FAQ on power and signal connectors for beginners

A person entering the hobby sometimes finds it difficult to understand the variety of connectors and connectors used in quadcopter components. It is important to know what they mean, what they affect and what they are compatible with. There are also completely different markings, especially in Chinese sellers, which can confuse even experienced pilots. Let's try to understand the varieties and properties of connectors used in FPV-hobby.

Power connectors XT30, XT60, XT90

These connectors are manufactured by AMASS and are designed for high current devices. XT30 are rated for a maximum continuous current of 30A. Correspondingly, XT60 - max. current of 60A and XT90 - max. current of 90A.

Widely used in quadcopter assemblies to connect batteries to power distribution boards. Starting from 4S it is necessary to use connectors XT60, on batteries with a smaller number of cells can be used XT30.

The U marking in the name of XT30U (XT60U, XT90U) connectors denotes an improved version of the connector, in which the manufacturer has given the connector a more rounded shape. In technical terms, the connector parameters remain the same, and the old and new U-type connectors are fully compatible with each other.

The color of the connectors does not imply technical differences.

These connectors have two types - Male and Female. Many stores often make mistakes when using this designation, but the correct marking of XT30, XT60, XT90 connectors is determined by their Banana pins. The correct variants are shown in the picture below:

T-Plug power connectors

The previously popular T-Plug (Deans) connectors for high current devices. They are designed for maximum continuous current up to 70A. There are two types - Male and Female, designated by the type of contacts:

JST RCY power connectors

JST RCY connectors are mainly used on 1-2S batteries with low currents. Two-pin connector with 2.5mm pin spacing. Designed for 3A current and 250V voltage. They are differentiated into Male and Female types. The correct versions are shown in the picture:

JST Connectors

There are many JST connectors, different in size and purpose. After the name of the series, e.g. JST XH, SH, PH , etc., a number is usually indicated - this is the distance between the pins in the connector in millimeters.

• JST XH 2.5mm are used as balancing connectors for 2-6S batteries. They are designed for a current of 3A and a voltage of 250V. They have different number of contacts and are divided into Male and Female types.
  • Link to technical description

• JST SH 1.0mm/1.25mm connectors are designed for connection to ports of modern controllers (e.g. AKK), for low-current systems such as GPS, LED-modules, FPV cameras and others. They are designed for 1A current and 50V voltage. They differ in the number of contacts.
  • Link to technical description

• JST PH 2.0mm connector is used for connection of radios, low-current systems and power supply for mini quadcopters (e.g. Eachine E013). They are differentiated by type Male - Female. They differ in the thickness of the connector. Designed for a current of 2A and voltage of 100V. There are also connectors with the unofficial name JST PH micro 1.25mm - they have a smaller size, but are identical in characteristics with JST PH 2.0mm.
  
  • Link to technical description

• JST DS Walkera Style is an unofficial labeling that has caught on thanks to Chinese sellers. Officially these connectors are called Molex 51005. The connectors are used to power micro and mini quadcopters of Tiny Whoop class. They are designed for 2A current and 100V voltage. They are distinguished by a flat connector with two guides on the ends and reverse Male - Female designation.
  • Link to technical description

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