wiring for drag chains

[Jonathan]

What do you want to screen?

Probably stepper motors ... it generally is here.

Twisted pair is often the better option for low voltage signal connects.

I thought that twisted pair only helps with interference if used with differential signalling where complimentary signals are send down the two wires and the difference detected?

Will it stay properly twisted in the drag chain?

[Robin Hewitt]

Why would anyone want to screen a stepper motor cable?

This reeks of urban legend, a bit like choosing your motor purely on holding torque :heehee:

I'd say lots of square mm for minimum resistance and lots of strands for flex.

I use twisted pair for signal cables and you don't need fancy drivers to reap the low crosstalk benefits. Even humble RS232 at 9600 is good for 100 yards in good old Telecom twisted pair, doubt you'd get 25 with screened.

[Jonathan]

Why would anyone want to screen a stepper motor cable?

So you can listen to the radio whilst the machine's running of course!

If I don't ground the shielding on my motor cables the radio (not digital) hisses a lot etc ... with the shielding grounded it's fine. I've never been able to detect the shielding making a difference to the motors.

[Robin Hewitt]

So you can listen to the radio whilst the machine's running of course!

Obvious now you mention it :whistling:

Perhaps you just need a bigger workshop, the inverse square law could become your friend :rofl:

[Karl]

Recommended sources for plastic drag chain?