Ref subject. Could anybody point me to a good source for some 20-30 pin multi-pin connectors that could be mounted as a receptacle through my boats' dash and mate with another connector mounted through the bottom of a projects box? The connector(s) should then serve as the mounting hardware as well as conduit for all IO and power. One large and rugged or two smaller, one on each side should be fine. Project box will contain an arduino and a shield/touch screen from 4D and communicate with various other sensors devices. I have scoured a lot of web pages but have failed to find exactly what I need, maybe because I am not completely sure on the correct phrase to describe such connector. Have used 'through hole' and/or 'panel mount'. Any advice on this is also appreciated. If this is the wrong sub-forum please enlighten me as well
Definitely sounds like a job for a mil-spec multiway connector, is this marine environment?
Not cheap though.
Actually you can get upto 6-way cheap waterproof connectors on eBay, 3 of which gives 18 pins.
Babelbird said boat.
It's in my boat, but it's inside the hardtop so waterproof would be an upside, but not critical. Ruggedness and re-mating capability is important as this will be a stepwise long term project I expect. I plan to make a 'test bed' at home with identical connector for convenient upgrades/redesign.
Cheapest 25-way connectors are computer type D connectors. If you want a quality connection then you will need deep pockets for a military type unless you can get one from a military salvage supplier such as this
All you need now is the other half
Take a look at Harting's products but hold your breath on the prices.
http://www.harting.com/en/service/catalogues/downloads-and-order-connectivity-networks/industrial-connectors-hanR/
Have a look at ITT Cannon trident connectors. They do a huge range of round and rectangular connectors, with power and signal pin options depending on current rating required.
Bulgin do the Bucaneer range which is also quite robust.
Ian.
You could go through this list of circular connectors from Digikey connectors