Wiring an instrument panel

[onetrack]

Plugs are a highly suitable asset to assist in maintenance and repair - but the important thing to remember is they are a potential source of electrical problems if not built properly and maintained.

All plug connectors should be sealed with rubber seals and a smear of thermal grease used on all metal parts of the connector to improve conductivity, and to prevent corrosion.

 

Thermal grease contains metal oxides and silicone oil, so it can provide both corrosion protection as well as conductivity improvement. But you only need a light coating of it.

In addition, taping connectors adds a final layer of protection that will ensure moisture and other detrimental compounds cannot enter the connector plug.

 

Japanese vehicles have excellent sealed wiring harness connectors (particularly in exposed chassis wiring situations), and these connectors can be be purchased as individual units for construction of wiring harnesses.

 

Then there are the excellent Deutsch wiring harness connectors, designed for heavy industrial use, where exposure to dust, salt water and salt air, and other corrosive mineral elements are a constant threat to wiring.

The Deutsch connectors are standard on Caterpillar equipment, and they are as robust as you can get. All types of connectors are available from RS Components, Alanco, or Ashdown-Ingram.

[danny_galaga]

Plugs are a highly suitable asset to assist in maintenance and repair - but the important thing to remember is they are a potential source of electrical problems if not built properly and maintained.

All plug connectors should be sealed with rubber seals and a smear of thermal grease used on all metal parts of the connector to improve conductivity, and to prevent corrosion.

 

Thermal grease contains metal oxides and silicone oil, so it can provide both corrosion protection as well as conductivity improvement. But you only need a light coating of it.

In addition, taping connectors adds a final layer of protection that will ensure moisture and other detrimental compounds cannot enter the connector plug.

 

Japanese vehicles have excellent sealed wiring harness connectors (particularly in exposed chassis wiring situations), and these connectors can be be purchased as individual units for construction of wiring harnesses.

 

Then there are the excellent Deutsch wiring harness connectors, designed for heavy industrial use, where exposure to dust, salt water and salt air, and other corrosive mineral elements are a constant threat to wiring.

The Deutsch connectors are standard on Caterpillar equipment, and they are as robust as you can get. All types of connectors are available from RS Components, Alanco, or Ashdown-Ingram.

 

You've sold me on the Deutsch plugs. The specialised crimp pliers aren't too pricey and the plugs themselves seem very sturdy and durable. I can get 3, 4 and 6 way from Jaycar at a good price and so that will probably be enough to polarise the connections (different sizes and then each turned around so that the panel for instance has one female six way and one male six way)

[danny_galaga]

For the radio I was thinking of getting a Trig. But I happened to be looking for ideas on where to put the headphone jacks (instrument panel or not) and I happened to find this youtube clip

 

 

Until I saw that I assumed all the 'round' faced radios had a head unit and a main part. But he listed four radios that are just one unit. Now I would rather have just one unit. The brands he listed were

 

MGL

Flightline

Xcom

Becker

 

I have read some ordinary reports about xcom, but admittedly they were older threads and things change. Any thoughts on what a good simple radio single unit with a round face? I realise it's probably a contentious issue!