Connector suggestions - motors and probes

[GND]

Just wondered what types of electrical connectors people like to use on their machines?

I'm currently rigging up a Z-axis probe, and so want something that is reliable and latched so that it won't come adrift without me noticing. I'm thinking an XLR type connector could be appropriate, but I thought I'd cast the net out to see what forum members use more generally on their machines for the motor drives, limit/home switches and probes. Or is hard wiring preferred?

Looking forward to hearing any thoughts!

Cheers
Graeme

[njhussey]

Hi Graeme,

I use hard wired for mine, less to come loose and cause problems 😁

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[komatias]

Hi Graeme,

I use hard wired for mine, less to come loose and cause problems 😁

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My first build used 4 pin xlr's worked well.

There are some pretty heft stuff available in RS if you are inclined to spend.

May actually have some male and female 4 pin XLR's left over if you are interested.

[Neale]

I'm using XLR 4-pin for motor connections. Signal connections (limit switches, e-stop, touch plate, etc) use GX16, bought cheap from Aliexpress. That's (I believe) the same connector that the usual air- and water-cooled spindles use with a screwed locking ring for security. Just hold them over a box or tray when you try to refit the fiddly little screw on the side...

[Boyan Silyavski]

Hardwired. And buy yourself conductive tape from Aliexpress, so motor, limit switch and similar are properly grounded both sides

[GND]

Thanks for the feedback, guys - some good suggestions there!

From this small sample it seems like there's no single solution, and that hardwiring is often chosen. I can certainly see why that might be a good approach. I suppose it depends on the circumstances.

In my case I am keen to have my touch plate detachable, but obviously there is no room for this connection to be unreliable, else cutter breakages will occur! Hence a good quality latching connector, if you have to use one at all, is essential. I now have a couple of options to investigate further!

Just curious, Boyan - how do you deploy your conductive tape? Would you mind elaborating?

Cheers
Graeme

[Clive S]

how do you deploy your conductive tape? Would you mind elaborating?
I don't see any reason to do this, just what is the point:confusion:

[Boyan Silyavski]

Just curious, Boyan - how do you deploy your conductive tape? Would you mind elaborating?



Limit switches and servo connection example. may be not "by the book" as it must be using collars bolted to frame, but works fine

20327 20328

[GND]

Thanks Boyan - so essentially shielding?

[njhussey]

If you're just talking about a touch plate why not use 4mm banana plugs? That way the wire can be fixed and put out the way and then plugged in to the plate (or corner plate)

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[Boyan Silyavski]

Yes, But what is not seen on photo as i recently adjusted switches was, that it extends and envelopes the switch so only led is visible.

Tape is very easy to use. And fast.

[GND]

OK - so extending the shielding over the plastic components that are otherwise not protected. I can see your point now!

Cheers
Graeme

[GND]

Banana plugs - I kind of passed on these as they are un-latched and thus vibration sensitive, but hadn't thought of detaching from the plate end rather than the control box end. Mmmm, more thoughts to go into the melting pot.....

Cheers
Graeme

[Clive S]

Tape is very easy to use. And fast.And ugly and not good with coolant etc

[Neale]

My touchplate plugs into a small plastic box bolted to the frame in an easy-to-reach but out of harm's way position. That's wired back to the control box where it connects with a GX16 captive connector. The box has a 3.5mm jack socket where the touchplate wire plugs in (with matching 3.5mm plug, obviously). Quick and easy to connect, reasonably vibration-proof. Wouldn't use jack plug for, say, limit switches but for something regularly connected/disconnected, seems ok. Very easy to check connection just by touching plate to anything earthed and watching Mach3 screen "led".

[Boyan Silyavski]

And ugly and not good with coolant etc

Ugly maybe, but once you do it, its impossible to unpack it, you have to cut the tape.Coolant is no problem.