Servo Motor Connectors; Where Can I Find Them!?!
Posted by Jared Stearns on Mon, Jan 11, 2010 @ 12:37 PM
Your servo motor needs a new connector. The connector is cracked and the pins are all
bent. You look at it and think, “Where
am I ever going to find this plug?” And
even if you find the plug and get it on time, can it be changed easily?
Connectors can quickly become a headache. With so many styles, manufacturers, and
specific needs there are millions of plugs in production to choose from. Finding your connector can be extremely
difficult if you do not know how to search.
Once you have found your connector, do you have the tooling you need to
install it correctly? Do you have the
information recorded when you disconnect the old connector to connect the new
one?
- The first step to finding your connector is refining your search. This will limit the number if
connectors to search through by specific characteristics. Many
online companies that sell connectors will let you limit your search by
choosing variables such as rated current, shape, number of pins, etc. If you know the manufacturer of you connector
(give it a good look over) then you can limit your search or go straight to
that manufacturers online site. If you
can obtain a manufacturers part number, many online sites will cross it to
their own part number. If at all
possible, get a datasheet and verify dimensions before purchasing, you don’t
want a close match, you want an exact match.
- There are some tools that are necessary to install
connectors on your servo motor. You will
need a soldering iron to solder the pins and sockets. Even if they are crimp pins, many people will
solder the crimp to strengthen the joint and prevent fraying. If the pins need to be crimped invest in a
crimper for that style connector. Many
connectors are threaded together and you will need wrenches and pliers.
- Always document the connector wiring before removing the old
one. Write down wire colors relative to
pin numbers. If possible also document
wire functions to pin number as colors are not always easy to
differentiate. Most people forget to
document the orientation of the connector in relation to the motor, and also
the orientation of the connector hub to the housing of the connector. If these are not correct you may not realize
it until you motor is reinstalled into your machine and now the cable does not
reach or mate with your motor.
These are some considerations to make when changing your
connectors on you servo motor. There are
many good places to shop for connectors, and prices can fluctuate greatly, so
shop around. If you are having someone
else change your connectors make sure they are replacing you old connector with
a proper match. Many repair facilities
will use unsealed or lower quality replacement connectors resulting in more
problems down the road for you.
Servotech has technicians who spend their day dealing with connectors, plugs, and manufacturing cables. If you do not have the time or desire to find your connector or build your own cable, we will gladly do it for you!