What is the smallest AWG size that PWM wires can be? The PWMs will control small servos. Also, We need to extend the power cable for the camera, what is the smallest those wires can me?
Thanks!
I was about to reply that the minimum wire size that you could use for servos was 22 AWG because that had been clearly specified in the manual in the past.
Then I thought about how it is good practice to provide a link to the actual rule, rather than just a vague recollection of what the rule might be. So I went and looked and… you know… all I can find is R40, requiring all wiring to be appropriately sized. Hmm… I can see why you are asking.
If you’ve got 22 AWG servo wire then I doubt there is a tech inspector anywhere who would give you grief over it. If you used 24 AWG, well… it would be hard to fail a robot from tech for that. I suppose one could argue that 24 AWG isn’t “appropriately sized” for a large servo a long way from the control unit… but you’d have a hard time arguing that 24 AWG wasn’t “appropriately sized” for sending signals to a speed controller. Indeed, FIRST supplied a 24AWG servo “Y” cable in years past specifically for signalling speed controllers. If you are concerned about whether 24 AWG is explicitly legal, then post a Q&A question. Otherwise go with 22 AWG. It has been the FIRST standard for years and continues to be “appropriately sized”.
As for the camera, why not just go with whatever gauge is is using at the moment?
Jason
Thanks for the reply! The reason we need to extend the camera wire is because it will be on our really tall arm. So I need to find a way to power it.
No problem… I’m not involved in build this year, but did it for seven years and know that you are all starting to feel a bit of pressure at this point. I hope this is all working well for you.
If you’ve got the space and weight, you can never go wrong using one wire size larger than required. Do take care with any applicable colour requirements, too.
Jason
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, where can I buy about 15’ of coiled wire (like corded telephone wire) that can carry 2 Pwms power for the camera? .
Standard “PWM servo” cables are 24 gauge (the stiff ones) or 26 gauge (the flexible ones).
If you want to bundle two PWM cables together, I suppose you could buy the 6 conductor telephone cable, though that is 28 gauge (so is CAT5 cable). I’ve gotten flat telephone cable from Ace Hardware, and CAT5 cable from Best Buy. I believe you can get telephone cable in 30ft lengths; I don’t know if the CAT5 comes in rolls shorter than 100’
Thanks for the help guys! +1 rep:D