Re: Joining Encoder Wires?

> If the encoder has a plug-in type connection (ie. one or two rows

of

> .025" square
> pins) then use a crimp-type connector designed for these, with

gold contact

> points. Molex and Amp (now Tyco, I guess) make these, but you

have to

> specifically ask for the gold contacts, or you get the tin-only

ones.

> If the encoder just has wires hanging out, you should solder a

cable

> with stranded wires (get as many fine wires as you can, they are

more

> flexible than the minimum number of coarse strands). Use heat

shrink

> tubing over the splices, and then maybe a big heat shrink over all

of

> the wires. You should strap the cable to the machine axes at such
> points that it supports the cable, and keeps it from catching on
> sharp edges, etc. You can take strips of spring steel and attach

them

> with a U bend to the axes as a cheap form of cable handler, and

then

> tie wrap the cables to the strip. this would be something like

steel

> pallet straps, but I'm not sure if that material has the right

fatigue

> life.
>
> If you want to have connectors at the encoders, you can use 9-pin
> connectors like the smaller RS-232 connectors. these make very
> reliable, long term connections.
>
> Jon

Thanks for the reply Jon. I wanted to get this project finished and
decided I couldnt wait any longer for the replies to come in so I
went ahead and chopped off the connector and soldered the cables
togeather before reading this. I tried all over town to get the
connector but no luck. I did use heat shrink tubing on each joint
and even tried to put bigger tubing over all the wires but didnt
have any tubing big enough. Electric tape did the job, although not
as neat. Looks like I was on the right track. I feel more confident
now. Thanks.

Mark