Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Servo Type Cables — Parallax Forums

Servo Type Cables

ajwardajward Posts: 1,130
edited 2012-10-26 09:02 in General Discussion
Anyone know of a source for a cable/wire similar to a servo wire, but with four or five conductors? Just looking at a project to place a sensor or two a few feet away from the processor. Thinking of the IR thermometer or 3-axis accelerometer.

Many thanks,

Amanda

Comments

  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2012-10-25 15:45
    ajward wrote: »
    Anyone know of a source for a cable/wire similar to a servo wire, but with four or five conductors? Just looking at a project to place a sensor or two a few feet away from the processor. Thinking of the IR thermometer or 3-axis accelerometer.

    Many thanks,

    Amanda

    I normally just use two three conductor cables side-by-side for a six conductor cable. Easy peasy.

    or check ebay for 6 conductor ribbon cable.

    jim
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2012-10-25 16:05
    Sparkfun has 3 feet for $.75

    https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10648
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2012-10-25 16:13
    I can fab to your spec (genuine Molex C-Grid) at an exorbitant price.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-10-25 19:23
    PJ has a point. The C-grid sockets can easily be crimped with a RadioShack crimper. All you need in addition are the shells and some ribbon cable. But who am I to stand in the way of PJ's business plan?

    -Phil
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-10-25 19:42
    Ron Czapala wrote: »
    Sparkfun has 3 feet for $.75

    https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10648

    Whenever possible, I try to use IDCs with that type of ribon cable. so much easier than crimping or soldering connectors.

    SparkFun also sells ready made cables with four or five conductors.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-10-25 20:08
    The problem with IDCs is that you almost always have to use two-row connectors, since the pitch of most ribbon cables is 0.05". You can get 0.1"-pitch cable, but it has webbing between the conductors and tends to be rather stiff.

    -Phil
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-10-25 20:12
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    The problem with IDCs is that you almost always have to use two-row connectors, since the pitch of most ribbon cables is 0.05".

    Agreed. But if I'm connecting two PCBs together, I don't mind using two rows of headers. I usually only use them when I need six of more wires though. They're also not breadboard friendly.
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2012-10-26 07:19
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    PJ has a point. The C-grid sockets can easily be crimped with a RadioShack crimper. All you need in addition are the shells and some ribbon cable. But who am I to stand in the way of PJ's business plan?

    IMG_1597.jpg


    I will, of course, use the Molex crimp tool.
    I offer only the best materials and uncompromising workmanship.
    A better quality custom assembly you will find available nowhere.
    IMG_1597.jpg
    640 x 480 - 137K
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2012-10-26 07:24
    ajward wrote: »
    Anyone know of a source for a cable/wire similar to a servo wire, but with four or five conductors? Just looking at a project to place a sensor or two a few feet away from the processor. Thinking of the IR thermometer or 3-axis accelerometer.

    For 4 conductor cables you may be able to use some of the CD/DVD audio cables that are used in many PC's. Some only have 3 wires used but I've found quote a few that have all four wires.

    As example is:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-4-Pin-Audio-Cable-CD-DVD-ROM-Drive-to-SoundCard-26-/110741271821
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2012-10-26 08:13
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    Whenever possible, I try to use IDCs with that type of ribon cable. so much easier than crimping or soldering connectors.

    SparkFun also sells ready made cables with four or five conductors.

    Regarding those 'ready made cables with four and five conductors...
    I buy the same locally and in 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 conductors.

    They have one big advantage over ribbon cables in that you can change the order of wiring quite easily to adapt to two different boards.

    In other words, if I were to use a five conductor with a sequence of 1,2,3,4,5 at one end; the other end could be something esle - say 2,4,3,5,1 as they come apart and can be re-configured. Quite handy. They also have 2 row connectors so one can use then instead of ribbon cables to configure as you like.

    Ribbon cables may be easy to build, but they cannot help you adapt existing boards.
  • PropabilityPropability Posts: 142
    edited 2012-10-26 09:02
    You might take a look at Pololu which has the plastic housings and wires ready made. I also like their stepper drivers.
Sign In or Register to comment.