Project: Fabricating a Anderson PowerPole to 3.4mm dc connector for the Kenwood TH-F6A

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In our prior post, "Project: Hacking the Nomad 7 Solar Panel for Amateur Radio Use", we explained how to replace the stock 12Vdc 8mm male connector with the more useful Anderson PowerPole connector.

In this post, we describe how to make a pigtail cable to connect the Kenwood TH-F6A triband HT to a 12Vdc power source via an Anderson PowerPole connector.  As our starting point, we purchased a Kenwood PG-2W cable from Universal Radio.  The Kenwood PG-2W cable comes with fuses already installed.

Kenwood PG-2W
Step 1: Slide on a short length of heat shrink tubing

  • Slide on a short length of heat shrink tubing over both the tinned ends of the PG-2W cable.
  • The tubing will be used to dress the cable and provide a little strain relief.
Kenwood PG-2W with heat shrink tubing slide on


Step 2: Solder on Anderson PowerPole contacts

  • Solder (or crimp) on the Anderson PowerPole contacts onto the tinned ends of the PG-2W cable.

Kenwood PG-2W cable with Anderson PowerPole contacts soldered on

Step 3: Install the Anderson PowerPole housing

  • The positive wire is clearly tagged on the PG-2W.
  • Install the Anderson PowerPole housing such that the positive contact is inside the red side of the housing.

Step 4: Test the cable

  • Using your voltmeter, confirm that the positive contact on the 3.4mm dc connector is connected to the red Anderson PowerPole contact

PG-2W cable back packaging label showing the connector polarity. The center pin is positive.
Kenwood PG-2W cable - back of the package showing polarity of the 3.4mm dc connector


Voila!  That is how we fabricated our very own pigtail to connect the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel to the Kenwood TH-F6A radio for the purpose of recharging the radio's battery.

The Nomad 7 solar panel with an Anderson PowerPole soldered on.
Nomad 7 with Anderson PowerPoles connected
The Nomad 7 solar panel in full sun charging a TH-F6A.
Goal Zero Nomad 7 V2 solar panel charging the Kenwood TH-F6A HT Transceiver via Anderson PowerPole cables

In the next article in this series, we share our project to regulate the 12v output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel.


Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Other related articles on NJ2X.COM


© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2016.
Location: Monterey Bay, California, USA

Comments

Unknown said…
Hi there, I have a Nomad 7 and have tried to charge my F6a with it. However, when I plug it in the charge lights on the F6A light up momentarily then turn off. I suspect not enough current, but you say you were able to make it work. What am I missing?
June 13, 2017 at 4:20 PM
NJ2X said…
Hi Steve,

Full direct sunlight is needed. Also, as I explained in my series, I found that a voltage regulator was a necessary addition.

73,

NJ2X
July 22, 2017 at 2:03 PM
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