[FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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.../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?

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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,

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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?featur...&v=6Hx7TvpAJXA

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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/Dk...2-ND&x=18&y=18

Micro Connector Terminal Female pins
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...2023-ND/313482

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

4 Pin Connector Housing
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...6-ND&x=15&y=15

Encoder Cable
http://www.usdigital.com/products/ca...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

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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/-t...090509-046.jpg

Re: [FTC]: Encoder cables
 

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