Wiring help and connectors

[R.C.]

Hello guys,

I was wondering if we were still going to be using 12 gauge wire with the new controller. Also does anyone know where to get the battery connector 968 (RAWC) used in the previous season. A link would be very helpful, thanks y'all.

[Joe G.]

As far as I know, there has been no official word on wire type. However, since we will be using the same voltage battery, same current breakers, and same (or similar) motors, I would imagine that there would be no need to change this.

[R.C.]

Ok thanks, only reason i was asking because we're about to buy about three hundred bucks worth of high strand silicon wire. I really need the info about the battery connector or does anyone else have a good connector for the battery besides the kop ones.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Ok thanks, only reason i was asking because we're about to buy about three hundred bucks worth of high strand silicon wire. I really need the info about the battery connector or does anyone else have a good connector for the battery besides the kop ones.

If you mean the Anderson quick disconnect connector, it's the only connector you can legally use on your robot (subject to the unreleased 2009 rules, of course).

If you mean the end that connects to the battery, just get some 6 gauge ring terminals from McMaster (7113K446).

[Joe G.]

Originally Posted by Cory

If you mean the Anderson quick disconnect connector, it's the only connector you can legally use on your robot (subject to the unreleased 2009 rules, of course).

Here's a link for the Anderson quick disconnect connectors, should you need extras:

http://www.robotcombat.com/products/0C-PP175.html

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Hello guys,

I was wondering if we were still going to be using 12 gauge wire with the new controller.

RC, do you mean the battery cable, then that is #6 minimum. You can use something larger, some teams use #4. However there is not much improvement if you keep the wire length short.
#12 has been allowed in the past for circuits protected by a 40 amp breaker but the loss is significant. I recommend #10 for these higher current loads. At 100 amps a #10 drops 0.1 volts/ft. while #12 drops 0.16 volts/ft. (measure both red and black wires please.)

[sanddrag]

On our battery cables we use what I believe to be the Metra GHDRT4 Heavy Duty ring terminals. We might have a slightly different model with smaller hole size, not sure.

The wire we use is an ultra- high-strand-count super flexible 4ga car audio power wire we obtain locally.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

On our battery cables we use what I believe to be the Metra GHDRT4 Heavy Duty ring terminals. We might have a slightly different model with smaller hole size, not sure.

The wire we use is an ultra- high-strand-count super flexible 4ga car audio power wire we obtain locally.

Yes, that is what i am talking about. Do you have any link to it online somewhere. It would help us soooo much. Thanks in advance. BTW:

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/ghdrt4/metra/p135074.html

is this the size for the whole

[Mike AA]

Keep in mind that rules change year to year and something legal last year may not be legal this year. Or they may say we cant use one particular type of connector or we must use a connector. Save your money and buy it after we find out the rules of the game.

-Mike