Connectors

[Dave-s]

Hi,
A short poll.
What type of connectors do you use for connecting wires that do not carry high currents/voltages (i.e control signals)?
I currently use the standard connectors that come on the controllers (http://tncscooters.com/product.php?sku=101162), but I am not very happy with this type.
Are there any better connectors to be found?

 

[rkosiorek]

i use a lot of the JST-SM 2.5mm pitch connectors. these are the ones that came originally on the Crystalite and Cyclone motors/controllers/accessories.

rick

 

[Dave-s]

Where can I buy these?
Do you crimp the pins, or solder?
Can the pins be easily inserted/removed from the housing?

 

[dogman dan]

ebikes ca sells those.

 

[rkosiorek]

www.ebikes.ca has them in their online store.

i also have them in both male and female combinations up to 7 pins. i'm out of stock of the 1 and 2 pin varieties at the moment.

i crimp them on. i just use the crimper for D-Shell Open Barrel pins. (check eBay)

the male ones are a bitch to remove. but the female ones are easy.

rick

 

[liveforphysics]

MPX 6-pin connectors. Tiny. Each pin can handle about 20amps. Plug can't be pluged in wrong, and they will never come un-plugged by mistake.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4138

 

[Dave-s]

Thanks LiveForPhysics, but those connectors are intended for soldering to a PCB, not cable to cable.
I dont like the fact that I need to use shrink tubing on each pin and that the body is so tiny that when detaching the connectors you might pull off the wires by mistake.
A good connector body should shield each pin from shorting, and offer stress relief so there is no force on the tiny wires when pulling on the cable.

 

[liveforphysics]

Dave- I've only ever seen them used for cable to cable connections. They work very well. They have a slot for something to put inside (flat blade screwdriver works well) and give a little turn and they seperate. Never need to pull on the wires.

I cut a piece of shrink wrap for each of the wires, and then one large outside peice of shrinkwrap that shrinks right onto the connector, and protects all the wires and connections. Then I use a razor to trim away the areas of the shrinkwrap on the connector so they can still plug-in.

Makes for a very neat looking, tiny, strong and secure inline connector.

But, if you don't like heat shrink or solder, it's definately the wrong choice.

Best Wishes,
-Luke

 

[12p3phPMDC]

Deutsch makes really nice envrinmentally sealed connectors.
I built 3 harnesses for small racecars using them.
On the pricey side though.
But you get an automotive rated connection with seals, etc..
Solid pin or stamped contacts are available.

www.laddinc.com

Ampseal connections are another automotive rated connector.

I prefer Deutsch. Depending on how much you want to do, you may want to buy the crimper.

weatherpack.com and metripack.com are a less expensive automotive environmentally
sealed connectors with push to seat and pull to seat terminals all stamped.

 

[Dave-s]

Hi Luke,
I was thinking of using a servo connector http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5493 where I need 3 pin connectors
and the JST connector http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5496 for 2 pin.
What do you think? is the servo connector good enough? how much current will it take, and what is the biggest wire it will accept?
The JST looks beefier, but they dont carry higher pin counts.