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-   -   Dsub empty pin spots (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=172504)

TASEsq 06-18-2019 05:59 AM

Dsub empty pin spots
 
Probably a stupid question - if you only have 5 pins in the connector, do you install all the other pins? I don?t recall ever seeing one that didn?t have all the pins installed...


https://photos.app.goo.gl/6y2eooBnmyThkfYi8


https://photos.app.goo.gl/ANchQNHTL3uEbL5t6

krw5927 06-18-2019 06:12 AM

Watching this one with interest. I've never installed unused pins in the connector, and can't really come up with a compelling reason to do so. Eager to hear from others though.

Mich48041 06-18-2019 06:26 AM

I only install the needed pins. Do not know why filling empty holes would be advantageous.

PhatRV 06-18-2019 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mich48041 (Post 1353663)
I only install the needed pins. Do not know why filling empty holes would be advantageous.

I think the practice is to not to put a pin into an empty slot. This makes it easy to debug the connection by looking at the socket in reverse to know which pins are wired and which are not.

I am an amateur at this wiring business. I potted the rear of the socket with some electrical liquid tape to seal the connection. Perhaps overkill in my case.

pilot2512 06-18-2019 07:08 AM

From a professional avionics guy, there are 2 reasons you may fill the empty slots. 1-some connectors are water tight and they are required for that reason. Not usually applicable to GA. 2- sometimes it?s a great way to have spare pins when you are in a bind.

Jay

rleffler 06-18-2019 07:12 AM

Only if you enjoy paying for things you don't need or use. :)

maniago 06-18-2019 07:19 AM

The outer shell of the Dsub connectors is what "keys" the pins to reach their location, so additional pins do nothing to ensure a connection on an adjacent pin. Ergo, no, dont fill them.

But it doesnt hurt anything if you insist on doing so.

FWIW, I have 9 pin dsubs for my AP servos - only 3 pins in each.....

TASEsq 06-18-2019 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatRV (Post 1353673)
I am an amateur at this wiring business. I potted the rear of the socket with some electrical liquid tape to seal the connection. Perhaps overkill in my case.

Me too. Learning everyday. I also was wondering how to make a dsub watertight - was thinking of filling the connector with rtv or a non-acid silicone etc. once I was 100% certain nothing else has to go in that connector of course! Is this the type of stuff you are talking about:
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/340189.html

Thanks for the replies - I also can’t think of a good reason but wasn’t certain. Sometimes there’s an obscure reason. It got me thinking when I couldn’t recall ever seeking a dsub on anything that wasn’t full.

Ironflight 06-18-2019 09:29 AM

Some folks might be used to seeing a pin in every hole becasue they have ben looking at solder-on connectors, not crimped on pins. Some harness-makers use the soldered connectors becasue they can be a lot cheaper than individual pins.

I have used crimped pins for decades, and only fill the holes I am using - I understand that if its a water-tight connection, you might do differently, but we just dont run in to those in most of our applications. I refrain from potting the connector becasue it makes it impossible to troubleshoot or modify later if you have to pull an individual pin - might as well use solder connectors in that case!

Paul

RV7A Flyer 06-18-2019 12:08 PM

How would you get them back out again, unless you've crimped them to a short pigtail of wire?

Seems completely unnecessary.


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