PWM cables: too fragile? what fixes/precautions?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by BillCloyes

Has anyone else (over the years, or lately) been having problems with PWM cables going/being bad?

I don't think that my team is particularly hard on stuff (especially things that are ~$5 a piece) but each year we seem to run into problems with some the PWM cables working only intermittently, or just not working at all.

...and before I get the warnings... No, We do not do any of the following:

* route them beside power wires
* do things to/put them in places that would take off insulation
* fold/crease the wires
* use them as "structural" or "fastening" members, etc...


After 5 years of this same problem, I am guessing that this afflicts most other teams as well. What works to counteract this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated
-Bill

Bill,
We have PWM cables go bad from time to time. It happens, we suspect that for some reason the pins change size or lose their spring and just give high resistance. When in doubt, throw it out.