Thread: Wiring for Control Box

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Hey guys. In order to make my setup easier this year around I want to build a control box similar to how a couple of people have done on here.

Now I want to use CAT5 or 6 cable to do my runs from my skulls. My main skull is a 3-axis with eye kit so I have 6 servos. Whats the best way to connect this up? With normal 3-axis skulls (4 servos) I have seen where 4 leads are sent to the servos for control and 2 leads are bundled for "+" and two for "-". Is it necessary two use two leads each for + and -? Can I possibly use 6 leads for control for each servo then one lead for the + and - that why I can run a 6 servo skull on one cat5/6 cable?

Oh ya the cable would be solid core not stranded style.

Thanks!

I think it can be done but I've never tried it. I do remember a discussion in a thread here a few years ago about how the wire in CAT5 cable wouldn't be large enough to carry the load the servos would draw. I'd give it a try and see how it works. If it doesn't you can always run your power over separate wire.

My 3 Axis runs off CAT 5. One + One - Six servo's and LED eyes.

But my design is the K Mart skull and I have very low load on the servos because of my design. I use counter springs on the nod and the jaw. Even with that you will see evidence of voltage drop from the LED's.

My advise is that you double to two cat 5 or run power to the servo's using 22 gauge speaker wire. I did burn out the traces for the + and - on the RJ 45 connectors by the way.

I wonder if I don't power the LEDs just the servos if it would be ok. Any thoughts Spinman? I'm using a Lindberg skull so its somewhat lightweight.

Other than that I guess what I can do is run the two Cat5 cables.

Jimmy,

The LED's do not pull that much power. I was just offering the evidence that by seeing the LED's drop off on my 3 axis that there was definitely some limit on the ability of the cat 5 to handle the load. So just so we are clear. My Skull is K Mart skull. Very light. The mechanism is not like the normal 3 axis. The nod is a 2 to 1 gear reduction and it is counter sprung. The jaw is also counter sprung. So I know the load on my skull is considerably lower than a 3 axis Lindberg. Therefore I strongly suggest you just offer signal to your servos with the cat 5 and run some small gauge speaker wire to provide power to the servos. There is no need to run two cat 5 cables, but you certainly can. Using one to supply power. May as well use 3 and 3 for power + / -.

I think I'm gonna do the separate power method...that way it hopefully eliminates any chance of interference on the signal lines as well. Here is a quick and dirty mock-up of my control box. What do you guys think? I need to see if someone can make the breakout boards...not sure I have the knowledge to make those.

OK guys I'm looking into the power side of things. I'm thinking about using shielded microphone cable to run the power leads from the box to each skull. I'm hoping the shielding will prevent interference from happneing. Now I want something that can easly be unplugged from a jack on the front of my control box.

I'm thinking about using Coaxial Power plugs. I have no experience with these but I believe it should be doable. The thing I notice is that they have 3 solder points. I'm guessing the third point I would solder the shielding? I know when I made some DMX cables last year this was the method for the third solder point.

Anyone have any experience using these?

The other thing I was worried about was if the jacket on the mic cable will fit inside the back end of the plug. If not I guess I will have to heatshrink wrap over where the two parts meet.

I was looking at using these:

2.1MM Co-Ax Power Plug

2.1MM Coax Power Jack , Panel Mount

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=p5197.c0.m619

Jimmy,

Since you are just going to control your servos with the CAT5 then you need to go here.

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/643

They make a great break out board for you RJ45 connectors. You can get all you need here. I made RJ45 piggyback boards that go right onto the servo pins on the ssc32 board. I will see if I can take a picture of mine to help you. But mine also provide the power through the CAT5. I think you are making the better choice. I do think you had better reserve one CAT5 wire for ground to your power source. I think the signal needs a return path. I don't think you will need the positive. So I am thinking 6 wires for servos and 2 for the leds and just bridge the ground for the led's to the servo. If you get the right board you can get a rail that can serve as a common ground.

So you can get male and female pin banks. They come in like banks of 40 I think. You can break them off, but always break off one more than you need. I learned that lesson fast. I will take some pictures of those loose. I still have some.

Here are the headers.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/115 Female

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/116 Male


Don't get the right angle.

Oh and I am not sure I understand the connection from the ssc32 to the relay board. I do not think you can trigger solenoids with a servo signal. But then again I don't know that for sure. Can you enlighten me? I would love to control some relays from the ssc32 board.

Spinman,

Thanks for all the info. Any picutres you could provide would be great. I'm kinda stepping into uknown territory for myself with this project.

Here is the relay board:

RB4 Relay Controller Board

If you are familiar with Hi-Rez and his Pirate setup. This is the board he used to trigger his cannons.