RadioShack® 12-Position Male Polarized Connector

Comments about RadioShack® 12-Position Male Polarized Connector:

I use this for the stereo wiring harness in all of my vehicles. Makes swapping around stereos between cars, or adding new ones a breeze. It also helps preserve the length of factory vehicle wiring during frequent stereo swaps. I started using these over 12 years ago and it's really payed off in the long run.

Never buy a custom vehicle harness again, just buy one of these connectors and wire up to the new stereo harness. My setup allows for 4 channel audio, 12v+, Ground, 12v Acc, and antenna/amp power.

Seriously though don't bother with soldering, get a ratcheting crimping tool, makes building connectors like this a snap.

Comments about RadioShack® 12-Position Male Polarized Connector:

I put together a circuit using this connecter. When testing the output, I wasn't getting a signal on one of the pins. When tracing it down, the signal stopped at the connector (even though the solder joint looked good). Resoldering that joint fixed the problem.
Conclusion: When soldering, give it plenty of heat and solder. It will save time.

Comments about RadioShack® 12-Position Male Polarized Connector:

You can remove the pins, but you need a pin extractor. Radioshack sell the required extractor, you can also find them in kits for automotive applications etc.. For the price they are good connectors. I use them for general apps, also have some inside my race car for engine input's and outputs to the aftermarket EFI ECM. A better quality connector is hard to track down, and normally you have to buy a min order, not to mention they can be very expensive ( it's not uncommon to spend 100 dollars or more for a weather tight 20 pin connector ). For general apps, indoor, and light duty, this connector is hard to beat for both price and functionality..

Comments about RadioShack® 12-Position Male Polarized Connector:

WARNING: If you need just one, buy three. There are no extra just-in-case pins. If you lose one or make a mistake and place the wrong pin in the opposite mating socket, there is no way to retrieve the pin. Always buy extra. If you need 5, buy 30.