TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Found a roadster charger on ebay (mislabeled UMC Gen1)

Discussion in 'Roadster 2008-2012' started by morrisdl, Feb 5, 2021.

  1. morrisdl

    morrisdl Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2017
    Messages:
    305
    Location:
    Smith Mt Lake, VA
    • Like x 2
  2. Tex EV

    Tex EV Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    Messages:
    249
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Thanks for posting! Exactly what I've been looking for :cool:
     
    • Like x 1
  3. EricUSC

    EricUSC Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2016
    Messages:
    272
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Looks like a first generation Model S mobile connector that was modified for the Roadster.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. eHorses

    eHorses Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2019
    Messages:
    97
    Location:
    St, Pete, FL
    Is that an equivalent to @hcsharp CAN Sr adopter?
     
  5. hcsharp

    hcsharp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2011
    Messages:
    3,370
    Location:
    Vermont
    No. That's not an adapter. It's a custom made mobile charging cable. Someone built that by cobbling together a Model S UMC (first gen) with a Roadster connector. If they did a good job then it would be a nice 40A charger. That's a big "if". I would have some concerns about it as follows.

    Where was the Roadster connector salvaged from? That matters because it might only be rated for 20A max if it came from a Roadster SMC (Spare Mobile Connector). Which leads to my next concern:

    How was the Roadster connector attached to the cable from the Model S UMC? A high-pressure crimp connection is the only way to safely connect the wires. Soldering them is not a safe short-term or long-term solution. I've seen people drill out the old contacts and then try to re-crimp new wires into them. This is also not safe because there is not enough material left after drilling them out to properly perform a reliable new crimp. I'm not saying they made an unsafe wire connection, but I wouldn't use it before opening it up to make sure they did it right.

    My next concern would be with how they clamped the cable inside the connector. It looks like they installed a new cable gland. That will help prevent dust and moisture intrusion but it provides minimal clamping force to prevent the wires from pulling at their joints. Even Tesla had some problems with this and they used a steel clamp inside the connector body.

    I'm not saying they definitely did everything wrong, but it's rare that I see this kind of hack that's actually done right. There are a lot of traps that are easy to fall into if you don't have the right experience. Most people (including most long-term Tesla owners) don't understand how dangerous it is when they make seemingly small mistakes with charging equipment.

    Hopefully the new owner will not have any serious problems.
     
    • Informative x 2
  6. Tex EV

    Tex EV Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    Messages:
    249
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Thanks for the info @hcsharp! I ended up buying this, mainly to tinker with. Have been wanting to open up a Roadster connector but didn't want to mess with any good ones. I'll document what I find here when i get to it.
     
    • Love x 2
  7. hcsharp

    hcsharp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2011
    Messages:
    3,370
    Location:
    Vermont
    Cool! I look forward to seeing what you find! Let me know if you need help with the disassembly.
     
    • Like x 1
  8. Sig72

    Sig72 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    Messages:
    438
    Location:
    San Mateo, CA
    Also curious to hear what you find
     
  9. smorgasbord

    smorgasbord Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2011
    Messages:
    3,193
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Just curious - I recently installed a couple of Gen-2 Wall Connectors. Tesla specs the tightening torques as:
    Those are pretty low tightening torque values - bicycle handlebar stems typically are tightened to 5N-m and that's pretty light. I installed them PDT (Pretty Darn Tight) thinking I was being safer (I didn't dare go PFT btw). Thoughts?
     
  10. Adrian Cockcroft

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2013
    Messages:
    118
    Location:
    Salinas, California, United States
    I have a Clipper Creek 70A Roadster specific charger, but moved house last year, and don't have anywhere to wire it in the new house. I have a Model 3 on a 50A socket hooked up, and have an adaptor so can top up my roadster on that if I need to more than trickle charge it. If anyone's looking for a roadster charger, pm me.
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC