Which connectors to use? :)

[billy breach]

Ive been looking through a lot of robot builds and so many people are using all sorts of electrical connectors throughout their bot. I like using dean connectors but what do others prefer and why. I find it hard when alot of cables have to get connected to the single connector and for deans this can be an issue.does anyone else use bigger connectors or do most people use terminal blocks when fitting a few wires into the one connector.

[the16henry16]

Re: Which connectors to use?

i use deans :P with my fw

[maddox10]

Re: Which connectors to use?

We solder everything. Less space, less weight, less points of failure. And cheaper too.

[Max]

Re: Which connectors to use?

In Colin I used some crimp connectors but they were rubbish- they get very hot, keep coming off and I think restrict current flow (but that good have just been the drill battery). I dont recommend them really for robot use although they were very quick, didn't need soldering and very easy to change what is connected to what

[Mouldy]

Re: Which connectors to use?

Deans for me... You shouldn't have more then 2 connections on each terminal.

[billy breach]

Re: Which connectors to use?

thanks for the replies guys...yeah I like deans easy to change parts/replace.

does anyone use xt60 or tamiya plugs?

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: Which connectors to use?

+1 for Deans.

As well as using them as my main link and battery connectors, I also use them on my motors. I have removed the terminal block connectors of my Scorpion XL and soldered directly to the board, but during an event if I need to remove a motor for maintenance, it's much quicker and easier for me to just unplug the connector rather than trying to de-solder the wires. Just need to remember to stick a cable tie round the two halves of the connectors when I put the motor back in, to reduce the chances of them popping apart and costing me a battle.

EDIT: You posted as I was typing, so I'm pretty much saying what you've just said
I've used Tamiya connectors in the past, but found them to be more unreliable. The wires need to be crimped into the male pins very well and they need to have good contact when they're mated (can get bent out of shape) as I found on more than one occasion (perhaps my poor crimping) that the power was intermittent. The same principle applies for Deans connectors, but those pins are much stronger and a good connection is usually guaranteed.

[widow_twanky]

Re: Which connectors to use?

thanks for the replies guys...yeah I like deans easy to change parts/replace.

does anyone use xt60 or tamiya plugs?

XT60's are not bad, never tried them against spinners but should perform about the same as Dean's in terms of security.

Only problem is you have to get them HOT for the solder to flow in them and if you are not careful this will cause the casing to melt and the pins to become misaligned.

Andy

[billy breach]

Re: Which connectors to use?

So in short every one likes deans.

I've found connectors like these:



Has anyone every used these? It just looks like 4mm bannana plug fittings in a holder..

Andy...I agree 100% soldering wire into the xt60 is a nightmare, and as you say, the hotter it gets the yellow plastic heats up and the connector falls out the holder.

[blazerbotics]

Re: Which connectors to use?

I use Andersons or Powerpoles.

[billy breach]

Re: Which connectors to use?

whats the main advantage of using them over deans....or are they just the same and it comes down to what you like or cost?

[Mouldy]

Re: Which connectors to use?

Andersons are massive and heavy for a feather, but there easy to mount...powerpoles can only take like 30a but are small, light, relatively reliable but can pop apart in a fight...

Ive used all of the connectors mentioned above and found the best to be deans...there getting quite cheap now on ebay...ive used the cheap ebay ones and theyve only ever let me down once... i tried to pull 220amps through one and it welded together.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Which connectors to use?

I used to use andersons but they have less current handling capacity. They do clip together nicely however I now prefer deans

[billy breach]

Re: Which connectors to use?

So on short I think its safe to say that deans are the way forward for feathers

[PJ-27]

Re: Which connectors to use?

+1 for Deans!

They can be tricky to solder, but at that current handling, size, lack of coming apart and price they can't be beat.

Also +1 for only using 2 in your bot, Battery and Link, solder everything else otherwise it's just more points of failure. Just be ready with an iron should something break!

On another note I used to use Anderson's in my RC car (the little one, not the massive poles) and aside from being THE single most difficult thing to solder (in the world ever!) they come apart on impact very easily.

Those Blue connectors in the photo (what are they called?) come as standard on Flight Power Li-Po's so if anyone can recommend them, or point me towards where I can get a set I would be tempted to use them. I hate soldering Batteries, always very paranoid of getting the cells too hot.