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]

i use deans :P with my fw

[maddox10]

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

[Max]

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]

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

[billy breach]

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

does anyone use xt60 or tamiya plugs?

[RogueTwoRobots]

+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]

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]

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]

I use Andersons or Powerpoles.