Wing Root Connector Options

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by chaskuss

Gil,
I tried the web link you provided with no joy. Looking at the link I deduced that the items mentioned were on either page 320 or 321. I looked in the current on-line catalog but found nothing. I also tried a search on Mini-Con-X with no results. I know that you always give good advice. Could you supply a part number(s)? I suspect that the catalog you used is out of date.
Charlie Kuss

Don't know what happened to Digi-Key, but Mouser lists them on their current web pages -

http://www.mouser.com/catalog/635/1268.pdf

Manufacturers data here -

http://www.switchcraft.com/products/pdf_files/minic.pdf

[RV6ARoger]

I have used all sorts of connectors over the years, and I have never found anything better than what the military and the aircraft industry use. I use Molex style connectors like shown above sometimes, but over the years, these are tin plated connectors, usually, and can fail over time. The natural nylon gets brittle too. When I built my RV-6A, I used bulkhead connectors (wall mount receptacles) mounted in the fuselage sides and in the firewall. Then I used straight mating connectors in the engine compartment and right angled units in the wing. These are the green (OD) metal units with solder pins that are gold plated. DigiKey sells them. (Amphenol 97 series) This allowed me to build the wings separately, and test the stuff in the wing. I was also able to test the signals coming out of the fuselage, since I didn't have a place to assemble the wings to the plane until it went to the airport. I safety wired these connectors on after they were screwed in and tested. After about 6 years, everything is still working perfectly. I used a Molex style in the tail for the strobe power supply and I have replaced two pins in that connector. The Amphenol style units are not cheap, but what I see guys doing is spending a ton of money on their planes then get really cheap when it comes to electrical connections. Bad move. I have been an Electrical Engineer for over 30 years, and I have used about everything out there at one time or another. Never found anything better. Good enough for the Air Force, then it is good enough for me. Roger.