I love the Deutsch connectors. Really great stuff. I mainly use DTM for aircraft work (like Hugh alluded to). You can find complete tool kits on Amazon or eBay for them. I dedicated an old Astro aerospace crimper to the DTM barrel connectors.
Here is one tool kit called a "Tool Aid 18650" for $84 that can be found on eBay, Walmart (!), Amazon etc....
I recommend the machined barrel connector type over the open crimp-on type, just like most DSUBs. I have a real super-duper Deutsch branded crimper for the open type pins and sockets but practically never use it for aircraft work. Farm tractors and machinery, yes. But I stick to machined barrel contacts for airplanes.
You don't need a special tool for insertion or extraction of the Deutsch pins. A small flat blade screwdriver and small pair of needlenose pliers fit the bill.
I also like the larger standard DT connectors but typically only for larger circuits (18 gauge +).
After years of ordering Deutsch connectors and pins onesy twosy I finally ordered a complete kit from Terminal Supply Co. It comes in a nice metal case with individual compartments for connectors.
I had a bunch of great photos of DTM connectors I have used for aircraft applications on Photobucket before they went insane and I refused to be extorted by them and they deleted my pics. After the Photobucket boondoggle I rarely insert photos to internet forum threads anymore.
Examples of where I use them:
DTM connectors for the red cube fuel flow transducer.
DTM connectors for oil pressure sensors.
DTM connectors for under the panel manifold pressure sensors.
DTM connectors for stick PTT and trim connectors at the base of the stick.
DTM connectors for portable GPS bare data cable interface to panel avionics (GDL's, Comms etc...).
DTM connectors in the wing tips for LED strobe/position lights.
DTM connectors for wing root disconnects in case of wing removal.
Jim
Will a Daniels DC-8 crimped work with these connectors? Are the pins standard sized?
I make diagrams of my Deutsch pin position assignments and put them in a binder. I use these as a shop standard and pin the DTMs on each aicraft the same way for the same components. This allows modular interchangeability of components. I can remove a LED strobe from the wingtip of the Husky and mount it in the wingtip of the RV or C140 merely plugging into the mating airframe DTM and everything works the same. Same goes for JPI/EI engine sensors, Portable GPS unit power & data cables, fuel pumps (DT size), wig wag controllers, panel overlays, compass lighting, GDL 39's etc. No more loosey goosie white Molex connectors or wristlocks inside plastic tubing with a zip tie for me. I try to limit my use to applications where there is a connection needed and don't add them where an interconnect isn't needed, no matter how tempting (like the complete avionics bus bar and breakers). Just because they are great connectors doesn't mean they should be inserted as an potential point of failure. It's a personal preference.
Steve. If by plastic bases you mean the optional Deutsch surface mount plastic tabs that hold an assembled connector in place with a screw or bolt, that is a great idea. I have always been leery of snapping the connecor in place all the way on these low-profile plastic mounting brackets since it almost seems impossible to release later. So your modification is both an "aha" and "duh" for me. Thanks for the tip.
And yes, the DT and DTM can be used with high-quality solid contacts and crimped with standard density DSUB crimpers. I elect to leave my expensive Daniels crimpers and positioners to avionic connectors and use cheaper standard pin crimpers for the Deutsch contacts.
Jim
Hi Steve and others,
Is this still the tool to get for crimping the DTM connectors? I only had the Steinair red crimp tool, and unfortunately these pins don't fit with the regular positioner. I also have some 18AWG wires to crimp, so I'm hoping that Amazon tool is good for wires of this size and doesn't over crimp them as it's only listed as being good to 20AWG. Also, how is this amazon tool adjusted for the larger pins (do you have to drill out the positioner)?
Cheers,
Tom.