Power Plugs

[Silent Jack]

Been trying to work on a prototype for a simpler project that needs a couple of power plugs.  Looking for plugs rated 9-12V @ 1A.  Round preferable.  One is to connect to either a backplane and could be flanged to screw on, or be surface mount to PCB; I prefer this to be female.  The other comes from a wire.  It needs to be only 2 conductors and I would prefer metal for heat tolerance in this application.  Approximately 1/2" diameter would be fine, certainly less that 3/4".  I figured this would be simple and easy to find on any of the major parts supplier's websites, but have found their search abilities and organization near impenetrable and extraordinarily frustrating.  I don't have a background in electrical engineering and thus am unfamiliar with classification codes/terminology.  Any help in finding either an easier to use supplier site, or actually locating usable parts would be greatly appreciated.

PS: I am trying to keep the cost down as much as possible.  Like most hobbyist tinkers, my budget is pretty small.

 

[Silent Jack]

Not that it makes much difference, but it is for remotely launching model rockets.  The data I've looked at so far says you need about 9-12V @ 1A to make the electric ignitors work correctly.  And I've found a convenient, safe way to do it.  Trying to find parts to fit the bill.  Any other enthusiasts?

 

[Hero999]

What sort of temperature does it have to withstand?

Will one part of the connector be single use?

It's difficult to know exactly what you want without actually seeing where it's going to be used. Have you check the usual suppliers, i.e. RS Components, Farnell, Digikey, Mouser etc?

 

[Silent Jack]

The parts will be in the tube where the rocket motor is fired.  The male side will hold the ignitor and is intended to be reloadable.  While the female side is part of the launching fixture.  These are small rocket motors.  The outer diameter of the assembled rockets will be between 0.75" and 1.25" including fuselage.  I don't imagine the heat exposure would be very long, and each tube is used only once per display, so there is lots of cool down time.  If the male side was cheap enough, I'd consider it expendable, but would prefer reuseable.  The female side will remain part of the system, presumeably indefinitely.

 

[Hero999]

I take it there's also a requirement for maximum/minimum force required to unplug the connector?

I can't help you I'm afraid. I suggest you check the usual suppliers (mentioned above), then go somewhere a bit more specialist such as a pyrotechnics supplier, if you can't find anything.

 

[Silent Jack]

No, there isn't a requirement on pressure to remove.  Functionally the male plug holds the ignitor that fits up inside the rocket motor.  The female side fits to a modular power board which controls the power distribution and which rockets fire.  This operation is usually performed on a very base level by connecting alligator clips to the ends of the ignitor wires and then running them to an fire control box of some kind.  I am trying to make it cleaner, safer and more organized.  As to the suppliers, I've tried going through the big names, but have had no luck so far.  I believe its partly because I am unfamiliar with the electrical code/jargon that specifies different types.  Also many of the supplies don't offer proper thumbnails of the actual product.  I've even been thumbing through some of my hard copy catalogs to no avail thus far.

 

[Silent Jack]

I just can't understand why its so hard to find a simple, round 2 prong outlet and mated plug.

 

[Silent Jack]

How about three pronged with a flanged female side?

 

[letmefall2010]

I don't understand what you guys are talking about, i'm just wandering.

 

[DerFly1]

Anderson Power-Poles?

 

[Silent Jack]

I'm actually researching a replacement for this design that may involve glow plugs from RC aircraft.  I think it will be lower maintenance and easier function if the numbers add up.

 

[Silent Jack]

Thanks DerFly!  This company you've suggested has some really interesting products.  I'll have to look into them in the future for other parts of my projects.