Greetings –
This morning I received my package from HK containing the XT150 Connectors w/ 6mm Gold Connectors. I now have nearly the entire gallery of barrel connectors, so with that – allow me to present my findings. I direct your attention to the picture below:
I probably should have ordered this from smallest to largest… but I’m left-handed. Anyways…
Let’s begin
Right to Left… :wink:
HXT 4mm Gold Connector w/ Protector: RED - These are common connectors for Zippy FlightMax (and I presume other) LiPo batteries from Hobby King. The solder cup measures 4mm diameter x 5mm deep, and I have always found them to be deceptive when tinning up before soldering and spilling a bit. They accept 12- and 10-AWG wire and are configured that way by the OEM when attached to packs. One shell provides polarized M/F mating. I like them for what they are: No nonsense basic friction-fit connector that seldom fails except by overt effort – perhaps in pitch black darkness or when hung-over. Really, these are pretty much fool-proof. The only drawback to the design is that it is far easier to install the shell BEFORE soldering the connections so that the wires are already through the interface, and then pulling the completed assembly from behind. I found it much easier to place a completed soldered pair onto a vise where the wires draped through the slightly wider gap that prevents the shell from falling through, and using an old thick length of spoke (12-Gauge works well) or punch, then use a light hammer and in one strike – punch the contacts through to seat them. In that sense, these 4mm connectors can be a PITA. I rate them 4.5 stars out of 5.
EC5 5mm Connector: BLUE - These are essentially 5mm gold-plated barrel connectors that can just barely accept up to 8-AWG high-strand wire. The solder cup measures 5mm diameter x 3.75 to 4mm deep depending on Male or Female. They are a perfect upgrade from HXT 4mm, and I have recently employed them on my branching harness subassemblies used to parallel series-packs before joining to the main battery harness. The connections are more firm than the HXT 4mm Connectors above. The shells however are different and require two to complete the connection; a male and a female polarized housing. I do like that the sides of the shells indicate polarity (+ & -). I also like that I can solder my contacts in advance – and then mount them into the shell housing from behind, pushing moderately until the trademark “snick” is heard. And… I can removed the housing with relative ease by using the same method with the vise and punch. The only drawback to polarized shells is that you need two, and it can be a little confusing on the harness-end which side gets what. The other use – aside from mating the paralleled batteries into
The Collective is also to mate the Controller(s) to the main harness. They really are a nice way to go and I prefer them over the APP connectors they have replaced. I rate them 4.9 stars out of 5.
HXT 6mm Gold Connector w/ Protector: RED - Take the two previous connectors, throw them into a blender, and extract out the best features of the mix and you have these guys. One M/F shell like HXT 4mm, however the solder cups vary slightly more: Male is about 4.8mm diameter x 6mm deep, with the Female about 5mm in diameter x 4.3mm deep. The fit is very good and are said to have higher current-carrying capacity. Like the EC5 5mm, these housing are also very easy to install. My one gripe is that the cup is actually slightly smaller than anticipated and it’s not suitable for 6-AWG wire. However it is one beefy connector for 8-AWG. Definitely a good upgrade from HXT 4mm connectors. I’d rank them 4.75 stars.
XT150 Connectors w/ 6mm Gold Connectors: BLK,
RED, &
BLUE - These guys are seriously potent and ready to rumble connectors! They can just barely accept 6-AWG stranded wire although it might be a tight fit if pre-tinned. The solder cup for Male & Female is nearly identical at about 5.3mm in diameter x 3.6mm deep. It requires two polarized single-conductor shells that are M & F. The contacts fit with the highest compressive force; it is rock-solid although I can still pull them apart by hand with good effort. I’d love to have these on my Phase wires if only I could get the axle mounting hardware on and off. My plan is to use these connectors to unify my extended battery packs to the main harness, such as connecting my trailer to the bike. I laud them with 5 stars for the serious business that they imply.
The last item on the far left is a test of swaging three 6-AWG marine-grade conductors together; the XT150 Female Contact fits snugly onto the high-strand copper and does not wobble off. As I said before, this might be a tight fit when pre-tinned. Might have to use a flame for soldering…
Reference to similar threads:
One more time...
- 12 or 10-AWG: use HXT 4mm. Lowest current rated of the series.
10 or 8-AWG: use either EC5 5mm, or HXT 6mm for even higher current rating.
8 or 6-AWG: use XT150. Highest current rated.
Wicked selection; I am so jazzed now!
Tear'n it up,
KF