Asked — Edited

Organizing Components (Completely Newbie Question)

I've got 3 h-bridges and the ez-b wired up and in close proximity to each other.

I live in constant fear that I will bump one into the other and short something out.

Whats the best way to keep them separated?

Is this what a breadboard is for?

Is moving a project from a breadboard to a chassis a big deal or can you just pop the breadboard right on the top of a flat chassis? (such as is sold on this site)

On a related note, what's the best way to join multiple power wires (or any wires)? I'm sure there is some standard way to join all these wires other than twisting them together and taping them with electrical tape ;)

For example, I've got a 7.2V RC battery pack that needs to be wired into my 3 bridges. What's the best way to attach one battery pack to 3 devices?

Thanks!


ARC Pro

Upgrade to ARC Pro

Harnessing the power of ARC Pro, your robot can be more than just a simple automated machine.

#1  

Use a barrier strip to wire your power in parallel to multiple h bridges. Have spade crimp connects that fit into your barrier strip handy.

#2  

Thanks a lot!

Y'all should put these things in your store.

I'd buy them from you even if you charge more than average ;)

The advice you offer is worth the markup!

If I knew a bit more, I'd just google it but when you are starting from zero, this is a much better way to spin up.

Thanks!

#3  

Well for your parralle battery case you could go to an auto or electrical supplier and get a terminal block. Ones from an electrical supplier most cases need a DIN rail to mount them to you chassis. The auto ones most cases come with either a bolt or spade lug. If you use the auto ones you will need wire terminals. They crimp on to the end of the wire and either slide on the spade lug, or have a hole in then so you cand mount then on the bolt through type terminals.

I am on my phone tying this so if you wantwhen I get home I can do a little looking and find an online supplier with part numbers for you.

#4  

Hey thanks for the advice guys.

If you have a link to something you recommend on Amazon, that would be great.

PRO
Synthiam
#5  

Don't forget a label maker:) it's the best way to keep track of cables and wires :)

#6  

Be careful and use standoffs if your chasis is metal. You can double stick glue the breadboard to the chassis if it is plastic and then hotmelt glue your wires once you have them all where you want them. Then, dress all wires with wirewraps.

#7  

What's a stand-off?

Like a piece of foam?

Is there a product you recommend?

Yeah, I need to get a label maker...

#8  

A stand-off is a short piece (1" or so long) of a small dia (1/4"or so) plastic or nylon rod with threaded ends to screw bolts into. You mount it on your chassis and use a bolt from the bottom of the chassis to hold it in place. Then your part (like the EZ-B board) is set on top of the stand-off and another small bolt through the mounting holes to hold it in place.

Here is a place to get terminals and small gauge wire. Wire sizes are backwards to what you think, 22awg is a smaller wire then 14awg wire. so it will carry less current. Just keep that in mind if you are building a big bot like mine Experiment 333.

electrical parts like terminals

If you have any more questions I will see what I can do to help.

#9  

Are PC standoffs the same size as electronics hobby standoffs?

I used to have 10 lbs of these things back when I was a PC technician.

#10  

Most of the standoffs are similar other than length. Some have one end that is a 4-40 thread shaft and the other end will accept a 4-40 bolt. Some of the standoffs are made of nylon and other are even made from brass.