I work in the networking industry and it struck me that cat5 cable might make a pretty interesting option. It is really easy to come by as scrap and really easy to make/terminate with the right tools.
For those not totally familiar: This is the generic ethernet cable seen everywhere. The cable is 8 copper wires (stranded or solid) with 4 pairs that are twisted together, impedance is 50 ohm. Power over ethernet specs require max 57V or .6A on each wire.
My idea would be to put each stepper conductor wire on each pair (4 each). To do this I would make a small PCB with a screw terminal on one end (for stepper wires) and a cable jack on the other. For the electronics ends I would think to make a small board with a jack and 4 male headers to interface with the controller board. I gave a single strand 2.5A at work without any sign of heating up and only .4V. I think it could be really cool and clean and wanted to share the idea and see if anyone had done something similar.
My idea would be to put each stepper conductor wire on each pair (4 each). To do this I would make a small PCB with a screw terminal on one end (for stepper wires) and a cable jack on the other. For the electronics ends I would think to make a small board with a jack and 4 male headers to interface with the controller board. I gave a single strand 2.5A at work without any sign of heating up and only .4V. I think it could be really cool and clean and wanted to share the idea and see if anyone had done something similar.
Benefits: Easy to connect/disconnect
Single cable for each axis (organization)
Changing length is easy (with termination tools)
Cheap
I'll definitely keep you posted on the developments with this
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