[FTC]: Encoder cables

[Sasha]

Does anyone know what is the easiest way to extend the encoder cables (or replace them by a longer ones) - short of cutting in the middle and soldering in 4 new wires?

USdigital which produces the encoders used by TETRIX motors sells these replacement cables which can be oredered in any length:
http://usdigital.com/products/cables-connectors/cables/4-pin/CA-MIC4-SH-NC
but the other end is unterminated, so we need to also find the 4-pin connector that plugs into the motor controller.

Anyone has doen this before?

[CougarRobot]

Yep, done that. The parts and tool to finish off the ends of those are all available from digikey. Just use care. The pins are small and easy to under/over crimp. Also use caution inserting pins into housings.

The housing is Digikey part number 609-2396.
The pins are part number 609-3620-1.

The inexpensive tool to crimp them is:
Universal Crimp Tool WM9999-ND 33.75/1 63811-100

Best Regards,

[gotrobot?]

We have some broken cables too but on a similar note we have a Tetrix motors with a broken gear box and encoder. I've been puzzling about how to get the encoder off without damaging it. I called US Digital tech support and they directed me to this video on how to properly remove the encoder assembly with out damaging the parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6Hx7TvpAJXA

[g_less1902]

Here are some additional parts...

Here are the Digikey parts that I believe will work for the encoder cables:
Micro Molex connector
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&WT.z_homepage_link=hp_go_button&KeyWords=WM1722-ND&x=18&y=18

Micro Connector Terminal Female pins
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/0500798100/WM2023-ND/313482

There is a Micro Molex Crimper, don't have the part number ????

4 Pin Connector Housing
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?WT.z_header=search_go&lang=en&site=us&keywords=609-2396-ND&x=15&y=15

Encoder Cable
http://www.usdigital.com/products/cables-connectors/cables/4-pin/ca-mic4-w4-nc/
You can order these with various lengths. We ordered the 2ft version.

We ordered the 4 pin crimper from http://www.hansenhobbies.com/products/connectors/
The Deluxe crimper can be used for both female connectors for the Micro Molex Connector, and the 4 Pin Connector Housing, results vary. You can order servo wire pins for the 4 Pin Connector Housing, and various size connector housing (we use them a lot for FRC). We ordered a Deluxe RC Connector Kit, it has saved us many times.

Eric Grajales
Exploding Bacon
Team 1902

[emmell]

Our good friends at AndyMark (www.andymark.com) also sell PWM Cables.

[Sasha]

Jamie, Eric, Mannie, thanks! We might try this.

BTW: Cougar Robotics - aren't you the team that won FLL US open back in 2009?
Dug out an old photo...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tr-x6w-Dsyw/Tanos7Ua2aI/AAAAAAAAhlw/x1vBf9VkuQU/w605-h402-n-k/090509-046.jpg

[FTC6389]

Does anyone have an alternate source / method for making these extended encoder cables? The supplier for the 4-prong cable ends described in this post says they will not have any more available until the end of February (tooooo late)

thanks

- FTC Team 6389