[FTC]: DC Motor encoder connector broke

[VashonRobotics]

We had a connector's wires break off and looks difficult to fix, unless we carve away the connector at the sensor side and directly solder wires on.

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by VashonRobotics

We had a connector's wires break off and looks difficult to fix, unless we carve away the connector at the sensor side and directly solder wires on.

You can buy just the cables for the Encoders

http://parts.ftcrobots.com/store/det...s=32&ID =6364

2 for $24

[PAR_WIG1350]

Is it the connector and wires that plug into the encoder that broke? if so, get a new wire, they are rather expensive given their simplicity, but maybe a team in you area could give you one if you ask.
On the other hand, if the connector on the encoder itself broke, that could be a problem. <R14>b prohibits modification of encoders and thus the only way you could use it would be by soldering it onto a protoboard and using it as a custom sensor which might not be legal anyways, it depends on whether or not <R5>d1 overrides <R14>b or if it is the other way around. even if it is legal, it is likely more trouble than it is worth, and you don't save much money even if you succeed. Protoboards cost nearly as much as a new encoder would.

[PhilBot]

For future reference there are several ways to protect the encoder wires to prevent them from breaking (being broken).

1) I read in the Q&A that it's legal to use some silicon caulking as a strain relief on the encoder connector.

2) Loop the wire around the motor and zip tie it in place. (use the heat shrunk part of the cable as a strong anchor point.

3) Restrain any excess wire by zip tying it to the frame.

4) Make a cover to go over the motor controller to prevent anything catching on the encoder (or any other) wire.

Bottom line... any loose wire is an accident waiting to happen.