2.5mm DC socket 24V, 6A capable. Where???

[Ikemen]

I have two of these smps bricks below, each to power a 41Hz amp9 board. I cannot find a 2.5mm socket for my amp chassis with the necessary voltage and amperage capacity. So many suppliers do not state these values, especially laptop sockets, although I do not want a PCB socket if I can avoid it.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98766


2.5mm DC socket 24V, 6A capable.
An example which does not meet the spec;
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1416

I do not want to cut of the lead plug to use XLR sockets for switching reasons with my other amps when the need arises. I am in the UK.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Reid Malenfant]

I had a look about & also couldn't find a 6A rated socket :scratch:

The only thing i can think of that you could do & still retain the standard lead plug is to splice in another cable to the lead that is already there & fit some kind of connector that will carry the current :doh: At least you'll still have the standard connector for use with other kit :)

[DSJR]

Hope I'm not spouting bull here, but a 14mm long 5x2.5mm socket should be ok I reckon.

My wife's laptop develped a dry or (mostly) broken joint on its DC socket. It worked but ran incredibly hot, so it must have been passing some current with its 19V (supply rated at 3.42A). Re-soldering the connection (PITA to dismantle a frail notebook style laptop) cured it.

Some of the PCB mounting sockets do seem to make a high quality connection, the plug needing a good push fit to fully engage the outer connector. Another I bought dies seem a bit sloppy and the plug has to be treated with repect if it isn't to come out.

Good luck :)

[Reid Malenfant]

The PCB mounted Laptop type socket is probably the best bet in actual fact ;) Like a lot of PC based stuff you'll probably find that it uses the PCB track that it attaches to as a form of heatsink which will increase the current rating without it overheating :) You'd need to use fairly heavy cables to emulate the equivalent of a PCB track which is usually quite wide (& thus a decent heatsink).

Probably what you were finding out Dave with the dodgy connection loosing it's heatsinking capability & the socket running very hot :(

[Ikemen]

I could use the PCB type if I had to. However, I said before that many suppliers do not state these values, especially laptop sockets. This is probably because they are matched to specific laptops, and the customer therefore is not interested in voltage ratings.

Assuming I am stuck with a PCB socket, probably a laptop variety, how can I be sure it is up to 24V 6A?

[Reid Malenfant]

I can guarantee you the voltage will not be a problem ;) 24V is naff all so don't fret about that one. The current rating is also a bit of an odd one imo as well. A 2.5mm diameter pin should be able to carry quite a bit of current so i'd hazard a guess & say that the limiting factor will be the connections from the socket to the PCB itself, which kind of backs up what Dave mentioned about his getting hot due to a dodgy connection ;)

Just attach some decent sized cable to the connections, i'd suggest 1.25mm^2 which is the same as 13A mains cable conductors & you should be ok as it'll be thick enough to draw away & radiate any heat generated :)

[Ikemen]

So with decent gauge cable I should be safe with the Maplins plug I originally posted. It is a tiny enclosure mind you. The cable will only be about 5-10cm's long.

Alternatives I found are as follows;
http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/26248-heavy-duty-dc-plug-socket-f342m.html
http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/13028-dc-power-socket-pcb-mount-dc-10a-fc68148-cliff-electronic-components.html

[Reid Malenfant]

That should be fine cable wise, however i'd suggest you use any laptop PC power connection socket as these invariably carry at least 4 Amps as standard ;) I'm not sure what the Maplin one will do, so best to be safe than sorry.

[goraman]

Radio shack makes one that is built better than any other I have seen.
I used one in my laptop part number 274-1576 I beive 2.5mm is size N
It should handle both the voltage and amprage for any computer.

[Ikemen]

I just found the Radioshack UK branch. Out of Edinburgh apparently. The socket Goramen suggested must be this one;
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102489

In the UK, as linked. Looks decent! Thanks.
http://www.radioshackuk.co.uk/epages/BT2533.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT2533/Products/274-1576

However, a reviewer, posted the following;
"Perfect for anything!!! only problem is that the size-n Male plugs have a black tip and cap. not yellow. so be careful."
What's that about?

[goraman]

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8330

check this out.

[goraman]

N can also come in yellow,there really is no color code.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102488
I would help to switch to a N conector anyway.
It is the most used in laptops these days.
M is found with a yellow tip more often than N though.

[goraman]

The 2nd most common for laptops is also available M so mabey order one of each.


http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102486

Sorry I forgot your not useing them for a computer,but mono blocks?

[Ikemen]

My SMPS came with a range of tips anyway so I should be safe with the N. UK Radioshack only does that one anyway. My 41Hz amp6 accepts the red tip, whatever that is. I'll go with Goramons' suggestion I expect. Thanks for everyones quick responses!

Yep, these SMPS bricks are for monoblocks.