Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2022 February 18

= February 18 =

Identifying a connector
Hi, can anyone help with identifying the name of this common connector please? I've searched the Molex website and can't find anything. Thanks. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 16:44, 18 February 2022 (UTC)


 * If a connector looks unfamiliar, chances are it's a proprietary format made only by one manufacturer (or maybe also by their offbrand copycats). So, rather than searching Molex or Amphenol or whomever, it's better to search a general electrical parts supplier like Mouser or Farnell. There you'll still see an astonishingly large range of possibilities. It helps to narrow down what application this is for (audio, power, automotive, computer, PCB, radio, etc.). And if there's any kind of makers mark or number, that will help too. -- Finlay McWalter··–·Talk 18:17, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Actually it looks very familiar, it's just the name that escapes me. The example I've shown is off a mobility scooter where it is used to connect the control cables within the console, so we are talking 24V and a few mA, maybe 10 or so mA.  I've seen them used on cars and computers though in the past.  I was looking for a name to generate a decent circuit diagram for the scooter; manufacturers don't seem to release circuit diagrams, that way they can charge £80 odd quid call out even for items under warranty. :-(  I'm not familiar with Mouser, but Farnell is a good idea, thanks. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 19:14, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * When you say "Mobility scooter" are you referring to motorized scooters you would often see in large stores like walmart so disabled people can get around? IF so then I would say it's probably either a proprietary connector cable or power cable. ― Blaze WolfTalkBlaze Wolf#6545 19:17, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * I don't think I've ever been in a Walmart. I know they took over Asda and I wouldn't expect to find there there if that helps.  See Mobility scooter or CareCo Martin of Sheffield (talk) 19:22, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * That is indeed what I'm talking about. So you're saying it is used to connect the "control cables within the console"? Mind showing me a picture of what this looks like (if you're able to do so)? ― Blaze WolfTalkBlaze Wolf#6545 19:25, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Shot of console interior attached. It's only from a mobile phone so is a bit naff I'm afraid. ConsoleInterior.jpg Martin of Sheffield (talk) 21:54, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Ah ok. THen yes it's most likely a proprietary connector. ― Blaze WolfTalkBlaze Wolf#6545 21:57, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * I've just noticed you mentioned power cables. The main power cables run from battery to controller and from controller to motor.  They go nowhere near the console.  The controller is down in the main chassis. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 22:00, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * I said connector or power cable because it looked like it could be either one from the image. ― Blaze WolfTalkBlaze Wolf#6545 22:01, 18 February 2022 (UTC)
 * 3 pin Tamiya type connector? I find some hits on shopping sites that look like a match. --Amble (talk) 00:05, 19 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Yeah they're commonly called 3 pin (or 3 way) Tamiya. They're not actually from Tamiya tho, they're some kind of relatively recent Chinese original creation. 108.46.183.204 (talk) 01:18, 19 February 2022 (UTC)
 * I don't think they are Tamiya. Tamiya connectors have a "D" shaped polarisation sheaths.  These connectors have one or two round sheaths and a single square connector at one end. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 10:13, 19 February 2022 (UTC)
 * As 108 points out, they probably aren’t “proper” Tamiya connectors, but when I search for 3-pin Tamiya type connectors, some of the results do have the same circle-circle-square pattern. I would share a link, but some of the shopping sites that have a matching photo seem to be prohibited links here.  —Amble (talk) 14:57, 19 February 2022 (UTC)

Thanks all, I think I've got to the bottom of this. Tamiya connectors were designed for power connections (batteries etc) and use "D" shaped mouldings for polarisation. These are known as "big" or "standard" Tamiya connectors. There are mini-Tamiya connectors however and these are usable for low current applications such as control. Mini-Tamiya connectors use round and square mouldings, as shown above. This all makes sense since the connectors I originally asked about are only carrying up to 120 mA (horn circuit), more typically 10mA. I think we can call this one solved. Once again, thabnks all. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 16:09, 19 February 2022 (UTC)