waterproof 36V connector point for my bike rear box???

Hi,

I'm thinking of trying to put a 36V connector point (like power point) on my rear lockable box where my battery is (example of box http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10128). So I could then just plug a charging cord straight into it for charging with the rear lid of the box still locked.

Anyone know of such a connector point that might exist that would be waterproof somehow? (i.e. wouldn't corrode it, or short it whilst riding) Perhaps something with a rubber flap on it?

thanks

Panel-mount XLR connector:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Amphenol-Audio/AC3FDZ/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtLo%252bUrTGGA8fgc6eDK8Gov

Hinged splashproof cover for panel-mount XLRs:

http://www.markertek.com/Cables-Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Connectors/XLR-Connectors/Neutrik-USA-Inc/SCDX.xhtml

Dimension/orientation drawings:

http://www.neutrik.com/us/en/audio/210_t2_1124754771/SCDX_detail.aspx

Buy 2 ideal diodes (or is it just one ???) and 4 nickle plated magnets. Mount 2 magnets with opposite polarity at the surface of your box, waterproofed and connected to your battery pack with the ideal diode(s) preventing any short even if you put metal across those surface magnets. Then you rig the other 2 magnets to the charger wires so the magnets attract to the proper polarity to charge, and viola a waterproof and shortproof charging port that is really cool too.

If your charge voltage can be trimmed, then you could use a regular diode to save a few $, but the ideal diode was developed by Tiberius here on ES, so the little $ extra is worth it IMHO, because those little babies have lots of applications. In the for sale section here http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=14450&p=232195&hilit=diodes#p232195

@c9tech - thanks heaps - I didn't think of this

@John - that sounds cool but not sure I'm ready to try this - is there a link to someone using this technique with a tutorial or something? Reminds me of the charge connectors to the MacBooks (i.e. with the magnetic thing)

Challenge question: Is it possible to arrange things (say with the XLR connectors so something similar) such that when you plug in the charger connector, then it cuts the physical connection from Battery to Motor, and replaces with connection from Charger to Battery? And the why you unplug it goes back to how it was...

In fact I'm assuming here I should not connect up the charger to the battery whilst it is still connected to the motor - is this a valid assumption? Or could I just connect the charger in parallel? My battery is a 10AH LiFePO4 battery - I actually charge it via it's BMS, and discharge it directly (due to an issue in the BMS). Seems to work fine. So in this case my question would be can I leave the direct battery connection to the motor in place when I plug in the charger to the BMS?

thanks

It's easier than my explanation sounded. The diode just prevents the possibility of a short. Otherwise it's just the magnets completing the charge connection instead of a plug.

No, you don't need to disconnect your motor to charge. My main bike's motor only got disconnected once in the past 15 months, and that was to change to a different battery pack. I just plug my charger in when I get home, and unplug it before I leave. The simpler you make everything, the more you'll love your ebike. I'm working toward a way to not have to pull the bike lock and chain out at each stop requiring lockup, which is only about 1/3 of my daily errand stops. Quick and simple is all I want.

John

John in CR said:

It's easier than my explanation sounded. The diode just prevents the possibility of a short. Otherwise it's just the magnets completing the charge connection instead of a plug.

Click to expand...

oh, ok - Is there a pre-prepared magnet based set of connectors that exist that are "ready to use" for the purpose of replacing the equivalent of the XLR connection technique? i.e. one that I could get then mount into the side of my box & the other end to the end of my battery charger?

Also how would you connect up the ideal diode in this case - would this be in series on the positive side on the battery side of the connection for example?

thanks