Power over TRS

Using Arduino Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
#1

I am working on a project and have run into a small dilemma. I have 4 12V RGB LED clusters daisy chained together with a 4-pin connector. Though between the controller and the LED's I would prefer to use a sturdier cable. I was told by a friend that I could simply use 2 TRS jacks and cables. Now my question is whether or not this is actually possible and/or safe.

These are the LEDs I am using http://www.led-shop1.de/RGB-LED-Modul-Cluster-rund-80mm-18-x-Power-RGB-SMD-LEDs-12V-120

thank you in advance

#2

I would not use two jacks. I would look for DIN connectors, you can get 4 pin cable mounting plugs and sockets so it will make a good replacement.

#3

4-Pin DIN Cables are capable of this? Now, I know very little about electronics, so my questions will sound stupid. Am I correct in assuming that if I buy 4-Pin DIN Connectors, they will work with any S-Video cable? And can I also use the contacts however I want? Typically, they're 1 - GND1, 2 - GND2, 3 - Intesity, 4 - Color. Can I just switch it up and use 1 - GND, 2 - Red, 3 - Green, 4 - Blue?

Are these acceptable options to buy? http://www.showmecables.com/product/4-Pin-DIN-Female-Solder-Connector.aspx http://www.amazon.com/S-Video-Cable-ft-Gold-Plated/dp/B0002MQGK4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1321016520&sr=1-3

#4

Don't confuse the type of connector with what it is commonly used for, they are two different things. You can use any pin for any function you want with any connector.

Those two links the first is a standard DIN connector and is what I was thinking about. The cable you showed does not use standard DIN connectors but miniature DIN connectors and so will not interconnect.

#5

Thank you for the quick reply, this has cleared up a lot for me. Though I must admit, I am having difficulty finding any cables that aren't Mini DIN, can someone point me in the right direction?

#6

I am having difficulty finding any cables that aren't Mini DIN,

Why do you want to buy cables? You just get the plugs and some 4 core cable and make your own.

#7

TRS: I assume you mean Tip-Ring-Sleeve 3-circuit jacks and plugs?

They come in at least 3 sizes, US 1/4" , US 1/8" and something like 5/32' which has a metric equivalent.

Good for different currents. I HAVE used the 1/4 inch size for 12 volt power up to 10 amps...

Unless you are the only user, think about using something that's not a "headphone jack" to most people...

#8

Unless you are the only user, think about using something that's not a "headphone jack" to most people

Even if you are you are bound to forget in a year or two.

#9