The GX series — GX12, GX16 and their pin-count variants — are the small threaded circular connectors that populate drones, RC equipment, sensors, LED systems and instrumentation worldwide. They earn their ubiquity through simplicity: a threaded coupling, solder or crimp contacts, and a price point that makes them the default wherever a compact locking circular connection is needed. This guide covers specifying and building GX-series assemblies properly.
The Family in Brief
GX connectors are sized by shell diameter (12mm, 16mm) with pin counts from 2 to 10+ depending on size. Current ratings are modest (2-5A per contact depending on pin count and size — the small contacts are signal-class), and the threaded coupling provides positive locking against vibration. They are not sealed by default: standard versions are splash-tolerant at best, so wet applications need sealed variants or construction around them (our M8/M12 guides cover the sealed industrial alternatives when ratings demand more).
Termination: Solder Is the Norm — With Discipline
GX contacts are predominantly solder-cup or solder-bucket style. Quality solder termination discipline: strip to dimension without nicking, pre-tin conductor and cup cleanly, fill the cup fully without wicking solder past it (wicking creates the stiff point that fractures under flex), and keep heat short of the insulation. Backshell assembly then provides the strain relief that carries flex loads — without it, the solder joints do the work and fail predictably. Crimp-contact GX variants exist for volume production where solder consistency at rate is the constraint.
Strain Relief and Overmolding
The GX backshell's integral cable clamp is functional but minimal; production assemblies upgrade it with heat-shrink boots or overmolding. Overmolded GX assemblies gain sealing, superior strain relief and a cleaner look — the standard answer for drone and equipment builds where the connector faces weather. Overmold material (PUR vs PVC/TPE) follows the environment per our jacket selection rules.
Pin Assignment Discipline
GX connectors have no keying beyond pin geometry, and their pin numbering conventions vary between sources — the classic source of reversed-connection field failures. Assembly discipline: pin maps documented on the drawing (not 'per the datasheet'), continuity-verified 100% at production, and — where polarity matters (power circuits) — physical marking on the connector shell. Reversed power through a small circular connector is a component-killer.
Applications
- Drones and RC: motor, ESC and payload connections where the threaded coupling survives vibration.
- Sensors and instrumentation: compact signal/power feeds in lab and field equipment.
- LED systems: driver-to-fixture connections.
- Hobby and maker equipment: the general-purpose small circular.
Kaweei GX Assembly Manufacturing
Kaweei produces GX-series cable assemblies — GX12/GX16 in all common pin counts, solder and crimp terminations, overmolded and booted constructions — with 100% continuity testing and documented pin maps from our Dongguan facility. Contact us with your size, pin count and environment; our GX12 harness guide covers the 12mm variant specifically.