Sources for wiring and connectors?

dwranda · #1 10-26-2017, 05:57 AM

Hello all!! Starting to get going on some wiring and wondering where everyone bought wire and connectors(dsub, etc) from. Did most just go Stein or is there some others I should consider?

Bruce · #2 10-26-2017, 06:15 AM

B & C aircraft and Stein are great.

sblack · #3 10-26-2017, 10:34 AM

yes, plus one. I got all my tools from B&C. Spruce has most of this stuff, but they resell B&C stuff as well.

Draker · #4 10-26-2017, 02:30 PM

Not to hijack this thread, but question is related. I'd like to go, as much as possible, with MIL-SPEC round (Amphenol) connectors once I start wiring things up. But, they are so expensive, even used. Has anyone found an affordable source for these? I know, you get what you pay for but wow. I used to work in an avionics engineering company where we used these connectors exclusively and I have grown to trust them, but I never had to fork over my own money for them

Raymo · #5 10-26-2017, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draker

Not to hijack this thread, but question is related. I'd like to go, as much as possible, with MIL-SPEC round (Amphenol) connectors once I start wiring things up. But, they are so expensive, even used. Has anyone found an affordable source for these? I know, you get what you pay for but wow. I used to work in an avionics engineering company where we used these connectors exclusively and I have grown to trust them, but I never had to fork over my own money for them

Yes, the Mil-Spec are expensive, but they also use the same style pins (gold plating) as the D-Sub, which are relatively inexpensive and widely used. The tools to install/remove the pins are also less expensive.

bcondrey · #6 10-26-2017, 03:17 PM

You can also use AMP CPC (circular plastic) connectors. Series 2 uses the same pins as dsub connectors and are available in multiple sizes with several options for backshell, mounting, etc. Here?s one source: https://www.digikey.com/products/en/...tors/436?k=Cpc

bret · #7 10-26-2017, 03:25 PM

I went with CAT Deutsch DTM gold plated pins and connectors for the important engine and electrical items. spendy crimper but it came out great.

Toobuilder · #8 10-26-2017, 03:52 PM

Digikey has a good selection of DBx connectors that use MIL Spec crimp contacts.

BillL · #9 10-26-2017, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draker

Not to hijack this thread, but question is related. I'd like to go, as much as possible, with MIL-SPEC round (Amphenol) connectors once I start wiring things up. But, they are so expensive, even used. Has anyone found an affordable source for these? I know, you get what you pay for but wow. I used to work in an avionics engineering company where we used these connectors exclusively and I have grown to trust them, but I never had to fork over my own money for them

Being close to the end of building I have drawn some conclusions. I did not use connectors for panel and wings. It would have helped greatly with some advance planning. If you are sourcing a panel, then the connectors make good sense, you can install the long runs and just connect them when installing the panel. Wings: if you are wiring and building in the a hangar, maybe ok to skip wing root connectors, but if you are building at home (like me) they would be a great help for final assembly. Planning takes time, connectors cost money, but both will save huge time on final assembly and allow that for systems adjustments and checkout.

The Deutsch DT connectors are really tough. Buy the kit from a Cat dealer with the crimper and the box of connectors is nearly free compared to the crimper alone. The DT's are good for high vibration and sealed against corrosion.

There will be a lot of different connectors (and terminals), lighting, engine block heater, and other items that come with connectors (alternator). DigiKey is good, Mouser too.

wjb · #10 10-26-2017, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draker

Not to hijack this thread, but question is related. I'd like to go, as much as possible, with MIL-SPEC round (Amphenol) connectors once I start wiring things up. But, they are so expensive, even used. Has anyone found an affordable source for these? I know, you get what you pay for but wow. I used to work in an avionics engineering company where we used these connectors exclusively and I have grown to trust them, but I never had to fork over my own money for them

I'm using TE Connectivity AMP CPC (circular plastic connector) Series II for signals. These use the same 20 AWG pins as the MIL SPEC connectors (and the same as the low density D-subs). I got mine at Mouser, but most suppliers have them.

For power connections, I'm using Deutsch DT and DTM connectors. These are great since they are environmentally sealed, and I plan to use these, too, in the wing roots and other areas more exposed to the environment. I got mine at https://www.deutschconnector.com

The quality to price ratio is very high for both...