Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: motor grounding and DB9 connector question

For fast interchangability, I've always picked the appropriate sized "Round - Circular - AMP Connectors" (now tyco-amp) found in the DigiKey Catalogs. (yep, the ones you get twice a week once you've
order from them) or digikey.com ??

Downside is you need to have a pile of both male and female terminals and they always wanted you to buy a hundred at a time. As years go on, you end up buying a hundred of all kinds of those pins
cause you need them. So, don't feel bad, just go ahead and get it over with !

I think they are rated for 13 amps per pin.

In the beginning I didn't worry about the right crimp tool as I always soldered them anyway. Finally, somewhere along lifes road, I got a ratchet type tool for those Mini-Fit Jr.'s and it works well
for the AMP units and most DB pins.

I had used the metal AMP models at first, but find the plastic ones hold up quite well. I am no amperage genius, but I am thinking that it isn't like you will have the full amp draw necessarily ALL of
the time. Might be why I never had one Meltdown. It helps to make sure the connections are very clean so they do not arc. Arc causes heat, heat melts stuff.

It will take you an hour to figure out just what you are looking at in the section with these in the Digi-key book, so be prepared !

I've run plenty of current thru the milky white MOLEX plugs as well. Those in Panel mount form work very well and they make them with a substantially big pin. Pretty Cheap too. Just make sure they are
real MOLEX. I've had some of unknown origin melt already but not the Molex ones. I have no complaints using them.

Their "power plug" units might even handle as much as 15amps.

Downside to Molex is you need to cut square holes in your cabinets where AMP just needs a shot thru with your step drill.


Chris L



resosys wrote:

> > I believe each pin is good for 2 amps, and as a (standard 2 phase
> > bipolar) stepper needs 4 power lines, I think you might be
> restricted
> > to 4 amps (ie four paired wires, and maybe a ground).
>
> Great info, thanks. The DB9's are not going to cut it.
>
> > Someone here was using a DB25 (perhaps it was Al Schoepp)
> > and he uses four bundles of four wires, leaving 9 wires
> > for other functions (limit switches etc).
>
> Seems like a bit too much to split the wires out to that many pins.
>
> > These days I am just dispensing with the connectors, running
> > the wires into the box through a rubberized plastic weatherproof
> > cable strain-relief socket, available at any electrical dealer.
> > It comes with a selection of rubber inserts to match your wire
> > bundle diameter, and hold them snug.
>
> I'd like to have connectors at the control box so that I can move the
> box to other machines. I will have a converted mill before year's
> end and plan to swap the control box from the router to the mill, as
> necessary.
>
> I'm hoping someone on the list has purchased some hearty connectors
> and had good luck with them. I'm not afraid to pay a little extra
> for a great connector, I just need to find them. Any supplier
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you for the reply. This list has been incredibly helpful.
>
> Chris
>
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