Source for connectors?

[patrickmathews]

I have brewed once with my new setup and love it (and learned a few things). I now would like to find some "quick disconnect" 2 wire connectors so I can easily plug and unplug the temp probes a few inches from the pot. My goal is to be able to disconnect the wire while leaving the probe in the pot so I can dump spent grain and clean them while the boil is happening. I have the OSCSys MIC connectors at the end where the wire meets the box but I would rather leave the wire attached to the brew stand and I think the MIC connectors are too heavy for what I"m looking for.

I've googled etc.. and can't find a good source for these kinds of connectors.

[ksl177]

Try MOLEX connectors. They're mostly automotive connectors, but easy to source (radioshack, etc).

[kbar]

Why not use the thermocouple QD's or if BCS controller, use the Neutrik?

I even have one HLT temp probe that has an ST series Stainless quick disconnect on the pot that has the compression fitting and thermocouple. Can disconnect the wires or the whole port.

[pngaudioguy]

As an audio guy, I tend to think of stuff I'm familiar with first. I suggest mini-XLR connectors at $3.95 each. They're just about 3/8" diameter. If you've seen a wireless belt pack, it's the connector that the lapel mic connects to the pack with. Redco sells both genders in cable and panel mount, in addition to versions with up to 6 pins.

http://www.redco.com/Redco-TA3FB.html
http://www.redco.com/Redco-TA3MB.html

[brewstarke]

I recently bought a set of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-Aviation-P ... 1330481295
I haven't brewed with them yet but they seem to work well. I've seen them used on others systems - I went with them mainly due to cost- I think I paid 12$ for a set of 6- the M12 connectors I was eyeing were about 12$/connector. One issue I had with my original setup was where I placed them in my system. I had them about 2 inches from the end of the temp probe so I could do just what you're planning. I ended up spilling all sorts of wort and water on them (I'm trying to cleanup that issue now too) and they'd drop out of communication and act funny. I ended up adding thermowells and just kept my probes fully wired- with the above mentioned connectors at the panel to allow for disconnecting. They should be out of the splash zone there too. I'd hope...

[clearwaterbrewer]

I bought 4 of these, 3 pin ones and will use 4-conductor wire to do 2 probes per connector(I currently do this, but just have 4 wires going through a hole in the box...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171318772490?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[MrNatural]

I bought 4 of these, 3 pin ones and will use 4-conductor wire to do 2 probes per connector(I currently do this, but just have 4 wires going through a hole in the box...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171318772490?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Those are pretty sweet. Thanks for sharing. 3 pins with 4 conductors, common leg? Are you grounding the shield?

[clearwaterbrewer]

I never have had a way to ground any shield, never had shielded wire. I actually even forget if I have common tied to ground

I use 2-pair wire I had a spool of http://www.altex.com/Cat-3-Unshielded-P ... 44505.aspx

and cheapie thermistors form newark/digikey http://www.newark.com/epcos/b57500m103a ... dp/46P5987.


someday I would like to get a spool of nicer sensor wire(the nice round, soft rubbery stuff), but until I use this up, I will be happy...

[kbar]

Sorry - off topic. New here, but need help with thermocouple theory.

Can I use connectors, such as the XLR style or any metallic pin, with Thermocouples?? I have the Nuetrik Connectors, but have been told not to use them with thermocouples, only RTD's.

Thanks!

[clearwaterbrewer]

you want to use thermocouple connectors with thermocouples... don't waste any more time on it, just do it...

use these for the jacks:
http://www.omega.com/googlebase/product ... 7Aod1XgAcg

and these for the plugs:
http://www.omega.com/pptst/SMPW-CC.html