Protect your rig for the benefit of yourself & others.

In the event of NDE - National Disaster Emergency even a humble MW earphone radio becomes a vital resource. You don't 'own' your radio... you're merely the guardian. Consequently, reverse polarity connection to your TX/RX is a criminal sin. There is no plan B.

Some equipment will cope but that should be a last resort otherwise it's like using a 230 Volts electric mower in the rain with the excuse that you have RCCD protection on your mains distribution board.

Despite conventional wisdom Anderson PowerPole connectors are no exception. I purchased a made up lead from a golf cart supplier only to find the connectors were inappropriately assembled resulting in reverse polarity. I reported back to them and they thanked me. The correct assembly is looking from the rear where the cable enters the receptacles then tongue tip up, red to the right. Google: PowerPole connectors to source suppliers and assembly instruction videos. You don't need me for that.

Anderson PowerPole connectors are becoming the industry standard for the emergency services. With regard to hobby radio you will most likely use the 45 Amp connectors. I tried soldering and using basic cheap squeeze tool but purpose built crimper is best though relatively expensive so club together with your fellow amateurs. I tried the westmontainradio.com red handle version from eBay £25. It does the job for casual use but be advised that the receptacle for the terminal is plastic so care is needed to avoid damage to the tool. Professional production line models may be upwards from £150.

I also use the rolled steel security pin and water resistant black plastic boot. A lot of suppliers don't bother but they're quite cheap and worth the extra effort if you're taking your radio out of the shack into the hazards of NFD etc.

Conclusion: Never ever rely on someone else to make / supply you a power lead without checking for correct polarity and that applies to yourself if you dis / reconnect batteries & PSU.

At my previous employment we would just sit there and think: "What could possibly go wrong with our product and what can we do to prevent it happening?"

Murphy's law states that if it can go wrong it will... and Sod's law states that Murphy is an optimist.

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