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Unread 10-02-2016, 19:19
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
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Re: Difficult Battery Connectors

An easy way to separate these connectors is to grasp one side in each hand and bend the connection in the plane of the connector such that one terminal pulls apart before the other terminal. This gives you half the force to separate that both contacts together. It will take a little practice but it does work.
Another method is to take a piece of 1/8" nylon rope (or larger) and thread and tie it through the open holes in the connector. This will give a larger pulling area for smaller hands. This method is often employed in UPS batteries that use the same series of connector.
As pointed out by Bart above, the spring tension and pin alignment is part of the mechanism that allows these connectors to meet current and series resistance specs. Do not make changes in either. Local heating, connector damage and melted components may result. The inspection staff at events will send me a few pictures of connectors that are damaged in this way every year.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.