Mobile: Power lead T-Connector removal?

[RandomGuy1]

First mobile install (of several). I have radios from Kenwood and Yaesu that I plan to install in vehicles. Each on has a T-connector on the power leads at the end that plugs into the rig. Is there a way to remove those connectors for a smaller hole in the firewall, or is common practice just to snip them off and re-splice them onto the leads after they are passed through the firewall? Thanks!

 

[dkcorlfla]

I think if you take a close look at the pins inside the connector you will find barbs on the side of the pin. In the past I have been able to depress the barb using a small hard wire and then pull the pins out of the plastic T. After you get the pins out you should be able to bend the barb back in the correct position using a knife or razor.

 

[KevinC]

Why can’t you run the wires from the inside out?

 

[dkcorlfla]

Why can’t you run the wires from the inside out?

Good idea, should be faster and easier then removing the pins. If the power lead uses an inline glass fuse it should be possible to remove the fuse and wire connectors from the plastic case making the size of the needed hole smaller.

 

[AK9R]

In the past I have been able to depress the barb using a small hard wire and then pull the pins out of the plastic T.

A set of picks may be helpful.

Mini Pick and Hook Set

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Mini Pick & Hook Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[KevinC]

I did mobile installs for many, many, many years and I don’t recall ever removing the power plug to fish wires through the firewall. Maybe I did it wrong all those years?

 

[MTS2000des]

That part. Three decades of working in LMR and never saw the need to barbarize a radio power cable during installs or removals.

 

[slowmover]

First mobile install (of several). I have radios from Kenwood and Yaesu that I plan to install in vehicles. Each on has a T-connector on the power leads at the end that plugs into the rig. Is there a way to remove those connectors for a smaller hole in the firewall, or is common practice just to snip them off and re-splice them onto the leads after they are passed through the firewall? Thanks!

Welcome to Radio-R!

It’s easy on occasion to miss the picture needed.

In a vehicle with several devices needing 12VDC there are distribution blocks of various types to make all this easier. (BLUESEA).

I’ve a veteran WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO RigRunner 4005 which has gone into quite a few company vehicles over the years.


— Most single installs won’t benefit by acquisition of tools & supply for ANDERSON PowerPoles as needed for that device, but it was ideal for my situation.

Don’t be in a hurry re planning. Executing a good plan takes no time by comparison.

The bible of mobile installation will take you through quite a few topic headings worth your while. Search opinions of those topics as well.

Best install is demarcation between men & boys.

.

 

[RandomGuy1]

I think if you take a close look at the pins inside the connector you will find barbs on the side of the pin. In the past I have been able to depress the barb using a small hard wire and then pull the pins out of the plastic T. After you get the pins out you should be able to bend the barb back in the correct position using a knife or razor.

Thanks. I'll take a look.

 

[RandomGuy1]

Why can’t you run the wires from the inside out?

Too obvious. I need a more complex solution. That's a great thought. There are fuses on the 'other' end of the leads, but they're less bulky than the T-connectors. I'll check and see if this is workable.

 

[RandomGuy1]

A set of picks may be helpful.

Mini Pick and Hook Set

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Mini Pick & Hook Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Now we're talking! An excuse to buy something! Good point.

 

[RandomGuy1]

I did mobile installs for many, many, many years and I don’t recall ever removing the power plug to fish wires through the firewall. Maybe I did it wrong all those years?

I think not. I'm trying to use a small hole in the firewall. If I go with a larger opening it might simplify things and render motion moot.

 

[RandomGuy1]

That part. Three decades of working in LMR and never saw the need to barbarize a radio power cable during installs or removals.

Leave it to a new guy (me) to complicate a simple task.

 

[RandomGuy1]

Welcome to Radio-R!

It’s easy on occasion to miss the picture needed.

In a vehicle with several devices needing 12VDC there are distribution blocks of various types to make all this easier. (BLUESEA).

I’ve a veteran WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO RigRunner 4005 which has gone into quite a few company vehicles over the years.

View attachment 177531
— Most single installs won’t benefit by acquisition of tools & supply for ANDERSON PowerPoles as needed for that device, but it was ideal for my situation.

Don’t be in a hurry re planning. Executing a good plan takes no time by comparison.

The bible of mobile installation will take you through quite a few topic headings worth your while. Search opinions of those topics as well.

Best install is demarcation between men & boys.

.

I thought about a fuse block but as you mentioned I don't know that it would benefit my install. Thanks for the mobile installation link.

 

[RandomGuy1]

Thank you all for your responses. I will probably apply several suggestions as I work through these projects. I appreciate the thoughtful input.

 

[KevinC]

Too obvious. I need a more complex solution. That's a great thought. There are fuses on the 'other' end of the leads, but they're less bulky than the T-connectors. I'll check and see if this is workable.

Chances are the wires won't be the exact length you need, so just cut about 6" from the fuse holder, use what you need and crimp back at the fuse holder.

 

[mmckenna]

Run one wire of larger gauge from a fuse at the battery to a fused distribution block at the radios. Less labor, less voltage drop, easier to change/add things down the road. Pull your ground off the body closer to the radios.

Those wiring harnesses that come with the amateur radios are usually kind of junky anyway.