In general, the concept of the cigarette lighter plug is not a bad idea,
PROVIDED that the wiring from the device requiring power and the wiring to
the socket itself is more than adequate. For 12v related applications, it
is too bad that this is not utlized more. Again, for those who want to
read differently into this, I am saying the concept is a good idea, but
current manufacture of such sockets are less than to be desired.

Ryan-

I agree and disagree. I think it IS a bad idea. As you say, current
manufacture of such sockets is such that it makes a poor connector for the
currents involved.

While you may install sockets to meet your specifications, those installed by
auto manufacturers often are limited by a ten ampere fuse, which means they
were designed for a five ampere load. Many lighter plugs available on the
market, may be adequate for five amperes, but not much more. I recall melting
insulation on the wire to a lighter plug on a car I used to have, and the fuse
never blew. The rig I was using only ran 25 watts output, but it had a
problem!

I agree with the suggestion of Dick - W6CCD. I don't know if the Andersen
Power Pole connectors are a perfect solution, but they are the best, most
readily available mobile power connector I've come across. To test them out, I
recently switched over to West Mountain Radio's smaller "Rig Runner" outlet box
for mobile operation. They certainly are capable of greater current than a
common lighter plug and socket combination. Of course you can bypass the Rig
Runner if you only have one radio to connect. The genderless feature is one of
the things I like about the Power Poles.

After using the Power Poles for a few months, the only drawbacks I've found are
a difficulty in crimping ten guage wire, and the "roll pins" that some
recommend to keep the connector pair from sliding apart, keep falling out. Per
West Mountain's suggestion, I'm now using Super Glue to keep them from sliding
apart, but I'm still looking for a good hand-operated open-terminal crimp tool
for the ten guage connectors.

73, Fred, K4DII