Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

genebren — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 18:54:00 GMT

Now don't get me wrong, as I really like the solution that I came up with, but this weekend as I was looking for some dip clips that I could hack up for another project, I found this collection of parts (Notice the big beefy banana jack to lug adapters to the left in the first image, closeup of these in the second image):

The spade lug to Banana Jack is the functional equivalent to the Banana Jack adapters that I built. Looking up the specifications for these beauties (Pamona Electronics 1614), shows that they have been replaced by a much lighter weight product (1614A - thinner, stamped metal), but currently rated at 15A. I am sure that these big guys would be rated well above 15A. I don't remember where or when I got these, but I am sure that they came off of Ebay, where I did a lot of shopping to build up by test equipment and prototype part stock. (I found one site with some NOS parts and these were asking $60+ dollars apiece for these.)

These would have worked just fine, but at least I had a fun project!

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

DAB — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 18:34:13 GMT

Great solution.

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

dougw — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 16:48:15 GMT

No worries about conductivity through those bars!

I can't tell what the spacing is between terminals, but if it isn't the standard 0.75 banana spacing, your 3D spacer could force it to be correct - allowing the many variants of dual banana plug to be used.

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

genebren — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 22:06:28 GMT

Last night I did a quick modification to the upper lid dimensions to limit the interference with both the screw knobs and the rubber bezel bumper (sort of sounds like tongue twister). I lower the height by 0.25" and chamfered the rear face (tapering towards the top). A quick print of the part and a reassembly and the improved part fits even better.

I have ordered some higher current banana plug cables (18 gauge and improved contact points) so I can try this out in a higher current test.

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

Andrew J — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:42:16 GMT

Nice one Gene.

RE: Programmable DC Load connection adapter.

shabaz — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 02:02:06 GMT

Hi Gene,

Great solution! I too was thinking they were going to short : ) and then I read on and saw the 3D-printed insulating spacers : )