Cheap Kato Unitrack Plugs... close but no cigar

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I was very excited. I thought I found a source for cheap chinesium Kato Unitrack plugs!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pairs-Mini-Tamiya-Metal-Pin-Male-Female-Copter-Airsoft-Connector-Adapter-Plug/322825134066?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
 
10 pairs for $3.55. Hot damn!

Well, I was playing with them today.

Looking good...


Uh oh.



There's a problem I'm sure most folks here are familiar with: it's too big to fit in there.

Dammit.

Now to figure out if the issue is that these are $.35 plugs or if the standard Tamiya connectors are SLIGHTLY different from the Kato ones.

[MK]

This is the same problem we experienced.  The one with the clip/latch is too big from the "after market" companies.  And if you look REALLY carefully, the one without the clip after market is a tad too small but it'll fit into the corresponding Kato connectors.  So you first think "Yeh, great stuff" until you play with the other end.

We got ours from a very big, reputable, battery only place.  No go and we had to return all the latch side.  The other side we were able to use.

And I think even if you do find an after market that will fit, you have to be careful about the round "O" vs. "D" shape on one side of the plastic connector.  Kato/Tamyia use the "O" but some after markets use the "D" shape causing physical interference even if size weren't an issue.  The other side, which is a square is pretty universal.

I *THINK* the OEM mini Tamyia made by Tamyia will fit but I don't have any lying around to test.  I have some full size ones from my early R/C airplane days.  They were ditched long time ago as they no longer can carry the current demanded now by electric planes (40A plus).

[Steveruger45]

Yep, the round vs D shape issue I had too.  Just trimmed/shaved the D to a roundish shape with a no.11 exacto blade and made them fit.   That said I don’t take mine apart repeatedly.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

  Just trimmed/shaved the D to a roundish shape with a no.11 exacto blade and made them fit.   

A brave man. 

[peteski]

A brave man. 

I suspect that the procedure is not very difficult, or require great precision. Just use a fresh blade.

[C855B]

I suspect that the procedure is not very difficult, or require great precision. Just use a fresh blade.

Yeah. A fresh blade results in a cleaner, more even cut, which are easier to suture.   

[peteski]

Yeah. A fresh blade results in a cleaner, more even cut, which are easier to suture.   

LOL! Hold the connector in a vise. 

[Doug G.]

I was going to say, "Just reshape the devils."



Doug

[MK]

Just wait until you realize you need 50 of them! 

[Steveruger45]

LOL! Hold the connector in a vise. 

Reshaping was pretty easy and no vice or subsequent visits to hospital were needed on the 20 I did.
Just hold the end where the wires come out, rest the plug end on the bench and shave the corners of the D off with a few light shaving passes going away from where you’re holding.  If you slip the blade hits the bench.☺️

[peteski]

Reshaping was pretty easy and no vice or subsequent visits to hospital were needed on the 20 I did.

Mike and I wrote it in jest (at least I assume from his trolling smiley).

I originally wrote "I suspect that the procedure is not very difficult, or require great precision. Just use a fresh blade."  Speaking from experience, because I have done similar "conversions" of nylon connector housings.

[Steveruger45]

Mike and I wrote it in jest (at least I assume from his trolling smiley).

I originally wrote "I suspect that the procedure is not very difficult, or require great precision. Just use a fresh blade."  Speaking from experience, because I have done similar "conversions" of nylon connector housings.

Yes, Pete I know. 😀. And here is a pic of one I just did between my last post and this one, with a used blade too.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The shaved plug is on the left. Not pretty but it fits.

[Mark5]

Is Ed ripping up all of his code 55? 

[C855B]

Reshaping was pretty easy and no vice or subsequent visits to hospital were needed on the 20 I did. ...

Yes, 99% joking, but... I actually did end up in an ER once after a slip with an X-Acto. "Only" five stitches, but it sure was messy. 

[MK]

Yes, 99% joking, but... I actually did end up in an ER once after a slip with an X-Acto. "Only" five stitches, but it sure was messy. 

Gives a whole new meaning to the "Red Line" on T-Trak.