Replace junction box ST60 Wind Inst

[GKuffner]

At our club we take our masts down and haul our boats at the end of each season and repeat the process in the spring. While I'm getting good at taking down the mast on my C309 - disconnecting the Raymarine ST60 wind instrument at the in-mast junction box is a real pain (see diagram). There are 5 very small wires that must be disconnected and then protected each time the mast goes up or comes down. Working on the connections in the junction box with such fine wires, a jewelers screwdriver and my reading glasses takes more time than I'd like. I would like to use some type of quick plug-in connector like on a trailer but haven;t found one yet. Any ideas?

Gary
C309 Glory Days

 

[NYSail]

I put fittings on the ends of the wires so they slip in and out of the buss easier. Hated dealing with the twisting of the wire.

Good luck

 

[Joe]

Something like this: http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/266187474/LEMO_5_pin_Waterproof_connector.html

Try computer, general electronic or automotive electronic stores rather than trailer supplies for the smaller connectors.

 

[Moody Buccaneer]

I put fittings on the ends of the wires so they slip in and out of the buss easier. Hated dealing with the twisting of the wire.

Good luck

Ancor makes these: Pin Terminals

Product Features:
Recommended for use with Pin TerminalBlocks for strain relief.
Tinned copper for maximum corrosion resistance and greatest electrical conductivity.
Grooved barrel grips wire to provide superior holding power and current flow.
Nylon insulator resists sunlight, gasoline, oil and chemicals – will not punch through.
Crimp ridge positions the crimp tool to prevent miscrimps.
Brass sleeve crimps on wire insulation to provide fatigue and strain relief.
Funnel entry guides wire into position and prevents strand turnback.
Nylon Insulated with Insulation Grip • Double Crimp, Funnel Entry • UL 310

 

[jsalley]

Gary --

I had the same issue when installing ST 60 instruments on my mast. Check the Defender website for male and female disconnects made by Maretron (P/N M8A5006-32DN [male] and M8A5000-32DN [female]). I think these are actually designed for NMEA 2000 backbone connections, but they work perfectly for the ST-60 wind instruments - 5 conductors and weathertight screw connections.