Connectors

Connectors

In the AIRLab we use several connectors to power our robots and interconnect the various components. New projects should follow the standard we defined to avoid connection mistakes and faults. If you have doubts about which connector is referred as "male" and which as "female", please read this. The short answer: look at the contact, not at the shrouding.

Battery connectors

Two battery connectors are used, depending on the type of battery. In this way, wrong battery - charger pairing are prevented.

Lead-acid battery connector

To connect lead-acid batteries, we use traxxas-style connectors.

The female, fully shrouded connector (the one on the left on the previous figure) is used on the battery side.

The male, partially shrouded connector (the one on the right on the previous figure) is used on the robot/charger side. This side should never be unconnected AND powered, but pay attention if the male connector is floating and the robot is powered by other means (e.g., by an external power supply).

Lithium-polimer battery connector

To connect Lithium-polimer (LiPo) batteries, we use EC3 connectors.

The female, fully shrouded connector (the one on the left on the previous figure) is used on the battery side.

The male, fully shrouded connector (the one on the right on the previous figure) is used on the robot/charger side.

System connectors

Different connectors are used to power devices (e.g., motor controllers) and actuators (e.g., motors).

Device connector

All devices needing direct connection to the main supply (i.e., the batteries) use EC3 connectors, the same we use for LiPo batteries.

The male connector is used on device side (i.e., this is the side needing power), while the female connector is used on the supply side.

Motor connector

To connect motors to control electronics (e.g., a motor driver) we use shrouded, single, 3.5mm bullet connectors. These connectors are not polarized, so motor connections can be easily swapped if needed.

The female connector (the shrouding on the right, which is equipped with the top contact) is used on the powering side (e.g., the motor driver).

The male connector (the shrouding on the left, which is equipped with the bottom contact) is used on the motor side.