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Title: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 03, 2018, 09:31:38 PM
Has anyone ever seen one and/or know where to buy?
I've googled as much as I can, but turning up nothing?
Is it possible they don't exist?

It's for a its for a pedalboard so I'm making the cable and the panel where it plugs in.  So my other option is using 4 pole speakon panel and right angle end and making sure I mark them extremely clearly so that nobody ever mistakes it for a speaker cable.

Ideas or insight are welcome.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Lee Buckalew on March 03, 2018, 10:17:04 PM
Has anyone ever seen one and/or know where to buy?
I've googled as much as I can, but turning up nothing?
Is it possible they don't exist?

It's for a its for a pedalboard so I'm making the cable and the panel where it plugs in.  So my other option is using 4 pole speakon panel and right angle end and making sure I mark them extremely clearly so that nobody ever mistakes it for a speaker cable.

Ideas or insight are welcome.

Like this?
http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/speakon-cable-connector-accessories/lrx

Lee
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Don T. Williams on March 03, 2018, 10:24:27 PM
Like this?
http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/speakon-cable-connector-accessories/lrx

Lee

Does that work with powercon or only speakon?  Has anybody tried that?
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 03, 2018, 10:33:39 PM
Like this?
http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/speakon-cable-connector-accessories/lrx

Lee

That looks like it could be exactly what I need.

Like Don said - anyone try this with a powercon?
I'm willing to be the test case, but would still be good if someone could confirm.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Lee Buckalew on March 03, 2018, 10:47:11 PM
Does that work with powercon or only speakon?  Has anybody tried that?

My bad!  I misread.  That's what I get for reading while working.

Sorry about that.

I don't think there is a 90 degree accesory for the Powercon.

Lee

Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Mike Caldwell on March 03, 2018, 11:55:42 PM
Has anyone ever seen one and/or know where to buy?
I've googled as much as I can, but turning up nothing?
Is it possible they don't exist?

It's for a its for a pedalboard so I'm making the cable and the panel where it plugs in.  So my other option is using 4 pole speakon panel and right angle end and making sure I mark them extremely clearly so that nobody ever mistakes it for a speaker cable.

Ideas or insight are welcome.

That right angle adapter in the link is for the SPX speakon series. Powercons a based the on the standard NL4 body design and there are no right angle kits for them.

I would not want to use a standard Speakon as an AC power connector even if it is clearly marked.

Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 11:57:11 AM
That right angle adapter in the link is for the SPX speakon series. Powercons a based the on the standard NL4 body design and there are no right angle kits for them.

I would not want to use a standard Speakon as an AC power connector even if it is clearly marked.

Thanks for the insight on the right angle kit.
Can you elaborate on why you would not use a Speakon?
Would it be for fear of plugging in to something incorrectly...or something mechanical, like the chasis of a right angle Speakon can't handle the current?

My use is very specific.
I built a pedal board and mounted 4 D-panel connectors.  I made a custom snake to carry Power, 1/4", XLRs to/from my pedal board.  So no other cable will EVER plug into it.  And my custom snake will only ever be plugged into my pedal board.  So there would never be a fear of something being plugged in incorrectly.

Open to other suggestions if someone has another idea on how to get power (at a right angle) to a D-Panel mounted jack.

Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jean-Pierre Coetzee on March 04, 2018, 12:13:13 PM
Thanks for the insight on the right angle kit.
Can you elaborate on why you would not use a Speakon?
Would it be for fear of plugging in to something incorrectly...or something mechanical, like the chasis of a right angle Speakon can't handle the current?

My use is very specific.
I built a pedal board and mounted 4 D-panel connectors.  I made a custom snake to carry Power, 1/4", XLRs to/from my pedal board.  So no other cable will EVER plug into it.  And my custom snake will only ever be plugged into my pedal board.  So there would never be a fear of something being plugged in incorrectly.

Open to other suggestions if someone has another idea on how to get power (at a right angle) to a D-Panel mounted jack.

Code listing as well the potential for interconnect problems. From what I know current rating won't be a problem but that doesn't mean that it's a good idea.

Why do you specifically need a right angle connector?
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 12:30:55 PM
Code listing as well the potential for interconnect problems. From what I know current rating won't be a problem but that doesn't mean that it's a good idea.

Why do you specifically need a right angle connector?

Understood that it's very much a 'proceed at your own risk' situation, and there is potential for disaster...but this is a very isolated item and I am ridiculously anal about my gear and nobody else ever touching it.

That being said - I welcome some better options if anyone knows of any.


It needs to be right angle because the panel mount is on the side of a pedal board.
I have been gigging with regular style connectors, and based on the number of drunk girls dancing on stage, my cable ends are getting stepped on (and bent).
I need to create a tighter footprint where stuff can't be stepped on easily.
Hopefully this picture gives an idea of what I mean.

Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Keith Broughton on March 04, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
The Speakon and Powercon have 2 different keyways so cannot be cross connected. The Speakon is 12 and 6 oclock while the Powercon is 12 and 9 oclock.
The right angled adapter looks like it might work with the Powercon connector body as it is a replacement for to the shell and not the connector sleeve itself.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 12:54:57 PM
The Speakon and Powercon have 2 different keyways so cannot be cross connected. The Speakon is 12 and 6 oclock while the Powercon is 12 and 9 oclock.
The right angled adapter looks like it might work with the Powercon connector body as it is a replacement for to the shell and not the connector sleeve itself.

Understood, I would be using both the Speakon D-panel and Speakon cable end for my 'custom' job.  Effectively just swapping the panel and connector on my pedal board and snake, just to make it right angle.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on March 04, 2018, 02:06:03 PM
How much current do you want or need?  Would a four pin XLR work for you?  There are not many four pin XLR applications, so cross-connection problems should be minimal.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 02:09:02 PM
How much current do you want or need?  Would a four pin XLR work for you?  There are not many four pin XLR applications, so cross-connection problems should be minimal.

Powering a Fractal Audio AX8 Only:

Input Voltage: 100–240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz (universal input)
Power Consumption: <40 W
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on March 04, 2018, 03:52:58 PM
Why are drunk girls all over your stage, unless the singer is inviting them (and somebody needs to explain the legal liability to which he's subjecting himself, the band and venue).

I find increasing desire for more distance between drunks and myself, my crew and our gear.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Keith Broughton on March 04, 2018, 05:20:05 PM
How much current do you want or need?  Would a four pin XLR work for you?  There are not many four pin XLR applications, so cross-connection problems should be minimal.
I don't think XLRs are rated , nor should they be used, for 120 volt applications.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 05:33:09 PM
Why are drunk girls all over your stage, unless the singer is inviting them (and somebody needs to explain the legal liability to which he's subjecting himself, the band and venue).

I find increasing desire for more distance between drunks and myself, my crew and our gear.

I am the singer.  I don't invite any of them.  I do my best to keep them off.
But with a guitar in my hand and standing in front of a Mic stand, it's impossible for me to get them off during a song.

This behavior is NOT discouraged by the bars/clubs.  Most like when the crowd gets involved because it makes the room seem like more fun.
The bouncers and staff don't do sh*t to prevent it.  But when they do, it's generally after girls have already jumped up on the stage (stepping on or over my pedal board)....so damage is already done.
This is the environment I am in and I accept it.  I'm just trying to drunk proof my gear as much as I can.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Daniel Levi on March 04, 2018, 05:33:50 PM
What might work/fit is this:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449275/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449269/

or

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0488393/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0489510/

These are rated @ 3A/250V so fine for your application. The sockets are solder tagged and the 1st plug is screw termination and the second solder tagged.

Note that there are variants of the second connector that are NOT suitable for mains as the connector shell can be easily unscrewed (although it was previously used for mains (the SYNTHI AKS was a user) but now for inaccessible (i.e. internal to a device) use only). Weller TCP magnastat irons use the same connector.  But these are not right angle so no real problem.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 05:36:57 PM
What might work/fit is this:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449275/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449269/

or

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0488393/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0489510/

These are rated @ 3A/250V so fine for your application. The sockets are solder tagged and the 1st plug is screw termination and the second solder tagged.

Note that there are variants of the second connector that are NOT suitable for mains as the connector shell can be easily unscrewed (although it was previously used for mains (the SYNTHI AKS was a user) but now for inaccessible (i.e. internal to a device) use only). Weller TCP magnastat irons use the same connector.  But these are not right angle so no real problem.

Solid suggestion!  Thank you.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Keith Broughton on March 04, 2018, 05:37:02 PM

This is the environment I am in and I accept it.  I'm just trying to drunk proof my gear as much as I can.
Sometimes ya gotta just roll with it 8)
Best to know it and do what you can for your gear.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 05:38:29 PM
Sometimes ya gotta just roll with it 8)
Best to know it and do what you can for your gear.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Keith Broughton on March 04, 2018, 05:39:48 PM
What might work/fit is this:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449275/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449269/

or

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0488393/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0489510/

These are rated @ 3A/250V so fine for your application. The sockets are solder tagged and the 1st plug is screw termination and the second solder tagged.

Note that there are variants of the second connector that are NOT suitable for mains as the connector shell can be easily unscrewed (although it was previously used for mains (the SYNTHI AKS was a user) but now for inaccessible (i.e. internal to a device) use only). Weller TCP magnastat irons use the same connector.  But these are not right angle so no real problem.
NICE!
There is probably something similar in the US.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Andrew Broughton on March 04, 2018, 05:44:22 PM
Understood that it's very much a 'proceed at your own risk' situation, and there is potential for disaster...but this is a very isolated item and I am ridiculously anal about my gear and nobody else ever touching it.

That being said - I welcome some better options if anyone knows of any.


It needs to be right angle because the panel mount is on the side of a pedal board.
I have been gigging with regular style connectors, and based on the number of drunk girls dancing on stage, my cable ends are getting stepped on (and bent).
I need to create a tighter footprint where stuff can't be stepped on easily.
Hopefully this picture gives an idea of what I mean.


You should just have a wooden "box" as part of the pedalboard around those connectors which protects them from getting damaged. A much better solution than right-angled connectors which will be (especially in the case of a twist-to-lock connector like a powercon) difficult to attach and detach.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 05:51:20 PM
You should just have a wooden "box" as part of the pedalboard around those connectors which protects them from getting damaged. A much better solution than right-angled connectors which will be (especially in the case of a twist-to-lock connector like a powercon) difficult to attach and detach.
The panel on the side is recessed as much as it can be, while still being able reach the release tabs for the XLR, Quarter and Powercon.
If the panel was recessed any more (which was my original idea), you can plug the cables in, but can't get your fingers in to release them.

If you take a look at the picture I posted earlier in the thread that shows a picture of the side of my pedal board, it is a wooden box.
It has my pedal (fractal AX8) fully enclosed.  My pedal board can literally be stood on, and not hurt anything inside.  It's a tank.
Anything and everything that can be protected, is being protected.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 06:00:19 PM
Here is a pic of the entire pedal board.
AX8 screen and knobs are fully protected by the 'hatch/top cover'.
It's on a hinge so I can pop it open to get to the connection points on the front of the pedal.
The small piece of plexiglass is for the window I routed out, so that I can see the AX8 screen (and most importantly, my tuner).
That piece of angled aluminum makes it solid enough that anyone can stand on it.

This design is perfect for what I need.  Just need to make right angle connections.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Mike Caldwell on March 04, 2018, 07:29:43 PM
Here is a pic of the entire pedal board.
AX8 screen and knobs are fully protected by the 'hatch/top cover'.
It's on a hinge so I can pop it open to get to the connection points on the front of the pedal.
The small piece of plexiglass is for the window I routed out, so that I can see the AX8 screen (and most importantly, my tuner).
That piece of angled aluminum makes it solid enough that anyone can stand on it.

This design is perfect for what I need.  Just need to make right angle connections.

It looks like you built a sort of "dog house" style case for your Fractal.

If there is enough room behind it to mount the connectors in a small box or on a panel and then cut a slot in the side at the back to bring the cables into then close the lid. That way all the connections are protected.

Neutrik makes a rubber boot to fit over the back of all their D series connectors, putting one of those on the Powercon in the back of your case would eliminate the need for box or panel for it. They fit on fairly tight but I would secure it with a little glue and or and zip tie around the connector body.

http://www.neutrik.com/en/power/powercon-accessories/powercon/powercon-accessories/scdr (http://www.neutrik.com/en/power/powercon-accessories/powercon/powercon-accessories/scdr)
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 04, 2018, 08:15:50 PM
It looks like you built a sort of "dog house" style case for your Fractal.

If there is enough room behind it to mount the connectors in a small box or on a panel and then cut a slot in the side at the back to bring the cables into then close the lid. That way all the connections are protected.

Neutrik makes a rubber boot to fit over the back of all their D series connectors, putting one of those on the Powercon in the back of your case would eliminate the need for box or panel for it. They fit on fairly tight but I would secure it with a little glue and or and zip tie around the connector body.

http://www.neutrik.com/en/power/powercon-accessories/powercon/powercon-accessories/scdr (http://www.neutrik.com/en/power/powercon-accessories/powercon/powercon-accessories/scdr)

Exactly, it's a doghouse style.  But the main reason for the dog house is to protect the knobs and screen (and not just the connection points).
I do have a boot like that on the backside of my powercon D-panel jack.
There is not enough room to recess that panel any further.  It makes the cable release tabs unreachable.  (see the pic I posted earlier in the thread)
The entire pedal board is staying the size it is.  It fits perfectly into a small anvil style brief case I have.
The space under the doghouse is used as precisely as possible to keep it that compact.  Yes I could have the cables hang out like a 'tail' and then connect a snake to it.  That is how I used to use it.  But I like the panel better.
You've got to trust me that I have thought this out a million times over.  I am just trying to refine it with right angle connections.

So far, Keith has the best solution.
I'm going to call Neurtrik tomorrow though to see if any of their right angle kits will work.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jonathan Johnson on March 05, 2018, 12:11:10 AM
It needs to be right angle because the panel mount is on the side of a pedal board.
I have been gigging with regular style connectors, and based on the number of drunk girls dancing on stage, my cable ends are getting stepped on (and bent).
I need to create a tighter footprint where stuff can't be stepped on easily.
Hopefully this picture gives an idea of what I mean.

Another option is to use an IEC C14 male power inlet connector (same as on pretty much everything else in the world these days) on the pedal board, and a power cord with a right-angle IEC C13 female connector -- such cords are commonly available.

I found a few cords with locking IEC C13 connectors, but I couldn't find any in a right angle version.

With an ordinary right-angle cord, you could probably fashion some kind of removable keeper or velcro strap to keep the cord from being inadvertently removed. It wouldn't be as convenient as pushing a button.

EDIT: I found a right-angle, locking IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P power cord, 6' long (http://www.quail.com/C-1611/IEC-Auto-Lock-IEC-Auto-Lock-IEC-60320-C13-LEFT-ANGLE-AUTO-LOCK-.aspx?lc=true&1610=SQBFAEMALQA2ADAAMwAyADAALQBDADEAMwAgAEwARQBGAFQAIABBAE4ARwBMAEUAIABBAFUAVABPAC0ATABPAEMASwA=&1611=TgBFAE0AQQAgADUALQAxADUAUAA=). There might be others, but I stopped searching when I found this. Looks like they will make custom cords, too.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 05, 2018, 09:50:22 AM
Another option is to use an IEC C14 male power inlet connector (same as on pretty much everything else in the world these days) on the pedal board, and a power cord with a right-angle IEC C13 female connector -- such cords are commonly available.

I found a few cords with locking IEC C13 connectors, but I couldn't find any in a right angle version.

With an ordinary right-angle cord, you could probably fashion some kind of removable keeper or velcro strap to keep the cord from being inadvertently removed. It wouldn't be as convenient as pushing a button.

EDIT: I found a right-angle, locking IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P power cord, 6' long (http://www.quail.com/C-1611/IEC-Auto-Lock-IEC-Auto-Lock-IEC-60320-C13-LEFT-ANGLE-AUTO-LOCK-.aspx?lc=true&1610=SQBFAEMALQA2ADAAMwAyADAALQBDADEAMwAgAEwARQBGAFQAIABBAE4ARwBMAEUAIABBAFUAVABPAC0ATABPAEMASwA=&1611=TgBFAE0AQQAgADUALQAxADUAUAA=). There might be others, but I stopped searching when I found this. Looks like they will make custom cords, too.

Thanks for the link.
I thought about using a regular IEC cable, but I am trying to keep everything D-Panel (hard to see in the picture, but I made a 4 slot D-Panel from a piece of aluminum).
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Rick Scofield on March 05, 2018, 10:50:54 PM
The issue I see using the Neutrik 90 degree solution (assuming it will work on powercon) is that it only replaces the collet, so essentially the 90 degree turn will be starting at, or past where your cable exits the straight collet you currently use.

So if the problem is how the cable lays, the Neutrik 90 might be a solution. But if you’re worried about punters crushing the CONNECTOR, the 90 degree collet will only give them a larger target to aim for.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 05, 2018, 11:36:27 PM
The issue I see using the Neutrik 90 degree solution (assuming it will work on powercon) is that it only replaces the collet, so essentially the 90 degree turn will be starting at, or past where your cable exits the straight collet you currently use.

So if the problem is how the cable lays, the Neutrik 90 might be a solution. But if you’re worried about punters crushing the CONNECTOR, the 90 degree collet will only give them a larger target to aim for.

I'm not quite sure how it will measure out.  I have a 'budget brand' 90 degree SpeakON in front of me right now and it does not stick out as far as the collet on the Powercon.  It's a little shorter, which is 'good enough' for what I'm looking to do.  I'm using an angled 1/4 and XLR, so the angled Powercon will allow all the cabling to slow the same direction, even if only saving me a small amount of 'exposed connector'.

I sent the question to Neutrik, so we'll see if they have any solutions to offer.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Scott Helmke on March 06, 2018, 09:37:03 AM
Make the whole box twice as tall and wide enough to recess the connectors, then put your band's logo on the front. Turn it into a barricade!  :)
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 06, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
What might work/fit is this:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449275/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0449269/

or

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0488393/
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compact-power-connectors/0489510/

These are rated @ 3A/250V so fine for your application. The sockets are solder tagged and the 1st plug is screw termination and the second solder tagged.

Note that there are variants of the second connector that are NOT suitable for mains as the connector shell can be easily unscrewed (although it was previously used for mains (the SYNTHI AKS was a user) but now for inaccessible (i.e. internal to a device) use only). Weller TCP magnastat irons use the same connector.  But these are not right angle so no real problem.

After much searching, this seems like the best option, so thanks for the links.

Email response from Neutrik yesterday, confirming the offer no solution for right angle PowerCON.
Title: Re: Right angle Powercon?
Post by: Jay Marr on March 14, 2018, 10:06:41 AM
Update on how this turned out.
After coming up short trying to find equivalent parts in the US, I decided to see if an IEC socket could fit into a D-size panel.
With a small amount of filing, it can fit.
It's not pretty, but it works perfectly for what I need.

The socket is wedged in there extremely tight and I epoxied on the back side.
If I ever need to take it out, I'll likely have to drill it out.  But this is all a custom built unit, so not a problem.