[FTC]: Using Anderson Connectors for wiring.

[PhilBot]

I found this document via Twiter:

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default...pole-Guide.pdf

It's a pretty cool description of a different way to connect your motor/servo controllers. And since it's on the FIRST site I assume it's legal.

I just checked out the link to the parts, and they are are suprizingly inexpensive. $11 will get you eveything you need for 5 connector sets. The only real expesne is the crimper if you want a nice one.

One of the additions I'd make to the idea is that you should replace the connector on your charger to be one of these Anderson types as well, and use it to plug into your system to charge the battery.

The problem that we had last year was that the current battery connectors don't seem to be designed for the hundreds of connect/disconnect cycles that we put them through. Eventaully the copper pins loosen up and start glitching on robot-robot impacts. What look like telemetry dropouts are actually power resets on the Samantha module.

The Powerpole connectors have stainless steel springs built into the connectors so they are rated for 10,000 connect cycles. Plus they are rated for 45 Amps.

The bonus is that if this system removes the multiple wires in a screw terminal issue and the need to pull wires to replace a motor controller.

The additional connectors may add a bit of bulk, but if it increases reliability it's worth it. Mine are on order now !!!!

Phil.