GX16 4-Pin Aviation Connector Set - Male/Female Pair with Screw Lock

Specifications

• Connector Series: GX16 (16mm Cutout)

• Pin Count: 4 Pins

• Configuration: 1x Panel-Mount Socket, 1x Cable-Mount Plug

• Rated Current / Voltage: 5A / 125V

• Panel Cutout Diameter: 16mm (M16x1 Thread)

• Max Cable Outer Diameter: 6.5mm

• Contact Material: Brass with Silver/Gold Plating

• Housing Material: Nickel-Plated Zinc Alloy

• Wiring Method: Solder Cups

Key Applications and Projects

• Custom Aviator Keyboard Cables: Building high-end, coiled, paracord-sleeved USB cables for mechanical keyboards, using the GX16 connector in the middle of the cable as a stylish quick-disconnect.

• CNC Machine Wiring: Creating reliable, detachable connections for NEMA 17 stepper motors between the moving gantry and the stationary control box.

• DIY Lab Power Supplies: Mounting the sockets to the front of an enclosure to create custom, multi-voltage outputs for test equipment.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• The Boutique Mechanical Keyboard Cable: Don't settle for boring rubber USB cables! Evolve your desktop aesthetic. Take a standard USB cable, cut it in half, and strip back the wires. Slide paracord sleeving over the wires, then solder the 4 USB wires to the 4 pins of this GX16 connector. Heat shrink the connections, screw the metal housing together, and coil the cable around a wooden dowel using a heat gun. You have just built a $50 boutique "Aviator" keyboard cable for a fraction of the cost!

Package Includes:

• 1 x GX16 4-Pin Panel-Mount Connector (with nut and lock washer)

• 1 x GX16 4-Pin Cable-Mount Plug (with locking collar and strain relief clamp)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What does "GX16" stand for? The "GX" represents the standard circular aviation connector series, and "16" means it requires a 16mm diameter hole to mount the panel socket.

2. How many pins does this have? This specific model features exactly 4 pins.

3. What size hole do I need to drill for the panel mount? You need to drill a 16mm (roughly 5/8 inch) hole in your enclosure for the threaded panel socket to fit through.

4. How do I connect wires to this? The back of the pins feature hollow "solder cups". You must strip your wires, insert them into the cups, and solder them in place using a soldering iron.

5. Is this a crimp connector? No, it strictly requires soldering.

6. Are the pins numbered? Yes, if you look very closely at the black plastic insulator near the solder cups, there are tiny numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) molded into the plastic to help you keep track of your wiring.

7. Can I plug it in backward and short my circuit? No. The black plastic core has a physical notch and groove system. The two halves will only slide together in one specific, correct orientation.

8. What is the maximum cable thickness it can hold? The rear opening of the cable-mount plug can accept cables with an outer diameter of up to 6.5mm.

9. What are the two tiny screws on the back of the plug for? That is the strain relief cable clamp. After you assemble the connector, you tighten those screws to clamp down on the cable's rubber jacket, preventing the wires from being pulled out of their solder joints.

10. What is the maximum current rating? GX16 connectors are generally rated to handle up to 5 Amps per pin.

11. Can I use this for 110V/220V AC mains power? While the insulation is technically rated for 125V/250V, we highly discourage using bare metal DIY connectors for high-voltage AC mains power. They are intended for low-voltage DC applications (5V, 12V, 24V, 48V).

12. Is this connector waterproof? No. While it is rugged and dust-resistant, it does not have internal rubber O-rings. It is not IP67 rated and should not be submerged in water or left in the rain.

13. Why do mechanical keyboard builders use these? Beyond the incredibly secure connection, the heavy metal housing provides a very premium, industrial aesthetic that keyboard enthusiasts love for their custom coiled USB cables.

14. Do I need heat shrink tubing? It is highly recommended. After soldering a wire to a pin, sliding a small piece of heat shrink over the joint prevents stray wire strands from touching the adjacent pins and causing a short circuit.

15. Does the panel mount half come with a nut? Yes, the panel mount socket includes the necessary M16 threaded nut and a lock washer to secure it tightly to your enclosure.

16. How do I prevent the housing from unscrewing while I'm plugging it in? Make sure you tightly screw the rear shell of the cable plug onto the front mating face before tightening the strain relief screws. You can use a dab of thread-locker if you never plan to open it again.

17. Can I use this for my 3D printer's heated bed? A standard heated bed can pull 10 to 15 Amps. Since this connector is rated for 5 Amps, it will overheat and melt if used for a high-power heated bed. It is perfect for stepper motors and thermistors, however.

18. Which side should provide the power? As a general electrical safety rule, the side providing the power (the source) should always be the female socket (with holes), so you cannot accidentally touch live exposed pins. The side receiving power should have the exposed male pins.

19. What material is the metal housing? It is cast from a zinc alloy and plated in nickel for a shiny, corrosion-resistant finish.

20. Can I buy just the male or just the female side? This specific SKU is sold as a complete, matched male and female set so you have everything you need to make a complete connection.