- Today on Ham Radio Q&A,
we're going to build a simple DC power splitter,
so please keep watching for more.
(upbeat rock music)
Hi, I'm Michael, KB9VBR, your host for Ham Radio Q&A.
I'm on a mission to inspire and educate
the amateur radio community,
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When you start wiring your ham radio shack,
the problem you often run into is
there's never enough power connections.
One solution, of course, is a multi tap power
distribution bars like MFJ or West Mountain radio sells.
These bars have fused connectors
and multi outlets with Anderson Powerpoles on them.
But maybe that's overkill for your needs
and a simple two way splitter, like this, may be enough.
So for today's project, I'm gonna be building
a DC power splitter with Anderson Powerpoles on the ends.
They are genderless connectors
that are relatively easy to install
and if installed correctly,
almost fool proof in their operation.
In the ham radio world,
we use the red and black connectors for DC power.
Red will be positive and black negative.
The connectors come in three different sizes;
15, 30, and 45 amp.
The plastic shells are the all the same size,
the only difference is the size
of the metal crimp connectors.
The 15 amp connectors are designed for 16 to 18 gauge wire,
the 30 amp for 12 to 14 gauge,
and the 45 amp for about 10 gauge wire.
You can buy these kits with assorted connectors.
I found mine online on Amazon
and that's what I'm gonna be using for this project.
As for installing the inserts onto the wire,
you can solder them or use a tool like this,
but really, if you're serious in using Powerpoles,
I recommend investing in a Powerpole crimping tool.
You can get these for about $30 or so online
and they're gonna give you a more secure connection
than any other crimping tool will.
I used to solder the connectors,
but you have to be really careful when you solder them
because if you get solder on the contacts,
then they become a lot more difficult
to use and to insert into the shells.
Let's assemble the parts
and tools for our Powerpole splitter.
You're gonna need a wire cutter and stripper
and also the Powerpole crimping tool.
As for materials, you will need two six inch pieces
of 14 gauge red-black zip wire, six Powerpole shells,
four 30 amp inserts and two 45 amp inserts.
First, strip the insulation from the 14 gauge zip wire.
I leave about a centimeter on one end
and a little less than a centimeter on the other.
Since you're gonna need to twist two wires together
on one side, a little extra bare wire is helpful.
Next, twist together the two black wires
and place a 45 amp insert into the crimper
and insert the wires.
Crimp them down.
Do the same with the red pair.
("Samba Isobel" by Kevin MacLeod)
Once the two inserts are crimped on,
you can then insert the connectors into the shells.
I'll use a little screwdriver to help coax them in.
When you here the little click,
you know that they're all the way in.
Next, install the individual 30 amp connectors
on the other four wires.
Give the wire a little twist,
put it into the connector and crimp it down.
If there's some stray wires, that's okay,
you can trim them with the wire cutters.
Once the connectors are crimped,
insert them into the shells;
red wire into red shell and black into black,
using the small screwdriver again to coax them in as needed.
Finally, the shells need to be locked together.
When you hold the open end of the connectors facing you,
the red will be on the left
and the flat portion of the connector towards the bottom.
Some Powerpole kits will come with little roll pins
to secure the shells,
but I like to use a little dab of glue
to make them permanent.
I figure I'm not gonna be taking these apart,
so glue is fine.
That's all there is to it.
You can now dress the ends of the plugs with shrink wrap
if you wish, but that's really not necessary.
Now you have the flexibility of powering two devices
from your power supply or your deep cycle battery.
Let me know what you think about this project,
please leave a comment below.
And a parts and tools list can also be found
in the video description.
Otherwise, for more articles and information,
be sure to check out my blog at www.jpole-antenna.com.
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Well, I'm Michael, KB9VBR.
Thanks for watching, have a great day and 73.
(upbeat rock music)