“HF Power Connectors”

A Cautionary Tale…

Recently, W6KJ Ron, tried to use a HF radio power cable that he purchased at a hamfest in the recent past. The cable in question has a look-alike six pin male molex connector on it which was claimed to universally hook up to "any of the new HF radios." Needless to say it does not fit because the pins are too large and two (2) are of the wrong shape configuration. Read and and review the attached photos. Look closely.

Here are two views of the HF radio power connector I bought that doesn't fit any of the HF radios I have. It was sold at a hamfest as a universal connector, i.e. one that would fit any modern HF radio. The connector itself will not work, but the fuse holders and wire look okay. There is a tool that allows the molex pin sleeves to be removed for insertion in the right size connector. Just look at the differences. First, the connector physical size. On both photos, the working plug is on the left. It is slightly smaller than the worthless “knock-off” one on the right. Next, look at the two outside bottom pins on the left connector, then on the right connector. Note the different configurations of the outside part of the pins.  There is an extra feature which, even if the pins were the right size, would prevent mating of the two plugs. These two plugs are supposed to plug into the rear connector on an Icom or Yaesu hf rig. Both the IC746 pro and the Yaesu FT857D will use the same connector, (LIKE THE ONE ON THE LEFT) but neither will use the one on the right.

73, Ron, W6KJ

Last updated on July 5^th, 2006




E-Mail the Webmaster