multi-pin connectors

[smcmahon]

Does anyone here have any idea where I can get something like the connector shown, but for 12 gauge AWG wiring? The biggest I can seem to find is 14 AWG on this page here: http://www.action-electronics.com/molex93.htm

[Vikesrock]

The standard Molex connector (like the one pictured) is only made in two sizes. One holds 18-30 AWG and one holds 14-30 AWG. The larger one is also only rated for 15 A.

If you specify what components you are trying to connect somebody may have some suggestions for alternative connectors that might work.

[MrForbes]

There is a smaller version of the Anderson battery connectors, they use individual contacts and housings, but can be put in a larger housing to hold 6 contacts (other numbers are available too).

http://www.andersonpower.com/product...powerpole.html

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Wildstang has used the Powerpole connectors for many years. They are available through Terminal Supply and West Mountain Radio. West Mountain also sells a crimp tool that is well worth the money. The shells come in different colors and snap together to form dual and multi core connectors. Our standard for these connectors is that if you are looking at the face of the positive contact, it is on the left side of the connector when assembled.

[MrForbes]

I didn't find the smaller Anderson connectors at TSC, and they hide the big ones under "maintenance", but the radio store does make them easy to buy...

http://www.westmountainradio.com/order_RC.htm

[lynca]

Mouser has a great selection of molex 93 and other molex sizes.

http://mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=molex+93

After using lots of different types of molex and anderson powerpole. I would also advise you to stick with anderson powerpole for FIRST.

Molex connectors work great, but if you need flip polarity or regroup your wires you will have to rewire your connector which takes significantly longer than anderson power poles.

[MrForbes]

Having a wife who's owned a 1970 Dodge for almost 30 years, I'll second the recommendation to not use Molex connectors. Dodge used them for the ignition switch...bad idea! they don't like high current.

[smcmahon]

My apologies... it appears I did not give enough information.

We have two Jaguars on our electronics board. Down under the manipulator area we have two CIM motors that are to driving the wheels. I wanted to run these 4 motors into 4-pin connectors on either end, and plug them together in the middle. So, the 2x red and black wires from the motors would go into, say, a 4-pin male connector. And then the 2x red and black wires from the two Jaguars would go into a 4-pin female connector. Then we'd be able to quickly connect/disconnect them when we want to remove the electronics board.

[MrForbes]

I understand what you're trying to do (we're planning the same thing), and I still suggest the Anderson connectors, instead of the Molex connectors.

[Brian C]

I'll add to the list of folks suggesting the Anderson connectors. The CIM's can pull a fair amount of current and melted Molex connectors aren't much fun.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

SMC,
These Molex connectors are only rated at about 15 amps as I remember. There just is not enough contact area to handle the high current of the CIM motors, about 129 amps in stall. This current would heat up the contact and melt the nylon block and the wire on both sides of the connector. The Powerpole is a much better alternative and can be configured (in the field) for four pins and a lot more if needed.

[smcmahon]

Those Anderson things look HUGE. Aren't they the same thing that we use on the batteries?

Where can I get them for wires as small (compared to the batteries) as 12 gauge AWG?

[Woodworker88]

Originally Posted by smcmahon

Those Anderson things look HUGE. Aren't they the same thing that we use on the batteries?

Where can I get them for wires as small (compared to the batteries) as 12 gauge AWG?

You can get them from many companies including West Mountain Radio and PowerWerx. For 12 gauge wiring, you want the PP-45 version. The battery connectors are also made by Anderson Power but are 200 amp rated versions designed for 6 gauge wire. PowerPoles are the de-facto standard for FIRST robots in my opinion.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by smcmahon

Those Anderson things look HUGE. Aren't they the same thing that we use on the batteries?

Where can I get them for wires as small (compared to the batteries) as 12 gauge AWG?

The ones for the batteries ARE huge. Go to the west mountain radio web site and look at what they are writing about - these are rated at 45 Amps, are about 1/4" square by 3/4" long, and are perfect for CIMs. Get the crimper and 2 packs of 45A contacts. Note that the contacts for 30A and 15A are the same size except for the hole for the wire differs, so they all use the same plastic housings.

[eugenebrooks]

www.powerwerx.com

45 amp connectors
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp...017&CtgID=3578

45 amp contacts
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=1660&CtgID=

Crimping tool, it is the most expensive item here,
but don't go without it. Distorted contacts don't mate well.
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=3324&CtgID=

If you need the smaller gauge contacts, you can buy connectors
with them and salt the smaller gauge contacts away for use when
needed.

Now, a tip. Don't use the little roll pin when assembling.
Put a little (a very small amount) crazy glue on the mating
point and slide the plastic housing together. You only get
one shot, do it right the first time and slide against a flat surface
to get the plastic halves to line up when they stick.
Then use the hole where the roll pin would have
gone for a small zip tie to keep the connector mated.
These connectors can slip apart if you don't.

Eugene