Hi all, first time post here but been reading quite a bit to learn about Arduino, great forum.
I'm about to start rolling out a project that contains multiple "parts". I will have my Arduino and most of the wiring in the project box, but then I will have 2 pumps (that Arduino will control) mounting a couple feet away from the project box. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do so that I can "plug" my pumps into the project box.
The Arduino controls the pumps using 1 TIP-120 for each pump, so 2 of them. I was thinking about running 3 wires from the project box to the pump station; it would be 1 line from the Vin pin (~11v) and 2 grounds. I was hoping for something similar to a cat5 cable and RJ45 jack, but I know those jacks aren't made for for voltage.
I have my wire, just hoping someone can comment on my idea to run a common voltage line and separate grounds, neither pump will ever be on at the same time. Also, I've never had to do anything with power jacks so hopefully someone can point me somewhere to begin with those. I've looked at Molex, but I'm not 100% what exactly to be looking for.
wbegg, I like that - looks very clean and nice. I think those are DIN but I can not find a good source to purchase. Do you remember where you got them?
cr0sh, I was thinking about molex, but I couldn't see to find an "outlet" type plug that I could mount the project box.
I may go to radioshack and dig around their bins and see what I can find there and continue browsing through the molex site.
Thanks for the input. Any issues with only running the 3 wires? I don't think so, but this is my first electronics projects and would like to make sure.
Possibly RC style connectors? Should be on eBay and are rated for high currents, gold plated, quite hard to plug and unplug though (that's why they are reliable!) For panel-mounting connectors you can get the various concentric ones used for laptops etc in panel-mounting varieties, but that's only 2 wires (so two would be needed for pumps).
My day job is related to sound systems so I tend to use connectors from that industry.
3,4,5 pin XLR are very common, fairly easy to solder to and they lock in place.
1/4" and 1/8" TRS are also common and can add switching to the jack to know if some thing is plugged in or not. Also available in locking versions, however they short the connections as they are plugged and unplugged. Not good for power connections sensitive to dead shorts.
For high current I use Neutrik NL-4 and NL-8 and powercon. Good up to 30A depending on version. Available in screw terminal, solder cup, or blades. Touch proof on both sides. I used these for my CNC mill conversion. Cost is reasonable considering how robust they are.
Interesting reading... Thanks for all of your input. Guess I now need to enter the "world" of connectors. I think I was getting confused because of all the options. Now I at least know I'm looking for a "panel mount" type connector.
Thanks again all. I'll be on my way to find the right ones.
tjbaudio:
For high current I use Neutrik NL-4 and NL-8 and powercon. Good up to 30A depending on version. Available in screw terminal, solder cup, or blades. Touch proof on both sides. I used these for my CNC mill conversion. Cost is reasonable considering how robust they are.
I noticed the Neutrik powercon connectors say that they are for AC. What would you use for DC currents at 48 Volts up to 20 Amps?
I noticed the Neutrik powercon connectors say that they are for AC. What would you use for DC currents at 48 Volts up to 20 Amps?
It depends on the application. In addition to current and voltage rating you have to consider AC/DC rating and if the connector needs to disconnect under load AKA breaking capacity. DC tends to hold a longer and more destructive ark when disconnecting under load. A connector designed for DC will snap the contacts apart, introduce some sort of insulation to snub out the ark before it burns the contacts. Some just have a very robust contact with minimal area exposed at connection break.
The Neutrik stuff is not breaking rated. So to connect my stepper motors its fine, I am not going to pull the motor plug in use, only when power is off so I can change configurations. At 20A 48V you run the risk of having the connector weld together when you need to unplug it.
The proper (or at least on of them) is a connector like this http://www.andersonpower.com/files.php?file=DS-SBFMLY(7).pdf Note the mating cycles 10k no load or 250 under load! That company has several other options. I have not had a need for such a connector in my projects but I have used products with similar. Another option is stage pin, I have used them extensively in theater. They CAN be miss-connected if your really not paying attention and after extended use they need a pin spreader to retain proper friction fit.
