Connectors - Revision history

Chklnk: /* Connector Types */ Bullet good for 3ph

2023-12-17T12:00:42Z

Connector Types: Bullet good for 3ph

User at 20:40, 1 June 2022

2022-06-01T20:40:17Z

User: changed Male-Female example

2022-06-01T20:36:27Z

changed Male-Female example

User at 20:34, 1 June 2022

2022-06-01T20:34:42Z

Chklnk: Applications intro, added JR and MR connectors and further details

2022-05-27T03:17:48Z

Applications intro, added JR and MR connectors and further details

Chklnk: Spelling/editing and added product name of JST connector

2021-11-20T08:49:09Z

Spelling/editing and added product name of JST connector

User at 05:01, 10 November 2021

2021-11-10T05:01:37Z

User: Added image, minor changes.

2021-11-10T00:12:52Z

Added image, minor changes.

User: adding images

2021-11-09T06:42:36Z

adding images

User: More details and formatting needed + images

2021-11-09T05:34:54Z

More details and formatting needed + images

New page

Bunny of Team Malice has created a [https://teammalice.com/index.php/how-tos/ great connector guide].
<br>
Although some people may soldier their batteries directly into their bots, nearly everyone uses connectors so they can unplug their batteries for easy charging. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding what the right connectors are for your application. Size, weight, current capacty and the physical security of the connection are all important to consider. <br>

==Terminology==
* Male and Female connectors: Many connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of the battery short circuiting by accident.<br>
* Polarized: Many connectors are not symetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the postive and ground sides of the battery are not accidentaly reversed.
* Crimped / Soldiered: Wires need to be secured to the connector. This can be done physically with a crimp or by soldering the wire to the connector. In some connectors the wire can be both crimped and soldiered.
* Anti-Spark: At higher voltages, electriicy can arc across the connector. This can result in carbon build-up on the connectors which reduces their efficiency. In worst-cases this electrical arc can damage electronics. Some connectors are designed to reduce this effect. Although anti-sparc connectors can be more expensive, they are typically a better choice at high voltages.

==Connector Types==
*JST: These small connectors work well in small robots but they have a limited current capacity of about 5 amps. Also, these connectors don't make a strong physical connection and should be physically secured with tape or a zip-tie.
*XT Connectors: This connector style is popular because of its fairly compact form factor and ability to handle high current. XT connectors come in 30,60, and 90 amp versions but can handle more than their rated current for short periods of time. Additionally the XT connectors come in anti-spark versions which are especially useful in high voltage applications.
*Anderson PowerPoles: This older style connector is still very popular and comes in a range of physical sizes that are rated to handle between 15 and 350 amps. These connectors also have the advantage of a strong physical connection when plugged in.
*Bullet:

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 *'''Amass MR''': The MR30 and MR60 series connectors have 3 pins and are used to make brushless motor disconnects.
 *'''Anderson PowerPole''': This older style connector is still very popular and comes in a range of physical sizes that are rated to handle between 15 and 350 amps. These connectors also have the advantage of a strong physical connection when plugged in.  Although you can solder wires into these connectors, they are designed to be crimped.
-*'''Bullet''': These single-pin connectors come in various sizes to handle different current. They take up little space, but their physical connection can be weak. Like other connectors, securing them with tape will help prevent power loss during a match. The XT150 is one of the largest types, carrying up to 130 amps continuously.
+*'''Bullet''': These single-pin connectors come in various sizes to handle different current. They are good for brushless motors because it's easy to switch two of the wires to change the motor direction. They take up little space, but their physical connection can be weak. Like other connectors, securing them with tape or heat-shrink tubing will help prevent power loss during a match. The XT150 is one of the largest types, carrying up to 130 amps continuously.
 ==Guides==
 Bunny of Team Malice has created a [https://teammalice.com/index.php/how-tos/ great connector guide].

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ==Terminology==
-[[File:Deans_MF.PNG|thumb|Male and Female Deans Connectors]]
+[[File:Deans_MF.PNG|thumb|Female and Male Deans Connectors]]
 * Male and Female connectors: Most connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of a battery's connector touching something and short-circuiting by accident.
 * Polarized: Many connectors are not symmetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the positive and negative sides of the battery are not accidentally reversed. (On some connectors, if you push hard enough you can still connect them backwards, so do look at the connectors while plugging them together.)

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ==Terminology==
-[[File:Deans_MF.png|thumb|Male and Female Deans Connectors]]
+[[File:Deans_MF.PNG|thumb|Male and Female Deans Connectors]]
 * Male and Female connectors: Most connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of a battery's connector touching something and short-circuiting by accident.
 * Polarized: Many connectors are not symmetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the positive and negative sides of the battery are not accidentally reversed. (On some connectors, if you push hard enough you can still connect them backwards, so do look at the connectors while plugging them together.)

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ==Terminology==
-[[File:XT_Male_Female.jpg|thumb|Male and Female XT Connectors]]
+[[File:Deans_MF.png|thumb|Male and Female Deans Connectors]]
 * Male and Female connectors: Most connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of a battery's connector touching something and short-circuiting by accident.
 * Polarized: Many connectors are not symmetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the positive and negative sides of the battery are not accidentally reversed. (On some connectors, if you push hard enough you can still connect them backwards, so do look at the connectors while plugging them together.)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-==Why Connectors?==
+[[File:JST_Connector.jpg|thumb|Male and Female JST RCY Connectors]]
-[[File:JST_Connector.jpg|thumb|Male and Female JST Connectors]]
+In combat robotics we use connectors to rapidly disconnect and replace damaged parts such as batteries, motors, servos, and subassemblies (such as removable weapon modules). Repairs between rounds go more smoothly if you have replacement items standing by with connectors already attached and ready to go.
-Bunny of Team Malice has created a [https://teammalice.com/index.php/how-tos/ great connector guide].
-Although some people may solder their batteries directly into their bots, nearly everyone uses connectors so they can unplug their batteries for easy charging. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding what the right connectors are for your application.  All of the connectors mentioned below are suitable for Robot Combat but size, weight, current capacty and the physical security are all important to consider when deciding which one is right for you.
+If your bot has a [[Servos|servo]], try to leave its cable intact. That way, if a servo fails or its gears break, you can bolt in a spare servo and just plug it in.
 ==Terminology==
 [[File:XT_Male_Female.jpg|thumb|Male and Female XT Connectors]]
-* Male and Female connectors: Many connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of the battery short circuiting by accident.
+* Male and Female connectors: Most connectors have a 'Male' connector type and a 'Female' connector type. There are a few reasons for this design approach. The connectors on the power-source side (battery) are typically 'Female' which means they receive the 'Male' connector which houses the electrical contacts inside the connector. This reduces the likelihood of a battery's connector touching something and short-circuiting by accident.
-* Polarized: Many connectors are not symmetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the positive and ground sides of the battery are not accidentally reversed.
+* Polarized: Many connectors are not symmetrical which means they will only plug into each other in one direction. This ensures that the positive and negative sides of the battery are not accidentally reversed. (On some connectors, if you push hard enough you can still connect them backwards, so do look at the connectors while plugging them together.)
-* Crimped / Soldered: Wires need to be secured to the connector. This can be done physically with a crimp or by soldering the wire to the connector.  In some connectors the wire can be both crimped and soldered.
+* Crimped / Soldered: Wires need to be secured to the connector pins. This can be done physically by crushing the pin with a specialized crimping tool, or by soldering the wire to the connector.  Pins are usually (but not always) designed to do only one or the other.
 * Anti-Spark: At higher voltages, electricity can arc across the connector. This damages the surface of the connector pins, which increases resistance and reduces their efficiency. Arc can even damage electronics. Some connectors are designed to reduce this effect. Although anti-sparking connectors can be more expensive, they are typically a better choice at high voltages.
 ==Connector Types==
 [[File:AndersonConnectors.jpg|thumb|Anderson Connector Sizes]]
-*'''JST RCY''': (Often called "JST", the name of the manufacturer.) These connectors are often seen on small Lipo batteries, and are frequently used in 150g or 1lb small robots. They often come with wires pre-attached for convenience. Instead of the smaller 22 gauge wire, look for ones that have at least 20 gauge wire, which will easily handle 5 amps. They have only a tiny latch to hold them together, so you might want to physically secure them with tape or a zip-tie.
+*'''JR''', '''Futaba''', '''DuPont''': The connectors used on small servos are called by various names. Nearly all are pre-crimped to small wires, and it's cheap to buy spare cables and use them for repairs. The wires and connectors don't carry much power, and they invariably have generic connectors that can be easily reversed by mistake. On radio-controlled equipment these are usually 3-pin connectors that plug straight into the Rx (receiver). For combat bots, taping these connectors together may be a wise choice.
-*XT Connectors: This connector style is popular because of its fairly compact form factor and ability to handle high current. XT connectors come in 30, 60, and 90 amp versions but can handle more than their rated current for short periods of time. Additionally the XT connectors come in anti-spark versions which are especially useful in high voltage applications. Most XT connectors will require that you solder a wire to the connector. The connectors have a fair amount of thermal mass which can require a bit of practice with a quality soldering iron to make a good connection.
+*'''JST RCY'''[https://www.jst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/eRCY.pdf]: (Often called "JST", the name of the manufacturer.) These 3 amp, 2-pin crimp connectors are often seen on small Lipo batteries, and are frequently used in 150g or 1lb small robots. It's easiest to buy these with wires pre-attached for convenience (no need to own a crimping tool). Instead of the smaller 22 gauge wire, look for ones that have at least 20 gauge wire, which will easily handle 5 amps. They have only a tiny latch to hold them together, so you might want to physically secure them with tape or a zip-tie.
-*Anderson PowerPoles: This older style connector is still very popular and comes in a range of physical sizes that are rated to handle between 15 and 350 amps. These connectors also have the advantage of a strong physical connection when plugged in.  Although you can solder wires into these connectors, they are designed to be crimped.
+*'''Amass XT''': The XT series connector style is popular because they are fairly compact and can handle high current. They come in 30, 60, and 90 amp versions but can handle more than their rated current for short periods of time. Additionally XT connectors come in anti-spark versions which are especially useful in high voltage applications. In combat robotics, the solder-cup types (XT30-U, XT60 and XT60H, and XT90H) are commonly used and require wires to be soldered to the pins. The connectors have a fair amount of thermal mass which can require a bit of practice with a quality soldering iron to make a good connection. Sometimes called "HeXTronik."
-*Bullet: These connectors come in various sizes to handle different current. They take up very little space, but their physical connection can be weak. Like other connectors, securing them with tape will help prevent power loss during a match.
+*'''Amass MR''': The MR30 and MR60 series connectors have 3 pins and are used to make brushless motor disconnects.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 [[File:JST_Connector.jpg|thumb|Male and Female JST Connectors]]
 Bunny of Team Malice has created a [https://teammalice.com/index.php/how-tos/ great connector guide].
-<br>
+<br><br>
 Although some people may soldier their batteries directly into their bots, nearly everyone uses connectors so they can unplug their batteries for easy charging. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding what the right connectors are for your application.  All of the connectors mentioned below are suitable for Robot Combat but size, weight, current capacty and the physical security are all important to consider when deciding which one is right for you. <br>
 <br><br><br><br><br><br>
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 [[File:AndersonConnectors.jpg|thumb|Anderson Connector Sizes]]
-*JST: These small connectors work well in small robots but they have a limited current capacity. Some connectors come with 22 or higher gage wire. Look for ones that have at least 20 gage wire which will easily handle 5 amps. Also, these connectors don't make a strong physical connection and should be physically secured with tape or a zip-tie.
+*JST: These small connectors work well in small robots but they have a limited current capacity. Some connectors come with 22 or higher gage wire. Look for ones that have at least 20 gage wire which will easily handle 5 amps. Also, these connectors don't make a strong physical connection and should be physically secured with tape or a zip-tie. Most smaller lipo batteries come with JST connecters by default.
-*XT Connectors: This connector style is popular because of its fairly compact form factor and ability to handle high current. XT connectors come in 30,60, and 90 amp versions but can handle more than their rated current for short periods of time. Additionally the XT connectors come in anti-spark versions which are especially useful in high voltage applications.
+*XT Connectors: This connector style is popular because of its fairly compact form factor and ability to handle high current. XT connectors come in 30,60, and 90 amp versions but can handle more than their rated current for short periods of time. Additionally the XT connectors come in anti-spark versions which are especially useful in high voltage applications. Most XT connectors will require that you soldier a wire to the connector. The connectors have a fair amount of thermal mass which can require a bit of practice with a quality soldering iron to make a good connection.
-*Anderson PowerPoles: This older style connector is still very popular and comes in a range of physical sizes that are rated to handle between 15 and 350 amps. These connectors also have the advantage of a strong physical connection when plugged in.
+*Anderson PowerPoles: This older style connector is still very popular and comes in a range of physical sizes that are rated to handle between 15 and 350 amps. These connectors also have the advantage of a strong physical connection when plugged in.  Although you can solder wires into these connectors, they are designed to be crimped.
 *Bullet: These connectors come in various sizes to handle different current. One advantage is that they take up very little space but their physical connection can be weak in many cases. Like other connctors, scuring them with tape will help prevent power loss during a match.