PowerPole Polarity Tester 15/30/45A Circuit Checker LED Indicator - BUILD the POWERPAL
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About this video
Ever worry about plugging your radio into the wrong power source and blowing it up? A simple reverse polarity tester could save you money, heartache, and your gear. In this video, I’ll show you how to build the PowerPAL, a DIY Anderson Powerpole polarity tester that every ham radio operator and maker should have in their toolbox.
Why this matters:
Anderson Powerpole connectors have become the standard for 12V DC power in Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications (EmComm). But just because someone crimped on Powerpoles does not mean they wired them correctly. A single mistake can damage your expensive transceiver or power supply. The PowerPAL is a cheap, fast, and reliable way to check polarity before you plug in.
How it works:
Uses a simple bi color LED (Red / Green) and a 1k ohm resistor
Green = Correct polarity
Red = Reverse polarity
Works with standard Anderson Powerpole 15 30 45A housings.
Input range is 9 to 14 VDC, as I tested, Probably good to 25 VDC
Build time is about 10 minutes
Parts Needed (where possible, I use affiliate links which allow for me to make a small commission when you click and buy. If you find it for cheaper elsewhere, that's cool).....
Bi color Red Green LED - amzn.to/46q2tMF
1k ohm 1/4 watt resistor - I had some at the house, but these should work - amzn.to/46LwRjC
Anderson Powerpole connectors (15A contacts recommended) - Genuine - amzn.to/4njrfnH
Not Genuine - amzn.to/3Wce3VE
Credits and Remix Notice
The PowerPAL is a remix of Anderson Powerpole Housing by Faraz Khan, originally shared on GrabCAD. I’ve modified the design to better suit my use case and to make it easier for others in the ham radio and maker community. Thank You to Faraz for the initial file, which proved helpful.
Anderson Powerpole Housing on GrabCAD grabcad.com/library/anderson-powerpole-hou…
Link to PowerPal Files - printables.com/model/1426824-powerpal-powe…
This project is also inspired by:
WB3GCK Powerpole Polarity Tester qsl.net/wb3gck/powerpole_polarity_tester.html
Powerwerx TestBuddy Powerpole LED Polarity Tester powerwerx.com/testbuddy-powerpole-led-pola…
Additional Resources:
My Printables Link: [Insert your Printables URL here]
Curious how to make your own Powerpoles: youtube.com/watch?v=fLjaKC3X7WY
Juicebox Thump2010 model: printables.com/model/457442-ham-radio-dual…
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