Just purchased one of these. Is it me or is the design a bit off in reference to the charge jack? If you insert in the hold screw too much is squashes the receptical. Also, it isn't in there flush where you can attach the test lead. Is there something I'm doing wrong? The overall installation hasn't been too friendly.

I've only installed one of these, and you're right. The screw does crack the charge connector if you tighten it too much. (And just enough to hold it secure seems to be too much! )

The fit is not all that good either. I have a tough time getting the charge plug to engage the charge connector properly.

I'm thinking about putting one in the Sportster I'm finishing, but reading your post and replying has me rethinking that.

The switch end of it is nice though.
Dennis-

DB,,

Yeah, I wouldn't do it. I have the Ernst charge receptacle on my 4* and that one works perfect. If I knew I could replace it in the existing hole, I'd change it.

i have the Dubro one in my SD and it works great.

I recommend taking a look at the JR or MPI charge switches. They are both very nice.

I agree with Cruz. Poorly designed, but I used it as designed in my 4*, and it works fine. I think 2 setscrews with the ends that touch the jack being more "blunt", would be better. If you leave it just tight enough to hold it without cracking it, it moves around some. Not sure I'd buy another one.

Cruz

I can describe that jack in three words, JUNK,JUNK,JUNK,

One of the worst designs I have ever seen for a charge jack ,

I use a switch and leave the charger inside, makes me have to open the plane to charge ,but I use the time wisely and inspect everything inside while Im doing it !!!


Highlander

I have one in every plane I own, and I love every one of them.

Here's how I install the charging jack:

Put the male end into the receptacle.

Connect a female end to it for alignment, THEN tighten the set screw. Don't over tighten.

Disconnect the female end, and you're done.

thanks for your advice Minn,

I'll that method a shot.

that is how i did it. and mine works perfect.

I bought one of those. Found it to be funky and didn't use it. There might be tricks to using it but in my Avistar install, I found it to be cumbersome. An experienced RCer at my field uses Dean plugs on all his planes for charging as well as volt checking. He checks volts after every flight and records. Goes to show, some things work for some and the same things might not work for all. The jury is still out for me on this one. Do make sure polarity is correct.

Happy flying,

Tom

Count me in, attached male to female, screw in the hex screw, remove the female, and done.

I have it in my two planes, and find it very convenient to check the battery charge at the field.

Try using this instead of the Dubro thing. I've got one on my bipe and just love it.

http://www.maxxprod.com/mpi/mpi-4.ht...harge%20Switch

Hey MinnFlyer, thanks for giving us your method of installing that jack. Wished I'd thought of it about a year ago! I think I got only one ever seated properly!

Minn,
That's the way I've mounted mine, but they're still a pain to plug in after a couple uses. The male connector winds up very close to one side of the receptacle making inserting the female plug difficult at best.

beardking,
That MPI unit looks pretty sweet. I especially like the one with the built in voltmeter! $25 is a bit steep though.
Dennis-

Yeah, it's a bit pricey, but I like that extra little piece of mind.

Dennis, I had that happen only once. just put a piece of paper between the plug and the wall.