Connectors and crimpers

[john61ct]

I can assure you mainesail does not fall into this category. He's been helping sailors and posting in those forums for years. He's as solid as they come.

I really doubt hillbilly was referencing the marinehowto site?

But yes, if so for shame, he is the most widely respected guru on DC Electrics I've come across, on many dozens of forums.

Makes his living doing this stuff as a certified professional for large yacht owners, his contributions to educating the community are a sideline

He does accepts PayPal contributions here https://marinehowto.com/ bottom of his home page to help defray site expenses

Donate to Compass Marine Inc.

Help support Compass Marine Inc. by donating or sharing with your friends.

www.paypal.com

And buying stuff from his store or offering paid consulting work helps as well

 

[shade]

And buying stuff from his store or offering paid consulting work helps as well

Thanks to several of you, I see some new crimpers in my future. I have a solar project to finally finish, and no crimpers for any appropriate connectors.

Please remind me, was it decided that the multi-die crimper mainesail sells is a good tool?
Does he sell any questionable products, or over-priced items?

 

[john61ct]

Yes all good stuff totally trustworthy, great support.

In his case I don't mind paying more, everyone buying online only on price is why

quality has gone to crap and

good service is now so damn rare.

 

[Photobug]

Thanks to several of you, I see some new crimpers in my future. I have a solar project to finally finish, and no crimpers for any appropriate connectors.

Please remind me, was it decided that the multi-die crimper mainesail sells is a good tool?
Does he sell any questionable products, or over-priced items?

I think his word is good. Check out his site to see the levels he goes through to test products. If he sells it he believes in it. You might find a product slightly cheaper but the purchase supports him and his efforts to educate people in a wide variety of subjects, mostly related to sailboats.

 

[PSea]

Thanks to several of you, I see some new crimpers in my future. I have a solar project to finally finish, and no crimpers for any appropriate connectors.

Please remind me, was it decided that the multi-die crimper mainesail sells is a good tool?
Does he sell any questionable products, or over-priced items?

I bought the crimp tool and all associated dies. Works great.

 

[shade]

I think his word is good. Check out his site to see the levels he goes through to test products. If he sells it he believes in it. You might find a product slightly cheaper but the purchase supports him and his efforts to educate people in a wide variety of subjects, mostly related to sailboats.

Thanks. I don't mind paying good money for a quality tool, and I have no problem supporting someone that gives so much support his customers.

 

[shade]

I bought the crimp tool and all associated dies. Works great.

Thanks.

 

[john61ct]

Some are luckier than others.

Every time I read "well I've been doing this way for years never had a problem" I immediately add a pound of salt.

Anecdotal is not evidence

 

[luthj]

Even further, the plural of anecdote is not fact. That being said, some approaches are totally fine due to usage profile and environmental conditions. For example in desert areas raw low carbon steel can be left uncoated, and will take 70 years to get significant corrosion losses. Do the same in a coastal region, and you may get 6 months!

The same goes for diesel tanks. Zinc coated tanks are a big no-no. But for fueling a boiler it works fine. At least until you put some biodiesel in there, and the tank corrodes through in a couple years...

Best practices exist for a reason, and should only be changed upon the complete understanding on the usage and risks.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Multiple anecdotes can of course never be data but they may make a very compelling case.

 

[Photobug]

What option would be suggested for connecting a solar panel other than MC4? My setup on my boat does not have room to leave the panels on the boat or leave it up while sailing. The panel(s) need to be plugged in and unplugged often over its life. The MC4s that came with the setup look worn out, not secure. Since the panel(s) and all parts will be my setup, I don't need it to be a standard configuration like MC4, so I am just looking something that can handle the load that can be plugged and unplugged repeatedly. Photo is of my current panel.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Anderson power poles

 

[john61ct]

Yes MC have a very short duty cycle, meant for permanent not frequent disconnects.

Anderson PP are excellent

if you really think you need waterproof

TE / Deutsch DT series, better than weatherpack.

There are also proprietary trolling motor connectors

 

[DaveInDenver]

If you need something watertight, Circular connector and cap is probably best bet for something what needs regular coupling.

I'm a big fan of the Tyco CPC connectors. I've got them in a few places on the truck, ham radio equipment, etc. They are designed to be mechanically robust, for repeated mate cycles and staying sealed. I'd think the 1/4 turn bayonet style Miniature CPC would be perfect for a situation like this.

https://www.te.com/usa-en/products/connectors/intersection/circular-plastic-connectors.html

 

[carbon60]

I use non-watertight Anderson SB50s for everything. Easy, works. Water is not an issue for low-voltage under most circumstances for things you are deploying when required.

A.