Customization virgin seeks help connecting new toy to 12V power on tractor.

[tmac196]

I have just purchased a moisture tester (Agratronix BHT-2) for my hay operations this year. The unit contains two sensors mounted in the hay chamber of my baler and a powered control panel which will be mounted near the Operator's station of my John Deere 5065M.

I will have no trouble mounting the sensors on the baler, but I have never connected an aftermarket product to my tractor's 12V power supply.

The installation directions for the device read as follows:

POWER CABLE CONNECTION
1. Locate a positive (+) 12 volt power wire that is controlled by the tractor痴
ignition switch or a constant (+) 12 volt supply and connect the
red wire of the power cable.
2. Attach black wire of the power cable to the tractor frame (Negative)
or other negative connection.

I am in need of some advice on how to do this without creating other problems or voiding my warranty.

1. How do I locate a (+) 12 volt line controlled to the tractor's ignition switch?
2. What types of connectors should I use to correctly make this connection and how should the connection be made?
3. Any pitfalls to look out for beforehand?
4. Any specific tools I should borrow to make the job easier?
5. What connector do you recommend that I use to connect the negative wire to the tractor frame?
6. Any hints on how to make the finished job look elegant and professionally done?
7. Are there any other concerns which I have not thought of above?

For what it is worth, here is a link to the installation manual .pdf http://www.agratronix.com/images/07160-manual.pdf

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

 

[DT86]

Isn't there a power outlet in the cab just for such things? The ones I've seen have a screw on cap that is retained by either a short chain or something like that so you don't loose the cap.

 

[tmac196]

Isn't there a power outlet in the cab just for such things? The ones I've seen have a screw on cap that is retained by either a short chain or something like that so you don't loose the cap.

There is a "cigarette lighter"-type connector, but I was looking to make this a more permanent type connection if it makes sense to do so.

 

[DT86]

Labeled as "L".

I think the one you are talking about is "M".

 

[tmac196]

My console. Listed as "L" here.

 

[tmac196]

After looking the tractor over, hiding in plain sight behind the seat was this 7-pin Pollak brand receptacle:



This should do. Now I just need to find a 7-pin female plug to wire the control panel to.

There are plenty of 7-pin adapters out there, just not the unwired plug.

 

[k0ua]

After looking the tractor over, hiding in plain sight behind the seat was this 7-pin Pollak brand receptacle:

View attachment 416690

This should do. Now I just need to find a 7-pin female plug to wire the control panel to.

There are plenty of 7-pin adapters out there, just not the unwired plug.

How about this one?

Amazon.com: Pollak (11700EP) 7-Way Connector Plug: Automotive

or this one?

Amazon.com: Pollak 11-704EP Plastic 7-Way Connector Plug: Automotive

 

[Xfaxman]

After looking the tractor over, hiding in plain sight behind the seat was this 7-pin Pollak brand receptacle:

This should do. Now I just need to find a 7-pin female plug to wire the control panel to.

There are plenty of 7-pin adapters out there, just not the unwired plug.

Just be sure that you don't get the RV style.

This is what you need.

 

[tmac196]

James k0ua-Perfect. I ordered the plastic one.

Xfaxman-I ordered the round pin plug. Thanks.