Very interesting thread. We're going to try out the APPs on our prototype robot since that's what we have right now but if we run into any problems I like the idea of combining these two solutions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Johnson
We're using Hansen Hobbies' 2-pin 0.1" LP (latching polarized) connectors ( http://www.hansenhobbies.com/product...nlpconnectors/) for our CAN bus. They use different pin inserts than their other 0.1" connectors, but you can use the same crimper for both. They're a tiny bit longer when mated than a standard PWM but they're much more robust thanks to the latching feature and the polarization keeps you from accidentally swapping CANH and CANL. Basically we put a male and and a female connector on each Talon; makes daisy chaining a cinch. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by otherguy
During beta testing we decided to crimp the CAN talons with a three pin header with the center pin left empty. We did this on both ssets of CAN cables on the controller.
Reasons for doing it this way: - we already had the crimpers and connectors for PWM cables.
- female headers prevent exposed contacts that could short to the chassis
- using a 3 pin connector with the center pin empty allows the controllers to be plugged in to the roboRIO maintaining support for PWM capability.
- it makes it easy to daisychain controllers together, just use a 3pin male header (see below)
The pin headers for connecting two female cables: http://www.hansenhobbies.com/product...pt1in_srfma40/ |
Using the 3 pin versions or the Hansen Hobbies locking polarized connectors would allow you to still use PWM if you wanted to but also prevent you from flipping polarity on accident. The 3 pin housings aren't much more expensive than the 2 pin. You can daisy chain with out much hassle or the need for special connectors. From one of the non-talon nodes you would just need a few wire pairs with just the male or female ends of the connectors attached.