Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We do this as well. In fact, we solder every connector on the robot, after crimping. It's just too easy to get a bad crimp and thus a loose wire.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

I personally hate when people go all quick connect happy. Motors make sense, so do things on removable parts of the robot, like an arm with motor(s), switches, sensors, that can be easily removed for repairs, but every circuit seems like overkill.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We started using Anderson PowerPole connectors last year and we love them. We purchased the crimp tool from West Mountain Radio. Does anyone else have the problem of the crimped end getting stuck in the crimper? We need to pry each one out. Any suggestions?

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

Either the terminal is upside down, you are using the small section or there is a problem with the crimper. The terminal should insert into the tool in the center port (if you are using the 35 amp contacts) with the contact area up. Can you post a picture of the contact after you crimp?

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We have had the same problem with the 45A contacts, but the PP30's and PP15's seem to work just fine. Most of the time when it happens, we spray a little WD-40 onto the tool and it helps.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We also see the same issue.

What appears to be happening is that small 'ears' form on the crimped terminal because of metal getting squeezed into where it shouldn't, making it get a little stuck in the tool.

We keep the terminal cavities lightly greased, this nearly eliminates the problem. Just a little swipe with a q-tip that's greasy is enough.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

A dab of white lightning and we are all set! Thank you everyone. Al - we are using the 45A connectors and the last hole on the crimper.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

Dj,
Still it doesn't seem right. Does it seem to you that you have to really hog down on the tool before it releases? It may be misadjusted.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

Can anyone give me a link or part number for the West Mountain Radio Crimp Tool? I googled it...but there were way to many diffrent crimpers.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We use them on the all our motors except the CIM. We took a minibot 12 volt power pack and added a double throw switch with a set of connectors. We then use the fixture to test our manipulators without having to wire up the electronics. We can power our compressor and test our pneumatics

Here is a good place to buy them from.

http://www.powerwerx.com

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

Why not use them on the CIMs?

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We don't use them on our drive CIMs either, they are close enough to their speed controllers that we just use the yellow female tabs and the small tab connectors on the speed controllers.

Re: Using Anderson PowerPoles
 

We locate the speed controllers to have the shortest length of wire. No need to add a connector for a drive train motor. If we use the CIM for a manipulator motor we would add in the connector. It makes changing the motors out so much easier year to year.