multi-pin connectors

[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

[smcmahon]

I noticed a few of the last posts seem to be recommending the 45AMP contacts. Over at PowerWerx and other sites, they're saying 45AMP contacts should be used on 10AWG wire. We were planning to use 12AWG to wire the Jaguars and motors, etc. Thus, a few questions:

Since we only have 12AWG right now, is that safe and legal for the motors, etc? From what I've read in the rules, I'd say yes.

Will the 45AMP contacts crimp down far enough to safely grab the 12AWG, if they're designed for 10AWG? From what I know of wiring, there's not too much of a size difference there.

[MrForbes]

The datasheet from Anderson

http://www.andersonpower.com/litlib/...ml/download/62

shows that the 45 amp contacts are designed to be used with 14 thru 10 gage wire.

[smcmahon]

Well, so it does. That answers all the questions then, I guess. Consider us converted. We shall use Anderson power poles.