Pigtail connector plug type comparisons

[merryoncherry]

there are 3 great choices raywu, xconnect and paulz

PaulZ is not available enough to be a great choice, though I do not know the technical merits.
I often use commodity end plugs for the ends of strings, and want them to be weatherproof. The plugs for female xConnect ends seal with an O-ring. The plugs for Ray Wu do not, and the little cap makes a nice bowl to hold the water in.
So, make mine xConnect, thanks.

 

[Juddge]

i use a liquid seal paste on my connectors , its a non conductive like jelly ( feels like vasoline) for the connectors i know will be sitting on the ground - called dielectric grease - this generally ensures my connectors a fighting chance in the sydney rain during summer

 

[merryoncherry]

And that dielectric grease makes good sense also. I'm just saying if you prefer the commercially sold caps, xConnect works better.

 

[Juddge]

agree, but i started with raywu so thats what i use now im too comitted to change now

 

[djgra79]

I've used Ray Wu exclusively for 10x years and cannot recall a water ingress issue with his connectors.
Your mileage may vary.

 

[bpratt]

Once upon a time, the Ray Wu connectors were the accepted 'standard', but as time moved on, XConnect came out, which is a much improved connector for our purposes.

I have never seen the bare connectors of any of them, so it's going to have to be pigtails.

I started with 12v Ray Wu pixels, I've now started to use 5v on some props, but went with XConnect for them, as it prevents me hooking up 5v pixels to a 12v supply, and letting the magic smoke escape.

XConnect are the better connectors for our hobby, that allow us to buy pixels and simply plug them in.

I'm in two minds as per extension cables, buy them already made in the length you want, or buy cheap extension cords from Bunnings, cutting the ends off any putting pigtails on them.

YMMV.

 

[Skymaster]

I have never seen the bare connectors of any of them, so it's going to have to be pigtails.

I don't believe they exist. The moulded connectors onto the cable ensures their waterproofness without having to invent some intricate sealing system for different types of cable.
Unless if someone reverse engineers the connector specifications to produce solderable connectors I doubt it'll be likely they'll appear. They would likely be a fair bit pricier too.

Same goes with other connectors, rewritable IEC plugs for example cost almost as much as a moulded IEC cable with the wire and both connectors included.