Electrical connectors on control system items

[adciv]

Originally Posted by sraque

We love the Anderson Powerpoles and the (cheaper) version of the Hansen Hobbies Molex connectors from Digikey.

can you post the part number for these cheaper versions?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Greg,
The JST style you linked are used in equipment I work on everyday. They are good for small signal and DC or status. Most manufacturers will use different size connectors to avoid having assemblies plugged in to the wrong connector.
The other connectors you link I dislike for some very serious reasons. I have seen these appear on robots from time to time because the sellers claim high current specifications for these connectors. However, in real life, none of the specifications match the capabilities of the connectors. I have done some research into these connectors and the same connector is rated anywhere from 5 amps to 60 amps and none of the connectors carry a UL rating. The Anderson contacts are extensively tested by UL for continuous current over a 24 hour test period. The testing includes temperature rise, contact retention and series resistance measurements. Above all else, they are a positive locking connector where the others are not. Gold plating is not going to make them better especially when the gold breaks off the base metal.
My humble opinion.

[arichman1257]

This is just my opinion on the connectors mentioned.

.1 inch headers (PWM) - As long as the pins on the roboRIO or on the male connector don't bend they're great to use. The cables themselves are somewhat bothersome when they're not long enough to reach because the connectors don't provide an easy way to connect wire to wire without being prone to disconnecting.

Weidmuller - Probably my favorite connector that is used for the small wires. They are easy to press (I have been known to just use my finger in a pinch) and hold the wire well when they have been used properly.

Wago - They work very well for large wires. When the PDP isn't in a convenient position they can be hard to work with if not given the proper care. I don't really have a problem with them but I know that some people do.

Screw terminals - Annoying when they're not placed well and sometimes the screw is dropped. But otherwise reliable if used correctly.

Spade terminals - I don't like them. They always break on me.

Anderson Powerpole -My favorite way to connect wires to each other hands down. (When current draw allows)

IDC connectors - They work well enough. Good way to join many wires to pins.

USB - I haven't really had them in use on an FRC robot enough to give an opinion.

Barrel jack - They pull out when tugged on and should be secured with a ziptie or something like that. but if theyare not abused (pulled on) they work well

RJ45/RJ11 - They're great until the little clip on them breaks

[Coach Seb]

I appreciate all the post and comments. Wiring, connectors and plugs is on our list of improvement this year.

Is there a web page or document that describes the most used wires type and connectors used in FRC and different options that are available? even a poster to use as a reference? does your team have a document that describe the standard you are using?

Any info would be appreciated.

[arichman1257]

I don't personally have experience with the other 3 but the XT and dean's connectors look good.

[Bkeeneykid]

Originally Posted by Coach Seb

I appreciate all the post and comments. Wiring, connectors and plugs is on our list of improvement this year.

Is there a web page or document that describes the most used wires type and connectors used in FRC and different options that are available? even a poster to use as a reference? does your team have a document that describe the standard you are using?

Any info would be appreciated.

<shameless plug incoming>

As far as I know, but this could be a great resource to put on the FIRST Wiki! In my free time over the next few days I may start this page.

EDIT: Went ahead and created this page with some basic info, feel free to add more to it here!

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by adciv

can you post the part number for these cheaper versions?

We just put in an order for the Molex latching .1 connectors from Arrow.com

Name | Part # | Qty | Price | Link
Male Housing| 701070002 | 100 | $0.20 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0701070002/molex
Female Housing | 50579403 | 100 | $0.11 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0050579403/molex
Male Pin* | 16020107 | 300 | $0.05 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0016020107/molex
Female Pin* | 16020086 | 300 | $0.04 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0016020086/molex

*Note that these pins aren't Bulk packaged they are still on their cut strips.

[Fusion_Clint]

While more expensive than a ziptie ($0.49 for 5), these are great for ensuring that anderson powerpoles 15/30/45 stay together.

https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-conn...retention-clip