OK to use SAE connectors for mobile radio power hook-up?

[chiwititsara]

I'm sure Anderson PowerPoles are better but is there any reason (for someone who is already largely standardized around SAE) to stop using SAE power connectors for interior vehicle power applications?

I am debating cutting the connector off a new mobile radio (65 watt output FM analog Yaesu, though will rarely run at full power) and replacing it with SAE so I can plug it into the existing 10-gauge power / ground wiring in my truck that I used to use for an inverter.

I've never had a problem with these so far but only use them inside the vehicle and usually wrap a piece of electrical tape around any connection to ensure the connectors don't slip apart - since they are friction fit only.

OK to cut off the Yaesu connector and replace with SAE?

 

[ka3aaa]

ypou will be better off using some type of crimped or soldered type connector that is more secure than a friction type connector, but its your vehicle so do what you want, but i would keep the yaesu connector anyway,

 

[mmckenna]

There's no reason why a properly sized connector will not work. Those SAE style are used for trailer connections and I've never had any issues with them.
Anderson power pole connectors are overpriced and not necessary. Don't let the ham folks talk you into using them. It's not necessary.

My only concern would be where the other end is connected. You said it was used for an inverter. You really want to avoid anything that isn't connected directly to the battery for radio use. Tapping into existing wiring is usually a good path for interference to get into your radio.

Also, don't run both positive and negative all the way to the battery. Ground the negative side to body metal. Some newer vehicles specifically warn agains wiring to the negative battery terminal since it will bypass current draw sensors.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Are you eliminating the Yaesu factory power connector at the back of the radio? Are you getting rid of the fuses? Are you wanting to dump the entire Yaesu harness?

I don't understand the love of Power Pole connectors that some in the hobby have, but that's something else.

 

[mmckenna]

The SAE connectors are fine. Motorola used them for years on their mobiles.

I don't understand the love of Power Pole connectors that some in the hobby have, but that's something else.

Me neither.
I think the "EMCOMM" guys like them so they can easily swap out radios.
I've used much larger PowerPole connectors for high amperage things at work, but that's the extent of my need for them. The smaller ones are an expensive solution to an issue that only seems to exist in the ham world.

I don't need to swap out mobile radios. If I do, I'm swapping out with the same brand/model, so the factory connectors are all the same.
I have swapped out the ham radio "T" power connectors that come on some of the ham radios to make use of the SAE connectors that I had existing from the Motorola power harnesses. The hammy T-power connectors are just FastOn type connections that aren't any better than anything else. Plus, they are a b!†¢h to find anywhere other than ham dealers.

The SAE connectors are fine, and likely no need to tape them unless they are cheap ones. I've never, ever, had one come loose out of a Motorola mobile.

 

[krokus]

Which SAE connectors are y'all talking about? (Pics or links would be great.)

 

[KK6ZTE]

I have had only one negative experience with SAE connectors on a Motorola radio. We provided all new cables and connectors for a mobile install to be performed on a police motorcycle during upfitting by the Honda dealer. They did not use the provided cables. Instead, they used an SAE pigtail from some other device, and the pins were too small so the radio would turn on and off at random depending on how the cable tweaked in the housing. This is completely due to the incompetence of the installer who did not use the correct provided parts on the build, not the style of connector.

Use good quality SAE and you'll be fine. Even the almighty Motorola APX8500 worshipped by whackers uses the SAE power connector.

 

[AK9R]

What's the current rating of this connector?

 

[mmckenna]

What's the current rating of this connector?

I think it's around 30 amps. 100 watt XTL RF decks will use them and they are usually fused at 25 amps.
Of course it depends on the conductor size and all the upstream connections.

 

[SteveC0625]

I am also seeing SAE connectors used extensively in RV solar systems and other RV equipment.

 

[KevinC]

Stupid comment, but may save a fuse or two. If you are starting from scratch make sure the insulated pin on the line side is the positive one. Otherwise you have a "hot" piece of exposed metal.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I have seen a lot of SAE pigtails sold as surplus where the red and black leads are transposed polarity from what a radio needs. Be careful when installing.

 

[ramal121]

They come in two flavors. One for the supply side and one for the load side. Don't just hook up red and black, physically check that the connection is correct.

 

[PrivatelyJeff]

I have seen a lot of SAE pigtails sold as surplus where the red and black leads are transposed polarity from what a radio needs. Be careful when installing.

This is why I don’t like them. It’s too easy to have a “hot” pin just floating around. There’s also the problem that you may have something like a battery tender or solar panel that has an either a positive pin or negative and you have to adapt for the battery side connection.

 

[mmckenna]

I have seen a lot of SAE pigtails sold as surplus where the red and black leads are transposed polarity from what a radio needs. Be careful when installing.

Hopefully the technician would be smart enough to figure this out on their own, but we know that some wouldn't.

Motorola had it figured out and there were generally no issues with the use of these connectors. But every time you try to idiot proof something, they build a better idiot.

Thankfully most people playing in this field know what fuses are for and why they should be installed.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Hopefully the technician would be smart enough to figure this out on their own, but we know that some wouldn't.

Motorola had it figured out and there were generally no issues with the use of these connectors. But every time you try to idiot proof something, they build a better idiot.

Thankfully most people playing in this field know what fuses are for and why they should be installed.

Yeah I have a few short ones around with red heat shrink over the black wire and black heat shrink over the red wire.

 

[slowmover]

I'm sure Anderson PowerPoles are better but is there any reason (for someone who is already largely standardized around SAE) to stop using SAE power connectors for interior vehicle power applications?

I am debating cutting the connector off a new mobile radio (65 watt output FM analog Yaesu, though will rarely run at full power) and replacing it with SAE so I can plug it into the existing 10-gauge power / ground wiring in my truck that I used to use for an inverter.

I've never had a problem with these so far but only use them inside the vehicle and usually wrap a piece of electrical tape around any connection to ensure the connectors don't slip apart - since they are friction fit only.

OK to cut off the Yaesu connector and replace with SAE?

I use APP as components in my systems get changed. And that the work truck isn’t mine it makes things much easier to install & remove.

In a permanent installation they’re hardly necessary (against expense of tools & supply).

I “like” USCG rules around critical electronics needing that which holds up against difficult environments , thus find that wire & supply for this group is very good for my own use.

Example:

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

3% Voltage Drop at DK when sized to component fusing works well for me. Means larger AWG, and better quality wire construction than what might be typical.

Where rules & guidelines from vehicle two-way radio can be found, same thing as to use as guideline. The overlap is telling.

Set the bar a little higher than what most think is okay. The initial expense is quickly repaid versus early repairs or failure.

Amateur Radio Mobile Installation Reference.

.

 

[chiwititsara]

Are you eliminating the Yaesu factory power connector at the back of the radio? Are you getting rid of the fuses? Are you wanting to dump the entire Yaesu harness?

Pretty much. I don't think I'll use the harness at all.

I'm running 10ga SAE certified wire from NAPA not the Yaesu-supplied 12ga wire for both positive and ground. I don't need Yaesu's long black ground since I'm grounding close to the radio. And I'm not fusing the ground connection. Also using my own waterproof inline fuse at the battery.

 

[mmckenna]

That's the right way to do it.

 

[madrabbitt]

i had one fail on the radio side (motorola mobile) because of poor installation and lack of strain relief (my bad, but in my defense that was 25 years ago and my first commercial radio installed in my first vehicle)

the biggest issues with them have already been said. The possibility of a uninsulated hot connector, and a mismatch between + and - if you're not paying attention.

However, if you're running them yourself and buying the parts correctly, then it should be fine.


Personally, i always did like the T connectors. Cant F up polarity, some commercial (mostly kenwood) had them with 12 and 10 gauge wiring.