Electrical connectors on control system items

[mman1506]

Originally Posted by jwfoss

Does anyone have any experience with the Traxxas Connectors?

Hobbyists usually consider Traxxas connectors inferior to deans or XT.

[sraque]

I don't favor JST connectors. They are fine connectors, I don't hate them as others seem to, but they are difficult for a team to fabricate because the crimpers made for them are outrageously expensive. You can find generic crimpers, but they require figuring out the right size to crimp both the conductor and insulation. I would not want to deal with any more small JST, Molex, etc. connectors than we already have to for some of the sensors we use.

I don't favor connectors that require soldering either. We produce crimped connections more reliably and quickly, and they hold well under abuse when the crimp is done well.

We love the Anderson Powerpoles and the (cheaper) version of the Hansen Hobbies Molex connectors from Digikey.

[adciv]

Originally Posted by sraque

We love the Anderson Powerpoles and the (cheaper) version of the Hansen Hobbies Molex connectors from Digikey.

can you post the part number for these cheaper versions?

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by adciv

can you post the part number for these cheaper versions?

We just put in an order for the Molex latching .1 connectors from Arrow.com

Name | Part # | Qty | Price | Link
Male Housing| 701070002 | 100 | $0.20 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0701070002/molex
Female Housing | 50579403 | 100 | $0.11 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0050579403/molex
Male Pin* | 16020107 | 300 | $0.05 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0016020107/molex
Female Pin* | 16020086 | 300 | $0.04 | https://www.arrow.com/en/products/0016020086/molex

*Note that these pins aren't Bulk packaged they are still on their cut strips.

[Fusion_Clint]

While more expensive than a ziptie ($0.49 for 5), these are great for ensuring that anderson powerpoles 15/30/45 stay together.

https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-conn...retention-clip

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Greg,
The JST style you linked are used in equipment I work on everyday. They are good for small signal and DC or status. Most manufacturers will use different size connectors to avoid having assemblies plugged in to the wrong connector.
The other connectors you link I dislike for some very serious reasons. I have seen these appear on robots from time to time because the sellers claim high current specifications for these connectors. However, in real life, none of the specifications match the capabilities of the connectors. I have done some research into these connectors and the same connector is rated anywhere from 5 amps to 60 amps and none of the connectors carry a UL rating. The Anderson contacts are extensively tested by UL for continuous current over a 24 hour test period. The testing includes temperature rise, contact retention and series resistance measurements. Above all else, they are a positive locking connector where the others are not. Gold plating is not going to make them better especially when the gold breaks off the base metal.
My humble opinion.