We have a custom sensor with four 30awg wire wrap leads and need to transition to a more robust cable likely between 26 and 20 awe stranded. it’s in an IP68 environment. We plan to use a simple approach using a passive perfboard or PCB to jumper the connections between wire types and then enclose the board and put a connector on the enclosure. Anphenol Sine makes some enclosures of this type (for their ATM series) but they are too large. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what we could use or how to do this differently.
also, the voltage is 5vdc, current under 60ma. needs to be under 3/4”x3/4”x3/4”
Hello @walterc,
Have you considered M8 connectors a few of which are shown here.
Note that IP67 is common while the underwater IP68 can be a challenge.
Also note that the M8 and M12 connectors are popular in the industrial control sector which mitigates against obsoleteness.
Happy to continue this conversation. Please provide additional information about your project such as the sensor (30 AWG) side connections. A picture would be especially helpful.
Sincerely,
Aaron
I’m actually on vacation so I don’t have access to any pictures. I’ll get something posted next week.
IP67 will probably be ok.
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Greetings,
For your enclosure we have several manufacturers who will modify their enclosures to fit your application. Please see the below forum post on modified enclosures for more information.
@APDahlen - I have attached a drawing and picture. The sensor is a prototype. Previous version has used the TE Series 11 CPC connectors but they only come in 8 and 9 pin versions and don’t crimp the 30AWG cable to their pins and sockets. We that’s why we have used a small perfboard to bridge between the two wires sizes. I can still use that but it’s overkill and I really wanted something smaller. We can modify the house some. I’ll look more closely at the M4 connector.
@shawn_adams - Since this is a prototype, do you think any of the manufacturers will make a one-off for us at a reasonable price? That’s part of the problem. We would prefer to go off-the-shelf.
Sensor Assy.pdf (44.6 KB)
Hello @walterc,
There are hundreds of ways to solve this problem.
In addition to the previously mentioned M8 connector, consider repurposing QWIIC system hardware. This type of connector is common, lightweight, and low cost. Here are a few devices that could be connected directly to the sensor.
Note, you will not be able to leverage the QWIIC’s serial protocol, however the breakout board and wire could be used in your system.
Sincerely,
Aaron
I have never bought a custom closure myself so I do not know the exact pricing, however i believe they will give you a quote without a commitment for purchase. It will likely cost more than an off the shelf option, however they start the process with an off the shelf enclosure and then make the adjustments you need so should be cheaper than a completely custom enclosure. It is kind of the step between off the shelf and completely custom. @Steven_14444 do you have anything to add that could help clarify things for walterc?
@APDahlen Thank you. I can easily make a bridge board with some perfboard we have. We need to put it in a small IP67 enclosure that will fit on our sensor and also have enough space to put the circular connector we’ll use.
Currently we think this will work.
Serpac CX27ABKAGM box - A little larger than desired but fits in the space.
TE T4030014041-000 circular connector
small perfboard to bridge between connectors - might not even be necessary since we can solder to the connector.
we will route the wirewrap through small holes drilled in the box and then pot them to seal it.
Excellent @walterc!
That looks sharp.
A few follow up comments:
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The M8 is associated with industrial sensors. There is a default wire scheme.
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Your machine looks specialized. However, if you are considering production, you may want to guard against inadvertent connection to the standard 24 VDC industrial system.
Best Wishes,
APDahlen
P.S. We would love to see pictures of the final product.
@APDahlen - We are developing an autonomous agricultural planter. The planter is stage 2 of an integrated system that germinates seeds in a stationary system and then they are transferred as a batch to the autonomous planter. We are a small startup company. Our target market is commercial vegetable growers. We should save 96% of the labor that goes into planting open field tomatoes. I’ll send some pictures when we have it all together.
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