Properly assembled APP connectors won’t come apart of their own accord. I do 
like that they will separate willingly when moderate tension is applied to 
them. I have used them on motorcycles in power lines for heated clothing & HT’s 
or GPS’s attached to my person. Having forgotten these tethers a few times 
during a quick dismount, i.e. to render aid to a participant while supporting a 
public service event, I liked that an expensive device wasn’t ripped off and 
thrown to the ground, as it might have been with a different style connector. 
Same would apply when moving things around in a shack or during portable 
operations. I doubt they would be an ARES standard if most OM’s didn’t find 
them suitable.

Regarding other recent complaints, I have always found that genuine APP 
connector shells mate (dovetail) together very firmly. I typically use zip cord 
type leads, separated only slightly at the connector, or I use shrink wrap 
around separate leads near the connectors. So I first assemble the shells, then 
insert both the crimped terminals into the shells together until they click in. 
Using this method, I’ve found no need for securing the shells of a connection 
pair together by additional means. On the few occasions that I have used the 
split pins that come with some APP bulk connector sets, I have found that they 
need to be inserted with moderate force, such that they will not be falling 
out. I typically don’t use the split pins because I occasionally like to use 
the retention clips (to address Rick’s concern) that hold mated pairs together 
when they will be in a not readily visible area and I want them secured. These 
clips use the holes formed by the shells as part of their retention scheme.

Yes, they can be mis-connected if common sense isn’t applied, but confirming a 
proper mating visually or by feel isn’t difficult.

If used in corrosive or high frequency vibration environments, a light film of 
dielectric grease will keep the contact areas healthy and current flowing with 
minimal resistance. Oxymoron, I know, but it’s worked for me for decades on all 
my m/c electrical connectors..

Being a fan of interchangeability and interconnectivity, and with as many 
different mfr’s transceivers, power sources, adapters and cables that I have, I 
will continue to use and appreciate them with no complaints. I share Phil’s 
position on the dislike mystery.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

> On Feb 17, 2015, at 10:03 PM, Rick Bates <[email protected] 
> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> 
> Because the is no locking mechanism to keep them connected; far too easy to 
> pull apart.
> 
> Not the black/red paired pieces, what they mate to.  A lock like used in the 
> auto industry connectors would improve them immensely.  
> 
> 73,
> Rick wa6nhc
> 
> Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable
> 
>> On Feb 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, Phil Hystad <[email protected] 
>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
>> 
>> Its a mystery to me why people don't like the APP connectors.
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