WICEN (NSW) has adopted the Anderson PowerPole as its standard 12V DC Power Connector for all operations and installations. The connector ratings adopted by WICEN are rated at 30A and 75A. They are small, easy to terminate (either by crimping or soldering), and inexpensive. 15A and 45A versions are also available, which mate with the 30A connector while accommodating smaller or larger wire gauges respectively. Note that the 45A contacts are considerably more expensive (as is the required crimping tool) than the 15A and 30A ones.

All members are strongly encouraged to utilise these connectors for all equipment taken into the field. The more people that use them, the easier things will be in the field when members need to work with foreign equipment and connect things up rapidly. (They also make great 12V connectors around the shack!) WICEN will be stocking limited supplies of these for members to purchase.

Members who wish to adopt the new standard but don't want the expense of re-wiring all of their gear, may choose to simply make up enough adaptors, to adapt their own system to the standard. Similarly, members may wish to consider carrying adaptors to and from the old T connectors, to enable them to interoperate with other agencies which still use this connector.

Recommended Usage

The 30A connectors are recommended for most uses, including power connectors on radios, and accessories such as TNCs, computers, small inverters and the like, as well as on power sources such as batteries and power supplies. These are expected to be the most commonly-used in WICEN applications, although some operators may choose to utilise the 15A variant for ease of termination in lower-current applications.

The 75A connector is expected to be used where either high current devices are used (such as high-power inverters), or other applications where heavy gauge cable needs to be terminated, such as the heavy-duty 50A or 100A flexible cable sold by various outlets. Such an application could be a long cable run from a 12V battery to a breakout box located in a tent, for example.

Where 75A connectors are used on power sources, it is recommended that one or more 30A connectors also be provided to enable appliances to be connected directly to the power source without needing to find an intervening adaptor cable or breakout box.

Points to watch

• These connectors are recommended for 12V (nominal) use only. Members requiring high-current connectors for other voltages (such as 24V or 48V systems) are urged to source physically incompatible connectors such as the Anderson SB range, to avoid any chance of connecting wrong-voltage devices together.
   
• The same polarity be used across the organisation (as illustrated on this page). This may seem obvious, but we don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past.
   
• Make sure that any power supplies are adequately protected. The Anderson system allows two or more power sources to be connected in parallel (intentionally or otherwise), so make sure your devices can handle this without damage. Batteries must be fused (or have other protection) as close as possible to the positive terminal
   
• If you use 75A connectors, make sure you carry adaptors to allow 30A loads to be connected to the larger connectors
   
• Don't dove-tail multiple connectors together in such a way that it is possible to inadvertently connect a load to two halves of different connector pairs with reverse polarity
   
• Make sure you terminate wires in the connectors properly. If crimping, be sure all strands are held tightly along the full length of the pin's barrel, and use reducing bushings if necessary on smaller gauge wires. If soldering, keep soldering time to a minimum and make sure no solder flows onto the contact area.
   

Where to Buy them