Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel J.
We have the wires that are supplied in the kit, but I remember seeing somewhere on CD a post recommending other (better) brands of wire. Since I can't seem to find that post, I decided to ask again. Where can I go to get some good wires (#6, #10, #14, ans #18), and what specifically do you recommend. Why?
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Stranded MTW (Machine Tool Wire) or THHN (typical house wire) is similar to MTW in that they both have a PVC jacket, and THHN adds a Nylon skin over the PVC jacket to help with abrasion resistance.
THHN you can find at home centers and hardware stores. MTW is commonly used for machine wiring, so other than buying 500' spools, you might find a local manufactuer willing to give you some lengths of wire.
The heavy wire included with the kit has a strand count a little higher than you'll find with normal house wiring, and is correspondingly more flexible. For your battery connections, and high current wiring, the included wire should probably suffice. If not, check out some of your local automotive stores such as NAPA, AutoZone, etc. The wire they have is suitable for low voltage use, and they are apt to have some higher strand count wire available. Cannibalizing a cheap set of jumper cables may be another way to get some additional short lengths of heavy gage wire.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel J.
edit: Also, what about quick connectors? Are there better options than what comes in the kit? Perhaps ones that "latch" together, like a clip on a book bag? I'm thinking specifically of the connectors that are between the speed controllers, and the motors.
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Unless you have a specific need for a connector, I would recommend avoiding them as they invariably add additional resistance to your high current paths.
The Anderson Power Products connectors (such as the one on the battery) are good choices for high peak current applications, such as the motors. Anderson has a broad line of products, and the one on the battery is one of their medium sized ones in that series. For lower current connections, their "PowerPole" line is fairly popular.
If you are simply anticipating needing to change a motor, I suggest designing your electrical system such that you can wire the motors directly to the speed controller, and if you need to extend the motor wire lengths, do so with a soldered connection and then protect it with heat-shrink tubing. Alpha's FIT-221 series heat shrink is good to work with.
If a motor does fail, cutting the wire and soldering the new one into place should take no more than a minute or two. Alternately, keep a spare motor with extended wire lengths and lugs as a spare item. Worst case you cut the existing wires, zip tie the new wires in place, make the screw connections at the speed controller and you are good to go.