Small multi-way plug/socket for Radar cable

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cpedw

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It's that time of year when the mast comes down etc. Just when I don't need yet another fiddly intricate job, in this case disconnecting the 17 wires in the RADAR cable.

The cable is about 12mm diameter and the hole in the cable gland that it fits through is 16mm diameter. When I got the boat, the connections were all made with chocolate block connector. I've nothing much against these myself but many seem to abhor them. In any case, using these is tedious for 17 wires and is prone to mistakes when reconnecting in the spring.

I've tried using two pairs of 10-way connectors from Farnell. Sorry I can't find them on the website but they were marginally too big (1 would get through but getting the second through along with the wires to the first was nearly impossible and lost all the anticipated time saving).

I've also tried a long strip of stuff like IC sockets but 1 row not two with matching plugs. These were small enough to fit through the deck gland but were too fragile to last more than two seasons of connecting and disconnecting.

I'm looking for a robust, small, easily connected/disconnected several-way plug and socket that will fit through the 16mm diameter hole, with wires attached, so I have less faf when fitting out next spring. I don't mind using 3 or 4 sets of connectors if necessary. Only either the plug or socket needs to fit through the hole, obviously.

Or another solution to the problem?

Thanks for reading.
Derek
 
cpedw said:
It's that time of year when the mast comes down etc. Just when I don't need yet another fiddly intricate job, in this case disconnecting the 17 wires in the RADAR cable.

The cable is about 12mm diameter and the hole in the cable gland that it fits through is 16mm diameter. When I got the boat, the connections were all made with chocolate block connector. I've nothing much against these myself but many seem to abhor them. In any case, using these is tedious for 17 wires and is prone to mistakes when reconnecting in the spring.

I've tried using two pairs of 10-way connectors from Farnell. Sorry I can't find them on the website but they were marginally too big (1 would get through but getting the second through along with the wires to the first was nearly impossible and lost all the anticipated time saving).

I've also tried a long strip of stuff like IC sockets but 1 row not two with matching plugs. These were small enough to fit through the deck gland but were too fragile to last more than two seasons of connecting and disconnecting.

I'm looking for a robust, small, easily connected/disconnected several-way plug and socket that will fit through the 16mm diameter hole, with wires attached, so I have less faf when fitting out next spring. I don't mind using 3 or 4 sets of connectors if necessary. Only either the plug or socket needs to fit through the hole, obviously.

Or another solution to the problem?

Thanks for reading.
Derek
Click to expand...

not on that scale, but it would still work..
I have an IP67 box about the size of a double socket , sealed to the deckhead and the wires emerging from the deck also sealed to the deck.
The wire ends connect to a multiway female Phoenix connector ( we use them at work....)

the box has a matchin lid with a cabloe gland fitted, the wires pass tro the gland are are connested to the male mating end of the multiway connector.

The multiway connections are sealed in the IP67 box.

In winter when the mast comes down I use a matching IP67 pair of ip67 box.lid to seal the ends of the mast and the deck cabling.
 
VicMallows said:
OP wants them to fit through a 16mm deck gland. THAT is the challenge!

Edit: in answer to Sarabande
Click to expand...

What about using the Bulgin plugs, and making the break point above deck ? Then buy a waterproof cap so that the above-deck termination is properly sealed overwinter ?
 
sarabande said:
What about using the Bulgin plugs, and making the break point above deck ? Then buy a waterproof cap so that the above-deck termination is properly sealed overwinter ?
Click to expand...

like I said.
use a deck gland and a sealed box, make the multiway connection within.
 
Buccanneer are Ok, but I'd a void the standard range, the fine thread on the collar is too weak for a connector that size as I cannot connect my autohelm with that connector in the dark.
A bayonet might be better.
 
nigelmercier said:
Buccaneer are the way to go, just get rid of the gland and mount a panel connector.
Click to expand...

Or one of Salty John's stainless dome affairs, which have about a two inch hole in the deck when the top part is unbolted. That's what I've got - looks very neat on deck, cables are secured tight against the mast foot rather than flying through space vulnerable to stray gear or feet, and all the connections are below decks in the dry. No sign of any water getting through the thing even with solid chunks of sea being scooped up by the bow and rushing aft along the deck.

Pete
 
prv said:
Not exactly a major consideration for the OP's annual mast-stepping operation though, is it? Even up there near the Arctic Circle :p

Pete
Click to expand...

I think I could find enough daylight to do that once a year, but
I say that as others might well go the bulgin route for other purposes, than a mast foot.

I would like to replace the bulgin on my autohelm with a bayonet version of Bulgin.
:-)
 
Also worth a look:

http://driplug.com/products.html

They do a 19 way connector which should be fine, I think. I've had a driplug 4way connector on the foredeck for 9 years now and it's still dry as a bone and takes 2 seconds to connect/disconnect and both the plug and socket pieces have their own weatherproof caps which is a double bonus.

No connection etc.

Chas
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

I looked at the Bulgins. They seem complex and max cable diameter is 9mm. My cable is about 12mm.

The Wago nuts look simple but I'd need 17 of them.

Junction box on deck would be possible but untidy and vulnerable to getting kicked or stood on.

I've always envied the swan neck on HRs etc but that means making a big hole in the deck.

So far, I'm leaning towards the dri plug. I've used 2 and 3 way ones before. Does anyone know how the wires are attached to the pins?

Derek
 
cpedw said:
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

I looked at the Bulgins. They seem complex and max cable diameter is 9mm. My cable is about 12mm.

The Wago nuts look simple but I'd need 17 of them.

Junction box on deck would be possible but untidy and vulnerable to getting kicked or stood on.

I've always envied the swan neck on HRs etc but that means making a big hole in the deck.

So far, I'm leaning towards the dri plug. I've used 2 and 3 way ones before. Does anyone know how the wires are attached to the pins?

Derek
Click to expand...
do please contemplate the driplug 19 pin is 100mm long, which is a significant kick hazard and leverage at the mast foot.
An ill placed boot could wreck it, if it doesn't trip you up.
 
chewi said:
do please contemplate the driplug 19 pin is 100mm long, which is a significant kick hazard and leverage at the mast foot.
An ill placed boot could wreck it, if it doesn't trip you up.
Click to expand...

A good point. By comparison, this is the cable port:

Cableport1.jpg

(my cables are run even more neatly than these ones)

I'm not on commission, but I do think it's a good product.

Pete
 
cpedw said:
Thttp://www.ybw.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=4434797]

So far, I'm leaning towards the dri plug. I've used 2 and 3 way ones before. Does anyone know how the wires are attached to the pins?

Derek
Click to expand...

From memory (not always trustworthy nowadays) the four way has screw terminals to take the cables. Presume the 19 way will be similar. Crimp a small ring terminal on the ends of the cables if you wish. Re the trip comment from Chewi, I would say that it depends exactly where you site it as to how much of a 'hazard' it will be. Mine is right in front of the mast and I've not managed to do so yet. Outweighed by the benefits of real waterproofing of the connection and ease of use. gain, no connection etc.

Good luck whatever you choose.

Chas
 
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