Deans connectors - Caution

[Chairman]

Anyone using Deans type connectors for electric flight should be aware of some issues that were reported some time ago.

I'd heard rumors, but have just come across a thread on the Giant Cod forum.

Many folk use them and never have a problem, but have a read and make your own mind up. http://forum.giantshark.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=121&t=1486

[Jim (Chairman)]

Chris,

I read this thread 10 minutes after soldering Deans connectors onto four more new batteries!

My main concern with Deans connectors would be surrounding a total "meltdown" of the plastic part of the connector.

The contacts are only held on one side and if the plastic part melted they would definately disconnect.

XT60 have a complete female barrel so even if the plastic disappears the connector is still connected, although would probably short circuit!

I've not witnessed any loose Deans connectors so far...

Jim

[Chairman]

Was just a heads up Jim. Food for thought, that's all. Did you read the whole thing?

[Jim (Chairman)]

Chris,

Read *most* the main authors posts. Different contact resistances, slack leaf springs etc etc.

The little leaf spring is usually made from soft metal instead of spring steel as it should be.

I've used Deans on everything from day one but I have never seen any real problems with them. None of mine are loose, high resistance (never actually checked) or to my knowledge every suffered from looseness or disconnections.

I've never noticed hot connectors after a flight. Never seen any arcing damage or carbonising. I've been in the electric / electronics game long enough to spot the potential signs of a connector failure.

In hindsight I would have standardised on XT60s ,but now I have Deans built into some of my planes (Whizza has a solid epoxy mounted one) and it's difficult to retrofit some of them.

I notice that Hobbyking are now promoting black XT60s at low prices. I might take a look at Ebay and see if any in the UK is selling a bulk pack of like 50 pairs for good money...

Update: Ebay seller in UK will do 20 pairs XT60 for £13 or 5 off Females (Battery side) for £2.39. I might have a census of batteries tonight...

Jim

[Jim (Chairman)]

OK, so I'm going to convert my whole fleet to XT60 connectors.

They're a far better mechanical and electrical design  than Deans anyway.

I've just counted up all my batteries and I've got about 30. How did that happen?!

I reckon one night of intensive soldering and I'll have it all converted...