Are computor data cables suitable for encoder wiring?

[CalG]

I seem to run into situations where having the "right" cable would make a big difference in appearance.

pc data cables come in so many configurations, 4-5-9-15-28 wires and are easily obtained.

Are such wires suited to motion control applications? The wire size may be a bit light.

TIA

Cal

[Bubba]

for encoder wiring of my servos, I used DB9 cables. I purchased long cables and for the most part, cut them for the appropriate length that I needed. The cabinet end used the DB9 connector and the other ends were spliced into the appropriate connector for the encoder end. The exception was my 4 th axis where I set it up to use a DB9 connector for each end.
Most encoders will only be using up to maybe 125 ma of current so this should not be a problem. My single ended encoders on gecko drives are limited to a max current of 50ma so not a problem. This has worked for me for the last 10 years or so.


BUT, I do not think they will be suitable for the power connections on most servo motors.

[mike_Kilroy]

they are the worst cable you can use on motion systems due to no shielding. Just about every system I have ever worked on with ribbon cables have had to have them replaced with shielded cables eventually to make the system stable.

[CalG]

my bad, but I thought the reference to DB style connectors was sufficient to exclude ribbon cables.

How is the shielding on fully wired DB-25? Is there a standard for the shielding? or is it the same as anything, in that you often get what you pay for?

Ideas to consider...

[mike_Kilroy]

oops. sorry. i figured you meant ribbon cables since I didn't see any reference to DB connector style in your post (still don't!). guess I am blind

[Al_The_Man]

Actually shielded ribbon cable exists, I have used it in some enclosure situations, but not out on a machine, it has a black PVC sleeve that has the shielding between sheath and ribbon.
Al.

[WoodSpinner]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Actually shielded ribbon cable exists, I have used it in some enclosure situations, but not out on a machine, it has a black PVC sleeve that has the shielding between sheath and ribbon. Al.

are any standard computer cables by default shielded, serial, parallel...

[Al_The_Man]

Most have a pin assigned for drain or ground wire, whether they have braid or foil shield will depend on the manufacturer usually.
Al.