Connector question

[Womble]

I've just picked up a heated waistcoat off eBay (cheaper than the DIY kit, so I'm well chuffed ).

I want to build a power controller so I can vary the heat and I'm trying to find out what the connectors are.

The power connector is a 2-pin water resistant type. The 2 pins are side-by-side, but there is a retaining clip on one side and it's obvious which way round it clips together. One of the sides has a little bellows type gasket on it, to keep the water at bay. It looks just like the connectors used on HID lights

Does anyone know what these connectors are called so I can track down a supplier.

I'll see if I can post a picture later, just not got a camera to hand at the moment.

 

[Tarka]

It`s not the same type you`re talking about,but you can get paired two pin connectors from Maplins called 'race connectors' if you don`t find exactly what you want.

Maybe the heated clothing suppliers can sell parts individually ?

 

[Greg Masters]

Have a grub around this website

Greg

 

[Rob Farmer]

Scroll down to the weatherproof connectors. MY Klan heated waistcoat has them fitted http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.co.uk/VWPweb2000/multicon/multicon.html

If you have bought a Klan then you won't need a power controller - mines next to useless

Vehicle wiring prducts are a good company to deal with. Quick delivery too.

 

[Womble]

Thanks for all the pointers - it is an AMP Superseal IP67 waterproof connector that I'm looking for.

To answer Tarka's request, the reason I'm looking for the same connectors is so that I can choose to run with or without the controller, just by clipping it in line or not.

I was thinking about making my own 12V controller using a circuit like this. This should be a lot more efficient than the simple resistive controllers, and I just feel like doing a bit of soldering again.

I reckon that I could put that together for about £15, which is worth giving a go, just for the sake of it.

Rob, as it happens, it's a Klan waistcoat that I bought. Is it the jacket that you don't like, or the Klan controller?

 

[Rob Farmer]

The Klan waistcoat just doesn't get warm enough to warrant a controller. I just use the on/off switch. MrIFan had a Klan sleeved jacket that he was very pleased with so maybe its just the waistcoat thats not up to the job...mind Ian lives in a cow shed with no electricity, he doesn't feel the cold anyway

I bought some of the connectors from the link I gave you. They are the same connector as Klan use

 

[Womble]

Thanks for the info - I'll take it for a good test ride before I bother ordering any parts.

I've got a fair variety of different layers that I can wear under my jacket, I'll have a bit of an experiment. For once in my life, I'm actually hoping for bad weather so I can go and have a play!