/connectors.shtml

 

[onecoolair]

Here is an Idea to to play a with..... About 5 years back I needed a stereo fader volume controller for the stereo cockpit speakers. It needed to be mounted next to the speakers in the overhead arch which was next to my head when I was standing at helm. Needed to be able to the volume of the arch speaker and speakers under the stern seat. Could only find what I needed at Rad Shaq. Problem was it had an exposed circuit board. So I made and labeled pig tale connections say plus minus 4"s long , this way the connection on circuit board could remain sealed and undisturbed. Then went next door to home depot and found dip it in a can. much like Liquid electrical tape. But the dip it can was bigger so I could just dip the small board in to the can. Dipped it several times letting it set up a little each time. The circuit board is now totally water proof. Still working great all this time even the cheap 50 cent knob is still there.
So my thinking is make up the new connectors. Connect them together then dip them in the can together. Once cured take a razor and carefully cut along the connection joint. To seperate plugs. Squeeze some dielectric grease into the connections to keep the metal contacts from tarnishing and to help keep moisture off of the contacts points.

 

[kenn]

Molded trailer light connectors, and grease.

The trailer light connector sets are found anywhere, are cheap yet seem to stand up to alot (unless you drag one for more than a mile or two. don't ask).

The grease is to protect the contacts from corrosion. You could use proper connection grease, but I've had good results from quality marine grease as well. It needs to be renewed periodically.

I have seen some trailer harnesses with molded end caps, which of course would be added protection as well.

 

[Erieau]

I've bought gold-plated multi-terminal connectors at my local hobby shop. The radio-control guys use them as quick-disconnect harnesses between components on their planes and helicopters.

 

[dbecker68]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I knew I would get a lot of good ideas from y'all. Thanks.

That's one of the many reasons I like SailboatOwners.com

 

[onecoolair]

Molded trailer light connectors, and grease.

The trailer light connector sets are found anywhere, are cheap yet seem to stand up to alot (unless you drag one for more than a mile or two. don't ask).

The grease is to protect the contacts from corrosion. You could use proper connection grease, but I've had good results from quality marine grease as well. It needs to be renewed periodically.

I have seen some trailer harnesses with molded end caps, which of course would be added protection as well.

Another Good idea!....

 

[Steve Dion]

I would look at some of the Amphenol twist/lock connectors for these applications. Quality stuff that will last for a while.

 

[Ross]

There are Mil-spec connectors but a little silicone dielectric grease with serve very well.