PWM Cables - Locking disconnects?

[K.Porter]

I am currently wiring my team's gear tooth sensors, and I would like to have a locking disconnect in the wire, so that the gear box with the sensors enclosed can be quickly and easily removed without wires getting in the way.

I have contemplated cutting and soldering the stock PWM cables and connectos, but I've decided against it for a number of reasons (don't want a solder splice there, don't want the chance of the connection falling apart too easily)

What I am looking for is a connector that has male/female pins that can be crimped to the individual wires of the PWM cable and then inserted into a plastic case. (preferably a case that locks when connected) I used such a system for the same gauge wires at my place of work over the summer, but I don't have access to them at the present time. When I used the connectors there, I believe they were referred to as "C Grid" connectors, but a search of that name has brought me nothing.

If anyone could point me to a location where I could buy these connectors (and what they are actually called) that would be great!
Thanks.

[RyanN]

What exactly are you asking? Like how can you attach the cables to your GTSs (gear tooth sensors) and have them removable? If this is what you're asking, I would stick the male end of a pwm cable through the GTS, cut off the excess, bend the terminals to make it easier to solder, solder them, and then you have a regular PWM connection that is removable because the female end can easily be plugged in and unplugged.

[EricVanWyk]

The C-Grid connectors are made by Molex. ( www.molex.com -> connectors -> wire to wire -> overview -> C-Grid / SL)

You can buy them from several places, including Mouser and DigiKey.

I would recommend going through molex, and then clicking "Check Distributor Inventory"

I do like this series of connectors, as you can get them with polarizing tabs.

[K.Porter]

What exactly are you asking? Like how can you attach the cables to your GTSs (gear tooth sensors)

Sorry, apparently I wasn't very clear.
I'm looking for wire connectors (something similar to the Anderson Power Poles, but for much smaller gauge). I've already soldered connectors for the sensors, and I'm looking for a connector to add to the leads to I won't have to de-solder or cut the wires.

Thanks to EricVanWyk, that's what I was looking for. Any other suggestions of similar products would be much appreciated as well.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Molex makes a variety of small connectors using nylon housings that you can use. Check the Digikey website/catalog. Digikey also sells a universal crimper that will do both the standard PWM pins and a variety of other pins as well. It is WM9999-ND and it sells for $50.
Any insulated connector that fits in your budget and does not expose power supply pins to shorting to frame or other electronics should be fine.

[kaszeta]

Sorry, apparently I wasn't very clear.
I'm looking for wire connectors (something similar to the Anderson Power Poles, but for much smaller gauge). I've already soldered connectors for the sensors, and I'm looking for a connector to add to the leads to I won't have to de-solder or cut the wires.

In the past, when Team95 has had several PWM cables running to some remote location (like up the center of a rotating arm), we've run cat5 cable with breakout boxes on each end to act as quick disconnects. (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=716 is a board that even breaks everything out nicely)

[K.Porter]

Thanks for all the input guys!

I had never thought of using CAT5 cables before, but that certainly sounds better than terminal strips and 10-conductor cable like I've used in the past. I'll certainly look into that if the need arises.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Although many teams use CAT 5 I don't recommend them. CAT 5 is solid conductor wire and breakage is common on moving devices and rough handling.

[DonRotolo]

It is possible to get CAT5 in stranded, it is used for patch cords.

I completely agree, solid wire has no place on a robot, it will break.

Don

[kaszeta]

It is possible to get CAT5 in stranded, it is used for patch cords.

Don is indeed right, I should've made it clear to use CAT5 patch cable for this if you're planning on doing it.

I highly recommend good, modular construction and use of wiring harnesses. Nothing is worse than working on a bot in the pits that's hardwired everywhere.

[mneary]

I've seen CAT5 in various (26, 24, 22) AWG sizes, be sure to check <R70> when choosing your wire.