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Li-ion Power Pack/Charger cables? — Parallax Forums

Li-ion Power Pack/Charger cables?

RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
edited 2015-01-18 08:43 in General Discussion
Just wondering why Parallax does not offer the cable(s) for sale? I think it would be more convenient to cut off the barrel plug end, then trying to find a connector for the other end.

The other question is, if you had two cables attached to a barrel plug, and the other ends attached to RAW power output and CELL power output, if this could work automatically when the RAW power IN was turned on and off? I think the circuitry right now prevents CELL power out when RAW power in is active.

Ray

Comments

  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-12 11:31
    Anybody know how I can make that special little cable or at least buy a premade one. I guess Parallax would love the idea of having to purchase another Li-ion Power Pack just get an extra cable.

    Ray
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2015-01-12 12:45
    The cable has a part number, just call them and place an order for one :)

    Li-ion Battery Cable (#802-00020)
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-12 13:15
    Thanks RDL2004, I was trying to get a reaction from Parallax as to why it isn't listed on the store website. I never noticed the part number.

    Ray
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2015-01-12 14:30
    Well, I can understand why each and every item Parallax has isn't for sale on their web site. Once something is listed there, it requires inventory management, and there is a cost involved with having money tied up in stock, and maybe the sales volume just isn't there, and I'm sure it gets more complicated. This cable though, does seem like something that maybe could be available. It's kind of like those 3 conductor cables you used to be able to buy in singles that are now only available in a 30 piece kit. I guess it turned out to be too much trouble or too expensive to stock them in single quantities.
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-13 10:45
    Hmm, does anybody know what kind of connector, and where you can find one, is on the cable. It looks like something special, not even sure how to search for it.

    Ray
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-14 05:37
    Since I am not making any headway with the questions about the cable approach, may I suggest a design change. It would be nice if there was a two pin screw terminal for an auxiliary raw power output. This would allow more flexibility with the usage of the Power Pack, and lessen the impact of the special connector cable for raw power connection.

    Ray
  • RS_JimRS_Jim Posts: 1,765
    edited 2015-01-14 06:00
    The cable end that plugs into all of the Parallax products I own is sold by RadioShack as an "M" style plug. Can buy bare plugs out of the parts drawer, or with two pins on the back to connect to their power supplies.
    Jim
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2015-01-14 06:52
    I think he needs the connector on the other end which is some kind of "pin and socket" connector. It looks a lot like a "Mate-N-Lok" from AMP/Tyco. Molex makes a version also, but I don't remember what they call theirs. Having the locking tab only on one side is kind of unusual. What is the pin spacing on the Parallax connector?


    http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-AMP/1-480698-0/?qs=OSEowtgdlxKxU5sgrqzhFw%3D%3D
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-14 07:12
    ... It looks a lot like a "Mate-N-Lok" from AMP/Tyco....
    I just did a search for "Mate-N-Lok", it seems like it covers a lot of different connectors, but I did see one that looks like what Parallax is using. This presents a new problem, it looks like you need a special crimping device, since I am not going to mass produce cables, not sure if I want to go that route. I will still be searching for a cable with the special connector on one end and nothing on the other end, or if the price is right and it does have something on the other end I can snip it off. Now I will have to go check out ebay , maybe somebody in China is mass producing these type of cables.

    Ray
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-01-14 07:20
    Ray,

    Even if you found the correct connector, you would still have to order pins, then crimp or solder.

    As mentioned before, just order Li-ion Battery Cable (#802-00020) from Parallax. Call Sales.
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2015-01-17 10:27
    As mentioned before, just order Li-ion Battery Cable (#802-00020) from Parallax. Call Sales.
    Just got word back from Parallax, the Li-ion Power Pack/Charger is a third party item which they resell, and they do not sell the cables separately. Not sure what my options are now, I guess look for a li-ion power pack/charger more suited to my job application.

    Ray
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2015-01-17 16:17
    Well I'd have to say that was a less than adequate response. I wonder who the mysterious 3rd party is. I bet they'd at least have a part number for the connector you need.
    Rsadeika wrote: »
    Not sure what my options are now, I guess look for a li-ion power pack/charger more suited to my job application.


    You know the old saying...

    "If you don't take care of your customers, someone else will."
  • dgatelydgately Posts: 1,630
    edited 2015-01-17 21:44
    Why not just use the 8 Volt alternate screw terminal (see below)? Just build a cable with RadioShack "M" style plug, a short 2-wire cable and two tinned ends to plug into and screw-down terminal...


    Charger.png



    dgately
    Charger.png
    507 x 619 - 580K
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2015-01-18 08:43
    It's the other Li-Ion Power Pack Charger, the one with the black pcb, or at least that's what I've been assuming.

    However, I noticed that the Parallax made charger (#28986 included in the #28989 Li-ion Power Pack Full Kit) uses the same exact cable and since Parallax actually makes that charger, they should be able to provide the part number for the female Molex connector they use on the board. It would then be easy to locate a matching male connector for the cable.
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