Many people don't like a screw style connector which comes with pmag because of possible loosening of the screws. I found another connector which is also compatible with pmag plug and has crimp contacts. Not sure if it already known, but here are the parts:
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4Cyl PMag connector
- Thread starter isosceles
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I did not know. How does it work. Do you have to mod the P-mag to remove the screw terminal strip? Thanks.
Those pins appear to be out of stock at the moment, but I found these:
What crimp tool works with the pins?
I used a molex compatible tool like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07476C1LD?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1 for the main part and small pliers to crimp the second crimp around the insulated part of the wire.
Got the connectors and pins. Follow up question: is there a tool for pin removal if I want to take them out?
Yes. Special pin tool like a D-sub tool.
Check Amazon
It's just an alternative to the screw type terminals supplied with P-mags. The suggested terminals have pins. No mod to the mags should be needed.
I think I see now. The green terminal block on the P-mag is made to be routinely removable, and plugs into an internal receptacle. The suggested connector here is a substitute for the terminal block, and fits the same internal receptacle. So you take the green thing off the back of the P-mag, and use this new green thing in its place.
This seems like a really good thing - I'm surprised more folks, including E-mag Air themselves, are not all over this.
Do whatever you like of course but they aren’t all over this because the original design works perfectly well when installed as intended with tight screws and the adel clamp adjacent to the connection.
800 + hrs with no issues.
I had a look around and everything I found was for round pins. I have a huge DSub-style tool from Stein (the blue one) and it's not working. I'm trying to figure out if these are similar enough to Molex. Tons of tools on Amazon but I'm not sure which might work, and the manufacturer site is of no help.
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Just to add to this, I assume E-Mag wanted to freeze the design to get it certified at some point. I think that's far from the small, iterative changes I would have preferred to improve the product for the experimental market, most of which are beyond the scope of this discussion. A robust, weatherproof connector seems like a very logical ask. This connector isn't that, but it may have some advantages over screw terminals. Maybe not. I still like the idea of it.
Just for anyone reading, after discussion we determined these are not similar enough to Deutsch that it's likely to be the same tool. I'm still looking for a removal tool if anyone has suggestions.
And another note for anyone ordering pins: the original pins linked by the OP are for 1.5-2.0 mm conductors. The pins I linked are for 0.5-1.0 mm conductors. For quick reference:
22ga = 0.643 mm
20ga = 0.813 mm
18ga = 1.02 mm
I don't think anything larger than 18ga is likely to be used. Digikey didn't put that information front and center, so it was easy to miss.
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The four cylinder pMag (114 series) was never intended to go through the certification process. The six cylinder (200 series) targeted the certified market (in addition to experimental) from the start.
While I have 20+ years running pMags with the green terminal with zero issues, I’m sure some FAA guy likes the 200 series connector better.
Side note. I had a chance to touch base with the Hartzell lead on pMags. The transition from the original eMag fabrication to Hartzell doing soup to nuts is proceeding, and will be completed in a few months. I also understand Hartzell is committed to completing the certification process, but will also maintain the experimental line (at a lower price). I assume this would follow the Lycoming model (same engine, one with papers one without) but only a guess.
Carl
If you could convince him to let me edit the timing map, I would be eternally grateful. I would be willing to pay them $500/mag just for this ability - even if that means submitting my changes and letting them make the changes.
Apologies for the thread drift, but that's good news and I hope it happens that way. Did your contact share any info on Hartzell's plans to provide service for pMags in the fleet?
Dave
Dave,
My understanding is Hartzell has developed process and devoted resources to service current and future pMag customers, and service is taking place. There is a form to fill out on the eMag website to submit for service, but give me a couple of days to find out when Hartzell will update the form. As I mentioned the shift from the original eMag facility to Hartzell is still in progress so I would wait before shipping anything to the old Azle Texas address.
Carl
OK, so removal of these contacts isn't actually hard and doesn't seem to require a special tool. I believe they are inserted with the leaves in these windows. Pressure on the window releases the leaf that retains the pin, and pull it out. Seems simple. If someone thinks I'm installing the pins wrong, let me know.
Of course they are going to supply service... $$$$$. And chances are (my guess) they well say down the road (how far down the road don't know), "oh too bad no can fix". They will offer you a new Hartzell P-Mag, for much higher price than you paid, but give you a $200 coupon.
I so hope I am wrong. It will not be the personal, fair and friendly service Brad et al gave. You will get customer service of someone who does not know the product like the inventor. They will phase out legacy units, It is a common business model.
They will gear up for mass production and profit, not fixing old circuit boards. They have OVER HEAD and that will be passed onto the consumer. I am OK with that as I own two P-Mags. If my worst assumptions come true, I will drop it like a hot tomato and go elsewhere. P-Mag is not the only game in town. Again I want to be wrong, but I just don't see this as making it less expensive. I hope my P-Mags last, but if I need a new bearing I am afraid Hartzell will not service it or charge a fortune.
