New MD appointed for electronics group.

Nick Bartholomew has been appointed Managing Director of Lane Electronics and Weald Electronics, a long-established manufacturer of rugged circular connectors serving the aerospace, motorsport, industrial and transportation markets.

Nick Bartholomew 

Nick brings more than 26 years of senior leadership experience in defence, rail and aerospace prime contracting. He has led major business units and programme teams operating in complex, safety-critical environments. His career spans sales, contracts, purchasing, operations and major transformation programmes, giving him deep insight into customer expectations, supply-chain performance and the technical demands of mission-critical markets.

A Sussex native, Nick is passionate about strengthening UK manufacturing supply chain resilience, accelerating product innovation and driving growth in fast-paced, high-reliability markets. He is particularly excited to lead two organisations renowned for customer service, technical expertise, customisation and responsive delivery.

Outside work, Nick lives in Sussex with his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters. He is a long-standing Brighton & Hove Albion supporter and an enthusiastic padel player and paddleboarder.

Nick Bartholomew says: “I am energised by the opportunity to lead Lane Electronics and Weald Electronics into their next phase of growth, building on strong foundations and expanding their presence in existing and emerging markets. A key opportunity is to bring our motorsport experience to a wider range of sectors, helping customers meet demanding connectivity requirements where reliability, customisation and responsive delivery matter.”

Lane Electronics supplies LF, power, RF and fibre-optic connectors and cable assemblies that are widely used in defence and security applications. It is a franchised distributor for many of the industry’s leading electrical and electronic connector manufacturers, including Eaton Souriau, HUBER+SUHNER, Weald Electronics, HellermannTyton, IEH, Positronic, Axon’, Nicomatic and LEMO. The company has supplied connectivity solutions for more than 60 years. 

With design, manufacturing and test facilities at its Slinfold Lodge headquarters in Sussex, Weald Electronics can tailor connector solutions to meet customers’ specific requirements on short lead times. It also provides bespoke, value-added electrical and optical termination services for connector products.

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Bulkhead expanded beam adapter.

Plug-and-play compatibility with standard LC/ST/SC/FC patchcords; Fast system design - no custom cabling

The newly released Cinch-Fibreco JCON series is now available from Lane Electronics. The JCON Junior Bulkhead Expanded Beam Adapter is designed to simplify panel-mounted fibre-optic connectivity by enabling standard patchcords to be used between the adapter and the transceiver.

Until now, high-performance expanded beam connector panel adapters have not offered the same straightforward installation approach available with LC and similar fibre-optic connectors. Connecting an expanded beam connector to a transceiver typically required a custom cable assembly, made to the required length and fitted with the required connector types.

Key benefits.
The new Cinch-Fibreco JCON adapter supports straightforward panel-mounted installation and connects to the transceiver using a standard, off-the-shelf LC/LC patchcord. This gives designers greater flexibility as system requirements evolve, since cable lengths can be adjusted simply by selecting an alternative patchcord. It also simplifies production configuration by allowing different standard product models to be supported through patchcord changes, while enabling fast field replacement if cabling is damaged, with no termination required.

About JCON expanded beam adapters.
JCON connectors are the trusted solution for mission-critical fibre optic connectivity, combining rugged construction with simplified installation and superior optical performance. They are engineered for reliable performance in the most demanding applications and environments such as ground-based tactical communication systems, outside broadcast consoles, industrial systems, mining, marine and offshore systems.

The JCON series features an M83526 compliant fibre optic interface, along with rear adapter plate for standard commercial connectors allowing easy use with readily available patch cords. The expanded beam ferrule-to-lens alignment utilises Cinch-Fibreco patented optical technology, ensuring optimal signal integrity and minimising maintenance.

The JCON series is a bulkhead connector with D-hole panel cut-out for easy panel integration. Standard configuration features an anodised aluminium connector shell in black colour, available with 2 or 4 optical channels, and LC-duplex end adaptor plate. 

Key features include:

• Plug-and-play compatibility with standard LC/ST/SC/FC patch cords.
• Channel Count: 2 or 4 optical channels.
• Fibre Type: Single- or Multimode.
• Optical performance in line with MIL-DTL-83526.
• Optional: Zinc Cobalt finish in Olive colour.
• Optional: Stainless Steel shell.
• Bulkhead-D and square flange options.
• Tool-free installation for quick deployment.
• Easy to clean.

The JCON adapter features a M83526 compliant interface, which enables plug connectors according to MIL-DTL-83526/20 with 2 or 4 optical channels to be mated. L

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60 years of connectivity and connections.

Built on the principle of establishing direct personal relationships with customers

F C Lane Electronics is celebrating 60 years of trading since their foundation on 12th of April 1966. The company was established by the much-respected Fred Lane (1931-2024), who had previously been running a division of an electronic components business dealing in a variety of device types and selling across the Britain as well as to several overseas markets.

One of the primary reasons why FC Lane has been so successful for so long was Fred Lane’s original vision to specialise in just one type of component - the connector.

Time has shown this to be a wise decision as connectors are an essential part of almost every electronic product or system manufactured. As the electronics industry rapidly evolved throughout the decades that followed, the connector industry developed newer, more sophisticated, and smaller products to keep pace with and help the industry’s development process. From day one, Fred Lane ensured his company remained at the forefront of interconnection technology.

Starting life in outbuildings behind a public house provided few clues to how they would develop into the multi-million-pound operation it is today. But, as any good businessman knows, careful planning from day one allows a business to spend valuable resources on the right things – people and products. This is a philosophy that Fred Lane followed throughout his personal leadership, and which today sees FC Lane Electronics employ 70 people with a finished product and parts inventory level approaching nine million pounds.

The company quickly expanded into premises in the centre of Horsham in a building due for short-term redevelopment before finding its eventual home - Slinfold Lodge. Combining traditional office environments with modern assembly and test facilities, Slinfold Lodge itself, is an imposing country house set in its own grounds and is surrounded by a golf course. Slinfold Lodge remains to this day the headquarters for FC Lane Electronics and its sister connector manufacturing company, Weald Electronics.

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics, says, “Our success continues Fred Lane’s principle of building direct personal relationships with our customers, offering a wide range of products, high levels of customer service and supply adaptability, adding value to our customer’s supply chains. We have very long-standing relationships with our suppliers, such as that of our forty years of working with EATON Souriau, which reflects our deep knowledge and experience of the connector market” .

Lane Electronics connectivity solutions include RF and Fibre-Optic connector and cable assemblies, widely used in defence and security applications, and is a franchised distributor for many of the industry’s leading electrical and electronic connector manufacturers including EATON Souriau, CINCH Fibreco, HUBER+SUHNER, HellermannTyton, Positronic, Nicomatic and LEMO.

Backed by a strong commitment to quality, reliability and traceability procedures Lane Electronics also hold a significant number of key approvals. Next day delivery is available on more than 90% of standard products while, for non-standard products, rapid in-house development, assembly and testing of specialist military, industrial and motorsport circular connectors is available lead times which are generally much quicker than those offered by other connector suppliers.

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Appointment at major distributor.

Maintaining customer interaction with real people who can respond pro-actively to their needs.

Callon O'Keeffe has been appointed to the role of Business Development Administrator (BDA) with Lane Electronics. The appointment is in response to continued business growth and Lane Electronics’ key strategy of bringing new talented staff on board to maintain customer interaction with real people who can respond pro-actively to their needs

Callon is qualified in General Engineering, including electronics, with diplomas from Chichester college. A team player, Callon is responsive to customer’s needs and provides a reliable source of information. He is interested in emerging and evolving technology, enjoys problem solving and values creativity while working collaboratively and building strong relationships. Outside of work he enjoys the countryside and has a passion for travelling and experiencing different cultures

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics, says, “As a business development administrator, Callon’s primary objective is following up and assisting with quotations and working alongside our internal and external sales teams. Continuing to build direct relationships with our customers he will be able to help integrate our wide range of products and high levels of customer service and supply adaptability, adding value to our customer’s supply chains."

Lane Electronics have been supplying connectivity solutions for over 50 years; their RF and Fibre-Optic connector and cable assemblies are widely used in defence and security applications. The company is a franchised distributor for many of the industry’s leading electrical and electronic connector manufacturers including EATON Souriau, CINCH Fibreco, HUBER+SUHNER, HellermannTyton, Positronic, Nicomatic and LEMO.

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Accredited in-house value-added solutions for critical industries.

Specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics, a franchised distributor and stockist of electrical connectors and accessories, is reinforcing supply-chain resilience for customers across aerospace, medical, industrial, and other high-reliability sectors.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, global conflict, tariffs, and the growing impact of environmental change, Lane Electronics delivers exceptional service and reliability by combining extensive stockholding, in-house assembly, and value-added engineering expertise. A key member of the privately owned Lodge Group, Lane Electronics provides customers with seamless access to one of the industry’s most comprehensive interconnection portfolios, while sister company and connector manufacturer Weald Electronics adds design, assembly, and manufacturing capabilities that ensure continuity of supply and technical excellence as one of Lane Electronics’ key supply partners.

“In today’s uncertain global landscape, component availability and agility are paramount,” said Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics. “Our focus on supply-chain resilience, supported by strategic stock management and in-house assembly, allows us to respond rapidly to customer needs while maintaining exceptional quality and performance standards through our industry-leading suppliers.”

Lane Electronics offers an extensive stockholding of connectors, accessories, and component piece-parts, supported by automated and strategic replenishment systems. Stock can be ring-fenced to meet specific customer or project requirements, helping OEMs and system integrators mitigate the risks of extended lead times, rapidly escalating prices or obsolescence.

The company’s in-house assembly services further enhance availability, with more than 90% of standard product ranges available for next-day shipment through stock or rapid assembly. As a specialist assembling distributor for leading connector manufacturers, Lane Electronics delivers tailored interconnect solutions across industries including aerospace, defence, mining, test and measurement, medical equipment, entertainment systems, and general industrial applications.

Complementing these capabilities, the company’s partnership with Weald Electronics provides accredited UK-made optical and RF cable assemblies and other value-added solutions, ensuring customers benefit from certified, high-performance interconnect products built to meet exact specifications.

Other key service advantages include:

• No minimum order quantity or order value on stocked items
• Next-day delivery on most standard connectors and accessories
• Online access to stock, specifications, and ordering
• Rapid engineering support for custom or obsolete designs

“Our customers value having a trusted partner who can combine technical knowledge, stock security, and responsive service.” continues Wheeler “We understand that connector availability can make or break a project timeline — so our goal is to remove that uncertainty.”

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Circular connectors.

Ruggedised for use in extreme industrial applications.

The availability of Weald Electronics's LMG Heavy Duty range of circular connectors* has been announced. The connectors are designed for use in harsh or hazardous environments such as geophysical, mining, marine and petrochemical applications and other heavy industrial applications where key priorities are high resistance to vibration and the ingress of liquids, combined with very rugged construction.

LMG Heavy Duty circular connectors are built around a rugged brass or stainless-steel shell, are environmentally sealed from IP67 to IP69K and can come as standard with 6 contact arrangements with from 2 to 19 contacts. Two connector types are available, threaded coupling in brass only, and staple coupling in brass or stainless-steel construction. The rugged sealed design is very robust and is able to withstand high levels of shock and vibration in demanding operational environments.

Key standard features:

• Tried and tested military contact technology.
• High shock and vibration capabilities
• Environmentally sealed from IP67 to IP69K
• Brass or Stainless-Steel shells
• In-line, panel and cable mounting styles.
• 5 to 19A current rating
• Wide range of backshells available

Accessories available include a backshell outlet accessory set for screened and unscreened multicore cable or cables with an inner collective screen, protective caps, staples and assembly spanners.

The conventional screw coupling versions offer a coarse ribbed coupling nut that can be easily gripped with protective gloves, while the staple coupling versions work in a similar way to typical hydraulic connectors where a large metal staple is used to quickly lock and secure the connectors together when mated. The staple provides a very quick coupling (often secured with a hammer) and it can easily be seen whether locked or not, even under adverse conditions.

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*All Weald Electronics products are available from their leading franchised distributor Lane Electronics and available to order online 24/7. 

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Backshells catalogue.

The new backshell catalogue from Weald Electronics brings together their recently extended high-quality range of backshells in one easy-to-use document, providing an outline description of form, fit and function for each style, as well as full technical and part number information. Standard products are normally available next day, and Weald Electronics is able to tailor a connector solution to exactly meet a customer’s specific requirement on surprisingly short lead times.

For most connector styles, backshells provide the important transition between the connector body and the chosen cable to provide sealing and strain relief of the completed assembly, and where applicable, to maintain the environmental and RFI screening integrity of the overall connector to cable interface.

The Weald LMA range includes EMI/RFI shielding and heat shrink boot backshells, cable clamp strain relief backshells, low profile and standard heat shrink boot backshells, and extended adaptors for fibre optic connectors.

They are based on AS85049/M85049 specifications in aluminium, marine nickel-aluminium bronze and stainless steel with straight and 90-degree options and are compatible with industry-standard MIL-DTL-38999 Series III (interface H) or MIL-DTL-26482 Series I connectors (interface D) from leading manufacturers such as Amphenol, EATON Souriau, TE Deutsch, ITT Cannon and Weald Electronics.

As many different cable types, materials and dimensions can be used within any given backshell assembly, it is important that the end-user carefully considers all aspects of the final assembly requirements when selecting and specifying appropriate part numbers. 

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Connectors for Security and High-End Industrial applications.

The LMH Series connectors from Weald Electronics, part of the Lodge Group, offer a cost-effective combination of price, size, weight, contact size, robustness and reliable quick-connect bayonet coupling, making the connector a popular and optimal choice for a variety of applications including security equipment, avionics, medical systems, industrial automation, test and measurement, and instrumentation.

The Weald LMH series are alternatives to a number of other suppliers including Amphenol, AB Connectors, ITT Cannon, EATON Souriau and Glenair.

The range of Bayonet Coupling Connectors are designed to perform to the requirements of MIL-DTL-26482 Series 1 and Pattern 105 and are also manufactured to IECQ-CECC spec BS/CECC 75201-003 and BS 9522 F0017. With 9 shell sizes and contact arrangements from 2 to 61 ways, these connectors may be used with a maximum current rating of 45A and peak working voltages up to 1500V – DC or AC.

LMH connector shells are manufactured from Aluminium Alloy and, as standard, they feature a high resistance to corrosion thanks to an olive-drab Cadmium plate finish or Zinc Cobalt, RoHS compliant plating finish. Other finishes available include black Zinc Nickel and electroless Nickel.

A wide range of acsessories are also availble, including panel sealing gaskets, backshells and protective caps manufactured to the same demanding standards.

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Connector backshells.

Wide range of sizes and plating finishes.

Two new series of connector backshells from Weald Electronics are for use in rugged applications. Both series are manufactured in accordance with AS85049/M85049 specifications, which are considered to be the industry standard for connector accessories*.

Their LMA 69H1 backshells provide secure strain relief to cables via an adjustable cable clamp. They are compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III (Souriau 8D Series) connectors with rear accessory threads and can be specified with the same plating finishes. LMA 69H1 Series backshells metalwork is machined from solid material rather than cast, providing optimum levels of strength and in-service reliability.

While the connector interface includes an O-ring seal this series of backshells does not provide additional environmental protection to the connector and cable and are designed to be used without heat shrink boots over the connector-to-cable transition. For EMC screen termination variants, the LMA19 Series is available, for ultra-low-profile style, consider the LMA67 Series and for heat shrink boot backshells select the LMA79 Series.

Key Features include;
Compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 / D38999 Series III and IV (H interface) circular connectors

• Provide secure strain-relief and cable support to prevent cable or connector damage due to bending or overloading at the rear of the connector.
• Straight variants are available, please consult the factory regarding 90-degree versions.
• Machined Aluminium metalwork for high strength and reliability
• Wide range of sizes and plating finishes available from stock

The LMA 79 Series backshells enable the secure mounting of heatshrink boots over the connector-to-cable transition. They are compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III (Souriau 8D Series) and IV or MIL-DTL-26482 Series I (Weald LMH Series) connectors and can be supplied with a variety of finishes and variants to match the connector they are being used on.

The connector interface includes an O-ring seal around the connector interface, while the use of a suitable lipped heatshrink boot which is locked in place via a groove provides additional mechanical and environmental protection of the cable. The compete assembly with boot, reduces the risk of damage due to bending and pulling of the cable and provides sealing against water and dirt ingress.

The two-part spin-coupling design allows uncoupling for repair without removing the heatshrink boot. This series of backshells does not provide an option to terminate a cable screen to the connector, for EMC screen termination style please see LMA19 Series and for an alternative ultra-low-profile style backshells, please see LMA67 Series. 

 LMA 79 key features include:

• Compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 / D38999 Series III and IV (H interface) or
• MIL-DTL-26482 Series I / LMH (D interface) circular connectors
• Helps protect and maintain he effectiveness of the cable, sealing against water and dirt ingress.
• Provides secure strain-relief and cable support to prevent cable or connector damage
• due to bending or overloading of the cable at the rear of the connector.
• Straight variants are available, please consult the factory regarding 90-degree versions.
• Made of Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Nickel Aluminum Bronze
• Many sizes and plating finishes available from stock

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* All Weald Electronics products are available from stocks mantained by sister company distributor Lane Electronics and available to order online 24/7 from their online store

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Robust connector system for demanding environments.

The LMR Series of rack and panel connectors from Weald Electronics provide a form, fit and function alternative to the ITW McMurdo Connectors RED Range which was made obsolete in 2024. Most residual stock of this widely used connector family has now been consumed but specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics is able to maintain supply to existing and new customers with a direct alternative from its sister company, Weald Electronics.

Matching the technical performance and dimensions of the RED Range, the Weald LMR series is a compact but heavy-duty rectangular rack and panel connector system that is designed to provide a drop-in replacement to the RED Range for Line Removable Units (LRUs) and is particularly suited for use in rugged conditions where reliability is essential, and space and accessibility are a premium.

The LMR range offers four connector sizes, providing 8, 16, 24 and 32 ways with low insertion force and polarised blind-mate moulded insulators. Each of the male and female halves of the connector system consists of a combined high-performance Diallyl-Phthalate (DAP) moulded insulator and stainless-steel mounting plate (the ITW McMurdo Connectors RED Range offered DAP and a lower temperature grade Nylon) fitted with gold plated low insertion force blade contacts rated for 500+ operations.

The insulator form has generous polarising and pre-mating features which engage before contacts touch that makes it ideally suited for inaccessible applications and the female half is fitted with floating mounting bushes to further enhance the self-aligning functionality. Contact rating is a high 5A continuous across all contacts simultaneously at 100°C and the complete connector assembly meets a climate category of 55/125/56 (-55°C to +125°C temperature range).

With high-quality materials and excellent current carrying characteristics the LMR range of connectors provide reliable connectivity for line-replaceable industrial electronics units such as industrial measurement and configurable automation and robotics. Main Features include:
• Rugged construction
• 180° polarised
• Floating bushes to assist alignment
• Excellent current carrying characteristics
• Available in four sizes with 8, 16, 24 and 32 contacts
• 5A current rating
• Working voltage 800V DC or AC peak
• UL-94 V-0 rated flame-retardant
• Diallyl-Phthalate (DAP) insulators
• Working temperature -55°C to +125°C

Lane Electronics has now introduced the rugged LMR connector series to its popular on-line store with all four sizes, both male and female on ex-stock availability.

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Strategic RF and Fibre-Optic appointment.

Phil McDavitt has been appointed to the new role of Strategic Business Manager RF and Fibre-Optic connector products with Lane Electronics.

Phil McDavitt

Phil is known to many in the electronics industry and brings a wealth of technical and commercial knowledge across a number of high-quality, high-performance RF and Fibre-Optic product groups gained through previous employment with leading manufacturers such as TE, Radiall and Transradio. He also has a comprehensive knowledge and applications experience of more conventional connector products from manufacturers including Harwin, JAE and most recently, Nicomatic.

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics, says “Phil will be primarily focussed on strategically developing our combined RF and Fibre-Optic business, becoming the Lane Electronics technical and commercial ‘champion’ and business leader of our RF and Optical business and associated product groups. He will be working with and alongside me in identifying and driving new business independently and through our existing BDM/team activity, across all market sectors.”

Lane Electronics have been supplying connectivity solutions for over 50 years, their RF and Fibre-Optic connector and cable assemblies are widely used in defence and security applications. Backed by a strong commitment to quality, reliability and traceability procedures Lane Electronics also hold a significant number of key approvals. Next day delivery is available on more than 90% of standard products while, for non-standard products, rapid in-house development, assembly and testing of specialist military, industrial and motorsport circular connectors is available lead times which are generally much quicker than those offered by other connector suppliers.

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@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #PAuto #Electrical

Connectors for exposed environments.

The Weald Electronics LMF and LMG families of connectors and accessories are now available through Lane Electronics. Both connector families are suitable for cable to panel or cable to cable connections and are designed for use in exposed, harsh environments. such as mining and construction, and offshore installations including wind farms and oil and gas platforms. 

LMF and LMG Connectors are available with 1 to 37 contacts and housed in a range of shell styles and sizes:

• Shell Size 1 – Small
• Shell Size 2 – Medium
• Shell Size 3 – Large

Two shell materials are available, aluminium with fine thread coupling, suitable for lightweight use and brass, with coarse thread coupling, suitable for more rugged applications. Both types are IP67 rated and maintain high levels of mechanical strength and corrosion protection, while the selection of brass eliminates the need for protective plating that can get scratched and requires no in-service maintenance.

The comprehensive range of accessories includes straight and angled outlets for screened and unscreened cables and conduits, metal and polymer protective caps, and assembly tooling.

The LMF Range, formerly known as Plessey MK4, has an operating temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C, with a limited environmental capability. The standard range of shell styles includes climatic proof bulkhead feedthrough connectors which permit a complete break in a cable passing through a bulkhead. Furthermore, thermocouple connectors can be configured with an additional choice of alumel and chromel / brass and constanton contacts.

The LMG Range, formerly known as Plessey MK7 (Patt. 104), is an update on the LMF range and has a more comprehensive environmental performance. Standard inserts are polychloroprene and the operating temperature range is -55 °C to +100 °C. For more demanding applications fluorinated silicone rubber may be selected for insulators and the temperature range increases to -55 °C to +150 °C.

Should the occasion demand, the LMF and LMG connectors are intermateable within their respective styles and types, with performance limited to the LMF capability. The LMG range does not include bulkhead feedthrough connectors style or thermocouple contact options.

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Audit success achieved.

Customers can access a fully certified fast-turnaround bespoke connector service

Lane Electronics, premium distributor for the EATON Souriau range of high-performance interconnect technologies and have successfully passed an audit of their value-added distribution facility.

Lane Electronics VAD team.

In addition to being able to supply an extensive range of EATON’s market leading Souriau connectors from their comprehensive stock, Lane Electronics also provides a value-added assembly service. With access to a wide range of additional component parts their in-house Value-Added Distribution (VAD) capability means they are able to assemble and supply many more standard connectors that can be custom configured and assembled to order and help customer’s get new products to market quickly and reliably.

To retain their qualified assembling distributor status a regular audit is required and Patrick Sangleboeuf, VAD Product Manager of EATON Interconnect Technologies Division recently visited Lane Electronics’ facility in Sussex to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of their in-house assembly. This covered the very popular D38999 / MIL-DTL-38999 series I and III, their commercial equivalents 8LT and 8D and derivatives, as well as the 8STA and the micro-38999 ranges.

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics says, “We are very pleased that the audit of our Souriau connector VAD facility by EATON was a success, and we can continue to offer our customers a fully certified fast-turnaround bespoke connector service.”

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Bayonet locking connectors for demanding environments.

Weald Electronics offers a wide range of connectors for demanding environments including avionics, marine and naval equipment, medical systems, industrial automation, machine building, test and measurement, high performance communications systems and instrumentation.*

Their LMH range of bayonet coupling connectors provide a cost-effective combination of price, size, weight, contact size, robustness and reliable quick-connect and are designed to perform to the requirements of MIL-DTL-26482 (previously MIL-C-26482) Series 1 and Patt 105. LMH series connectors are also manufactured to IECQ-CECC spec BS/CECC 75201-003 and BS 9522 F0017.

The LMH connectors are available for signal and power applications and are manufactured with bonded insulators and contacts that are 100% pressure-tested during assembly to provide a reliable environmental seal even when unmated.

Key features of the Weald LMH connectors include:
• 9 shell sizes and 25 shell styles
• Contact arrangements from 2 to 61 ways,
• Maximum current rating of 45A
• Peak working voltages up to 1500V – DC or AC.
• Accessories include J sealing glands, protective caps and screen termination.

Standard LMH connector shells are made from aluminium alloy with a choice of high corrosion resistance plating finishes including the popular RoHS compliant nickel or black zinc nickel and, predominantly for defence applications, olive drab and RoHS compliant zinc cobalt finishes may be specified.

Standard LMH connectors are generally available from stock on a next-day delivery basis with no minimum quantity or order value. For those with an application that needs a custom connector solution, Weald can design and assemble LMH specials to a customer’s exact specification on short lead times.

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* All Weald Electronics products are available from their franchised distributor Lane Electronics.

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Rugged rack and panel connectors.

Weald Electronics has introduced a new LMR Range of rugged rack and panel connectors. The LMR Range is a direct alternative to the now obsolete ITW McMurdo Connectors Red Range which is widely used in blind mating applications. The new connector series will allow the many users of the ITW connectors to continue manufacturing existing products and supporting systems in use globally.

 

Designed as a line-to-line or panel connector, the connectors feature a polarised, self-aligning and low insertion force blind-mate plug and socket arrangement which are ideally suited for inaccessible applications. While the current rating of 5A through each contact lends itself to the growing requirements for high-power, high-reliability electrical systems.

 

The Weald LMR Range connectors will be moulded in the higher-temperature DAP (Diallyl Phthalate resin) material only and is fully back-compatible with the ITW McMurdo Connectors Red Range in both Nylon and DAP. DAP offers many excellent physical properties such as electrical insulation, heat resistance, water resistance, chemical resistance and ease of moulding and proved a popular choice in the former ITW McMurdo Connectors Red Range.

 

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics says “With proven longevity in many applications around the world our heavy-duty LMR Range rectangular rack and panel connector system will now ensure the continued popularity of this style which is particularly suited for use in rugged conditions, such as industrial electronics equipment, robotics and process control.”

 

Key features of the Weald Electronics LMR connector range include:

• Rugged construction.
• 180° polarized.
• Floating bushes to assist alignment.
• Excellent current carrying characteristics.
• Available in four sizes with 8, 16, 24 and 32 contacts.
• 5A current rating.
• Working voltage 800V DC or AC peak.
• UL-94 V-0 rated flame-retardant.
• Diallyl-Phthalate (DAP) insulators.
• Direct alternative to ITW McMurdo Connectors RED RANGE.

A new catalogue for the WEALD LMR Range  is available which has been added to the Lane Electronics website. Lane Electronics will soon have stock in place for immediate availability, providing significant improvement on the earlier ITW McMurdo Connectors lead-times and there is also a useful cross-reference wizard on the Lane Electronics website to help customers seamlessly move to the equivalent Weald LMR Range products. 

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@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #PAuto #Electrical 

Fred Lane, RIP.

A key figure and inspirational leader within the Electronics Distribution Industry for nearly 60 years.

The death has been announced of the founder and Chairman of FC Lane Electronics, Mr Frederick Lane. Fred Lane was a key figure and inspirational leader within the Electronics Distribution Industry for nearly 60 years. He will be greatly missed by the directors and all staff at FC Lane Electronics, Lane Motorsport and Weald Electronics, the group of companies he led. They have extended their deepest sympathy to his wife and family at this sad time. RIP.

Frederick Lane (1931-2024)

FC Lane is a private, family-owned company that has been in existence for over 50 years and is still prospering, a rare commodity, especially in the rapidly evolving environment that is today’s world of electronics. Industry elders may recall 1966, the year that Fred Lane established his company. The highlight of the year in Britain was an England World Cup victory – particularly appropriate for Fred Lane, since his off-duty passion has always been football. He was a topflight Sussex referee and in 1969, Fred Lane had the honour to be one of the officials at the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Leicester City, Manchester City won 1 – 0.

Fred Lane was by no means new to the electronics industry when he established FC Lane Electronics. At the time he was running a division of a sizeable electronic components business dealing in a variety of device types and selling across Great Britain as well as to several overseas markets. However, one of the primary reasons why FC Lane has been so successful for so long was Fred Lane’s decision from the outset to specialise in just one type of component - the connector.

Time has shown this to be a wise decision as connectors are an essential part of almost every electronic product or system ever manufactured. As the electronics industry rapidly evolved throughout the decades that followed, the connector industry developed newer, more sophisticated, and smaller products to keep pace with and help the industry’s development process. From day one, Fred Lane ensured his company remained at the forefront of interconnection technology.

Starting life in outbuildings behind a public house provided few clues to how they would develop into the multi-million-pound operation it is today. But, as any good businessman knows, careful planning from day one allows a business to spend valuable resources on the right things – people and product. This is a philosophy that Fred Lane has followed throughout his company’s 50+ years and which today sees FC Lane Electronics employ 70 people with a finished product and parts inventory level approaching 9 million pounds.

The company quickly expanded into premises in the centre of Horsham (GB) in a building due for short-term redevelopment before finding its eventual home - Slinfold Lodge. Combining traditional office environments with modern assembly and test facilities, Slinfold Lodge itself, is an imposing country house set in its own grounds and is surrounded by a golf course. Slinfold Lodge remains to this day the headquarters for FC Lane Electronics and the connector manufacturer Weald Electronics, which together make up Fred Lane’s Lodge Group and fitting legacy.

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New website for electrical, electronic and optical connectors.

Lane Electronics go live with new Website.

Lane Electronics has implemented a major upgrade to its website. The internet is a very important sales channel for any company and ensuring customers have a seamless and satisfactory experience is essential.

Visitors to the new website will experience improved keyword and part number search functionality, with suggestions of typical part numbers and related products such as mating halves, dust caps, nut plates, gaskets, telescoping bushing and other connector accessories. A blog section features regular product updates and company news and there is a new “events” zone providing customers with upcoming opportunities to see the Lane product range and meet product specialists in person.

Key elements of the new Lane Electronics website include:

• A new e-commerce shop with improved product filtering, detailed technical specifications and latest product images. More product categories are highlighted including those dedicated to the various types of connectors, backshells, caps, contacts, heat shrink boots, RF components and spares. Thousands of parts are featured in the new store, nearly doubling the amount available to be bought online.
• An extended part number cross reference page with improved functionality and more user-friendly interface.
• Quick access to over 127 product types or product ranges filtered by: type, manufactured by, market sectors and specification.
• Access to the latest PDF Catalogues of all products available - 132 downloads in total.
• New keyword and part number ‘search’ functionality providing and improved customer experience.

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director at Lane Electronics, says, “Our products cover a very diverse range of applications and we need to offer every customer the simplest and fastest way to find the exact product they require. E-commerce is now essential, allowing orders to be placed by our customers without having to rely on our sales office being open. The huge increase in products available in our store will greatly increase the convenience of buying from us.”

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Precision connectors.

Lane Electronics has been appointed as a franchised distributor for LEMO. These high quality connectors are found in a variety of challenging application environments including motorsport, medical, industrial control, test and measurement, audio-visual and telecommunications.

LEMO has been designing precision connectors for seven decades. Offering more than 75,000 combinations of product that continue to grow through custom specific designs. Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics, says, “LEMO connectors strengthen our product portfolio allowing us to offer their products to our customer base, especially in the UK Motorsport and Defence markets. We will be adding our usual benefits of high levels of customer service, technical support and a dedicated stock profile to make this great product range even easier to access and use”

Lane Electronics will initially be targeting and supporting customers with the market leading LEMO M and F series of circular connectors, which are their most popular ranges for these applications.

• M Connector Series - for harsh environments, featuring a ratchet screw system with multiple alignment keys enabling quick and secure coupling of the connectors.
• F Connector Series – compact self-latching multipole connectors, with multiple alignment keys and suitable for harsh environment.

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