Modular Control box assembly

[Andrew Wyatt]

we're working on a new design of control box that completely armors the computer and sub assemblies. The box will be an actual box with a lid, and the computer and assorted subassemblies will be mounted on removeable plexiglass cards.

now, we can't find suitable connectors for the application.

They need to be able to securely mounted to the cards, and take the current load.

[Dan 550]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you need a big connector, rip it off of a printer. The clipped connector is the perfect connector for computer I/O, enough said. Just be sure to use the connector on the printer end, not the computer end, because the printer end is quick-disconnect and really nice.

[Joe Ross]

Do you mean at the operator interface, or on the robot?

None of the electronics at the operator interface are high current so you can use just about any type of small wire and connector (such as what Dan suggested).

On the robot is a different story. You might try looking at the Anderson's Power Products catalog that came in last year's kit. Another good place to look is Newark Electronics (http://www.newark.com). You are able to request thier catalog online, or you can drive 2 hours south and pick up mine (its 1700+ pages and way to big to take on an airplane back to Rochester )

I don't have any specific recomendations, but those are two good places to start searching for the right connector, and once you find it, let us know because I'm sure the are people on many other teams that would love to find the perfect connector.

[Andy Baker]

Joe is right (as usual). Anderson Power Products is good stuff. We used a few connectors from them last year to frequently remove our ball scoring arm.

This topic was discussed in detail earlier this summer... here is the link:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...derson+ Power

You gotta wade through the discussion about t-slot extrusions to get to the APP connector stuff.

Enjoy!
Andy B.

[Andrew Wyatt]

thanks to all of those who replied. Anderson power has a goodly selection of connectors that look like they'll work just fine.