Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Garabaldy on May 02, 2008, 01:14:18 pm

Title: Wiring
Post by: Garabaldy on May 02, 2008, 01:14:18 pm

This is embarassing but im going to ask anyway.  Where is a good place to get your cables from for wiring up batteries to motors speed controlers etc...  :embarrassed:

Title: Re: wireing
Post by: OMK on May 02, 2008, 01:21:38 pm

Have you got a scrapyard round your way? Wiring looms robbed from autos are good for heavy-duty loads, such as motors, ESCs, etc.
And some bozo on this forum going by the moniker of PMK could help you out with smaller gauge wire for on-board lights, etc.
Name your colour.

Title: Re: wireing
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 02, 2008, 01:30:24 pm

I tend to use "mains leads" for heavy cabling ( batteries, motors, speed controlls.
If I want colour coded wiring, I buy it at the shows or Maplins, or the local DIY shop.

Title: Re: wireing
Post by: wombat on May 02, 2008, 02:12:13 pm

If you are buying small quantities then probably Maplin or you local electronics shop is the place to look.

I tend to use control system cable (16/0.2 or 32/0.2 depending on the load). Mains cable is not too bad, but you may be better stripping off the outer insulation. Best investment in my opinion is a big pack of tyraps and a big pack of cable tie bases. Tidy wiring is so worth the effort when it comes to fault finding and reliability.

Wom

Title: Re: wireing
Post by: Shipmate60 on May 02, 2008, 02:43:49 pm

Car Accessory Shops,
I use mostly car equipment, fuses, fuse holders etc.

Bob

Title: Re: Wiring
Post by: Garabaldy on May 02, 2008, 03:07:10 pm

cheers guys.  Does the same go for connectors etc aswell?
I think il have 36-48v and around 3amp running through them.

Its funny im asking all these dumb questions about wiring and connectors while im sitting at work drawing a schematic on autocad...........

Title: Re: Wiring
Post by: wombat on May 02, 2008, 03:36:05 pm

Hi Garabaldy,

36V to 48V seems a little high to me - why so much? I would suggest that 12V to 24V is probably enough.

With these higher voltages, you will have to use mains rated fuses rather than automotive ones - certainly if you use 48V. Blade type fuses are only good to about 36V.

Connectors - if you use the red, blue or yellow crimps always use a proper ratchet crimp tool. The hand plier type do not give a reliable enough crimp. You can get them from car parts shops - better though to go to somewhere like Screwfix.

Wom

Title: Re: Wiring
Post by: boatmadman on May 02, 2008, 06:04:42 pm

For small power use such as lights, I use alarm cable wire, lots of different colour cables.

Ian