On 17/09/14 06:04, Lostgallifreyan wrote:
Michael Black wrote in
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1409161406070.29263@darkstar. example.org:

Yes, I'd use BNC for audio connectors (something others have done) if I
was going to change connectors (or building something new) and probably
more important, if this pile had included more female connectors.


I've used them for DC power too, sometimes. Given the quality of the pin
surface and material, and a teflon former, this isn't a bad idea, it's likely
to handle surges better, and more safely, than many connectors intended to do
it.

I've used a BNC once for power, basically in a situation where we didn't
have anything else to hand.

Probably the most inappropriate use of a connector I've seen was a pair
of Belling-Lee connectors for power. With both shell and centre
shorted, one for positive, the other for negative. Not bad for current
carrying capability, but the thought of the two meeting with a bang gave
me the willies.

My TS-120S was supplied with a cable fitted in such a manner. It was
the first "modification" I made: replacing it with 30A Anderson
powerpole connectors.

A single Belling-Lee using centre for positive, shell for negative
*might* be okay, two just using the centres might be okay too, but no
way was I going to have shells with opposing polarities in such proximity.

You mention a DB25, another favourite for me. So many pins, each can
handle over an amp, some will handle 2A each. For specialised heavy current
situations,

Yep, I use them on the bicycle mobile station. Inside a motorcycle top
box I have my FT-857D mounted with a break-out cable that takes DB25 to
a 8P8C connector for the microphone and 6P6C for the head, as well as
two 3.5mm connectors for speaker and CW key.

At the other end I have a similar break-out to plug in my headset, the
head unit and the control buttons.

The DB25-DB25 connectors are linked with 3 runs of CAT5e, giving me 24
usable pins. I did try using an old printer extension cable, but found
I got cross-talk from the head unit comms cable into the microphone.
CAT5 works well though, and isn't difficult to manufacture.