What is meant by 4-core CY cable?

[MikeyC38]

The colours don't matter, the electricity does not care about the colour of the cable so 4 core cy cable has 4 cores as you have stated all of them are separate from the screen. The screen should be earthed at a star point (where all the earths are connected together to avoid any ground loops in the control box) you only need to earth one end of the cable, depending on the size of the motors I use 1mm others use 1.5 mm. Good luck with your build. ..Clive

Thanks Clive for the prompt reply. I am using the Zapp Kit 1 ( NEMA23 3Nm Steppers, 36 volts 4.2A) so I guess 1mm2 should be ok and connect the screen at one end only (the control box) as you said. I will be using 4 pin XLR plugs and chassis sockets as they seem to have good contact surfaces and provide some locking to prevent accidently being pulled out! Found 4 pin XLR plugs at Maplin, but no sockets! Ebay to the rescue again and sourced 3 pairs reasonably priced.

Regards
Mike

[JAZZCNC]

I will be using 4 pin XLR plugs and chassis sockets as they seem to have good contact surfaces and provide some locking to prevent accidently being pulled out! Found 4 pin XLR plugs at Maplin, but no sockets! Ebay to the rescue again and sourced 3 pairs reasonably priced.

Let me just say that unless you intend to move this machine about often then I wouldn't use any connectors. Wire direct from motors to control box to lessen any potential for poor connections and places for bad joints. These type of connectors are one of the prime trouble areas after newness as worn off and cables weight starts putting stress on connectors and pins. They where never designed or intended to be left permanently connected and are meant for short term quick release and connection for the music industry.

Have you bought the Zapp Kit yet.?

[Want2build1]

Let me just say that unless you intend to move this machine about often then I wouldn't use any connectors. Wire direct from motors to control box to lessen any potential for poor connections and places for bad joints. These type of connectors are one of the prime trouble areas after newness as worn off and cables weight starts putting stress on connectors and pins. They where never designed or intended to be left permanently connected and are meant for short term quick release and connection for the music industry.

Have you bought the Zapp Kit yet.?

I built my machine over 2 yrs ago .. been running 24/7/364 since then (ok , maybe 20 hrs a day :) ) ... the cable I used was salvaged hover mower cable 2 core ... two runs per motor ... connected with chocolate block type connectors .. have had no problems what so ever :)

this is what I started with .. skip dive build :)



this is the running machine


absloutely no problems what so ever with wiring connections :)