Thanks Chris. Your suggestions and RC led me to something similar, a XLR connector. Looks like I'll only be able to get to 8 pin though. I'll probably run 1 for the + side of things, 1 for the - side of the LED's and run a DB probably for the PWM fans and sensor that very low current.

Molex also makes a cannon plug style circular connector (XRC™ sealed, plastic-circular connectors) Not sure of the pricing... will see if I can locate the other type I'm thinking of tonight after work.

Hey Dom,

What current are your LEDs running again? I use XLR connectors for the BC LEDs. I didn't use the typical XLR which are big, bulky and expensive, but rather some smaller 8 pin connectors (I think Lee's in Van call them DMX - which is an XLR) that were cheap and nice and small. I think they can handle up to a couple of amps. When I get home later I can take a pic of them (there might actually be a pic in my biocube thread).

Chris: Those XRC connectors are pretty cool. Looks like mouser sells them for $18 per side - $36 a set. Still pricey as I'll need 6 sets, but they are totally water/moisture proof. I'll have to see if I can source them locally...

Kevin: Most of my LED's are the XT-E's so they can go to 1.5A but the LDD should limit them to just over 900mA. The XM-L's however could be driven to 3A. I doubt I'd ever run them that high (probably boil the water, lol) so I maybe over thinking the whole connector issue anyway. I wish I could find something like the DB25 that could take 1A per pin...

Do you guys know anything about these aviation style connectors?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...psf7b011f1.jpg

Is that the mounting base that would screw to a dash AND the cable connector that would plug into it?

If looking locally.... try checking with a place, or electrician that does industrial control systems/automation, they might have something.

Yes, looks like the chassis mount with the connector attached, so both parts, complete connector.

I've been watching some similar connectors on eBay, much less money & available in different pin configs. Probably not the same quality, but will likely do the trick.

https://6t23xq.bn1.livefilestore.com...7_1.jpg?psid=1

Do you have a link for those Mike?

Sent you a pm with the goods.

Essentially it's mil spec connector knock off. Here's a link for everyone's info to one of the big players in the connector business, Amphenol. There are a few other big boys, ITT Cannon, Bendix, but all these products will be all very pricey & probably overkill for our intended use.

http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/pdf/12-090.pdf

So, I'm having an argument with myself about wire sizing. And as the internet would have it, I'm getting conflicting info.
According to this chart 18AWG can take 10A (which I actually find a bit hard to believe):
http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Wire-Gauge_Ampacity

But according to this chart it can take only 2.3A (which is one the other end of the spectrum):
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

Anyone have any info on sizing wire for 1.5A running 10' while bundled?