External Terminal Connector Search

[mjgarrin]

Hello all,

I am a test engineer for my company, and use strain gauges and Bridge Completion Modules (BCMs) regularly. Our last project required strain gauging on a vehicle for field testing. We used zip lock bags to protect the BCMs from moisture and what-not, but I am looking for a more secure solution. My thoughts were using an external casing to house the BCMs, and having quick disconnects installed in the casing.

I have attached a rough sketch of what I am thinking about, but I am having a difficult time finding terminal connectors that can mount to a box like in my diagram. Although my image only shows 1 BCM, I would like to house multiple units.

Does anyone have any suggestions on terminal connectors or quick disconnects I can use for this application?

Thank you much,
Mike

 

[catserveng]

Deutsch connectors are a good solution, rugged, good range of sizes and options, used by a number of OEM's,

http://www.te.com/usa-en/products/c...utsch-dt-series-connectors.html?tab=pgp-story

MikeL.

 

[Comcokid]

There are a great many choices for connections of wires to a box. It's hard to know where to start. It's a matter of how environmentally rugged your application is, how temporary or permanent the installation is, how quick in terms of wire preparation/termination you expect. With strain gauges, your need is low voltage, with enough distance connection-to-connection you will not have resistance wire-to-wire issues if kept reasonably dry and clean (not muddy), and you need a good tight contact so you measure the resistance in the strain gauge and not the box termination.

From your diagram, you seem to show a box feed-through type of screw termination. There are a great number of kinds of terminal blocks. Your sketch is closest like a barrier terminal block. Example as follows:

http://www.mouser.com

Mouser p/n 538-38721-7304 made by Molex

http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/276/387216708_sd-591752.pdf

 

[Sparweb]

Are you interested in using the common, cheap, and simple D-Sub-9 connector?
I used one on a strain gauge load cell once and had no difficulty.
Not sealed, but certainly keeps out dust and the occasional splash of water when used indoors.
What I don't like them is cutting the tetrahedron-shaped hole in the box.

For cheap, weatherproof, easy installation and selection of exactly the configuration of pins you want, it's hard to beat the circular 5015's.

If you want to go beyond that:

http://www.peigenesis.com/

STF

 

[itsmoked]

These days you might find a robust water proof Ethernet connector.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[ScottyUK]

The bayonet style 5015C connectors are notably easier for anything requiring frequent disconnection / reconnection / compared to the threaded equivalent.

Fisher and Lemo both make excellent connectors for instrumentation. Not cheap but very good quality.

 

[GroovyGuy]

Turck likely has what you need, See;

http://pdb2.turck.de/repo/media/_us/Anlagen/B5111.pdf

It's good stuff (I have used it many times in a prior life).
GG

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931)