SRX Mag Encoder Mounting and Cables

[s5511]

The past season, our team used several versaplanetary integrated magnetic encoders on our robot, and we really liked them. We are now trying to use them on our drivetrain, and we were wondering how other teams mount them to live axles on their drivetrain (not directly to the gearbox). So far, I have come across this, but I noticed that other teams (such as 254) do it differently, and I can't figure out how they are mounted from their pictures.

Also, I was wondering how other teams make longer SRX encoder cables, since the longest ones that Vex sells are only 12 inches long.

Thanks!

[JohnTu]

Originally Posted by s5511

Also, I was wondering how other teams make longer SRX encoder cables, since the longest ones that Vex sells are only 12 inches long.

Thanks!

Instead of making longer cables, you may want to consider cable extenders:
http://www.ctr-electronics.com/adapt...dermodule.html

-John

[snekiam]

Originally Posted by JohnTu

Instead of making longer cables, you may want to consider cable extenders:
http://www.ctr-electronics.com/adapt...dermodule.html

-John

I really wish they sold different sized cables instead of just offering extenders. The way I see it, having two cables connected together just offers an extra potential failure point.

[GeeTwo]

Independently of mounting encoders, note that the Versaplanetary is not normally used in FRC for drive trains, but for manipulators and steering. I have not done the math to prove that it is inadequate, but given that Vex markets separate lines of gearboxes for drive trains, I recommend that you do the math and/or an off-season experiment before using VPs for an FRC drive train.

[sraque]

Originally Posted by snekiam

I really wish they sold different sized cables instead of just offering extenders. The way I see it, having two cables connected together just offers an extra potential failure point.

We make our own with:
https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...100-ND/3867658

and these:

https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...646-ND/3883463

[snekiam]

Originally Posted by sraque

We make our own with:
https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...100-ND/3867658

and these:

https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...646-ND/3883463

Are those connectors self crimping? I'm curious how difficult the manufacturing is, as we have had reliability problems in the past making our own cables.