Quote:
Originally Posted by jwfoss
|
patented proprietary connectors :-(
One of the reasons I like the XT series of connectors as a new option is that they are completely open so there are lots of low cost options and carry some of the same advantages of anderson (compact high current, polarized connector)
When REV is looking at options for our products the cost of things like connectors is really heavy on our minds since we are trying to help teams do more with less $. Take Anderson Power poles for example, we could build a version of the SPARK or any of our other new products with integrated Anderson (similar to what modern robotics did for FTC). The issue is that because Anderson has IP on those connectors they cost us .32 for each terminal and .20 for each plastic cover. So on a product like the spark there would be 2.08 in materials cost just for the connectors, not counting the labor of inserting through hole components and installing the plastics. We would also feel obligated to provide 4 mating connectors in the box, so teams who have never used them before have some to start with (customer experience), so add another ~1.50.
So at the end of the day, is it worth it to teams to add a minimum of 3.58 to every single product just so they have have a slightly better connector?
That's the reason for this thread, we are trying to make these decisions with the team experience in mind, both in terms of cost and performance and it is always a difficult trade off.
*we used screw terminals on the SPARK (and likely some future projects), because they are easy to source, cost ~.15 each in bulk, and ring terminals can be found at every home depot, lowes, radio shack, etc for pennies each.