CONNECTORS

Underwater connectors

3-pin connector

DOWNLOAD BLENDER FILE

Do not use Blender files for 3D printing. Use the STL downloads below instead.

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

STL files

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer 3pin_penetrator PETG 1 This part differs from the 4-pin penetrator. Use it only for making a 3-pin connector
explorer 3pin_penet_inner PETG 1 This part differs from the 4-pin penetrator. Use it only for making a 3-pin connector
explorer Penet_nut PETG 1 Same as 4-pin version
explorer Penet_tip PETG 1 Same as 4-pin version
explorer Plug_grip PETG 1 Same as 4-pin version
explorer 3pin_plug_inner PETG 1 This part differs from the 4-pin plug. Use it only for making a 3-pin connector
explorer Plug_tip PETG 1 Same as 4-pin version
explorer Plug_cap PETG 1 Same as 4-pin version
STL FILES DOWNLOAD

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

3-pin connector terminals

There are a bunch of similar terminals with different sizes out there. For the best fit with the printed parts, we need those with dimensions as close as possible to those pictured below.

Exact model: Female Pins and Male Pins (Housing is not needed)

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Computer ATX IDE Power Connector Male Female Terminal

4-pin connector

DOWNLOAD BLENDER FILE

Do not use Blender files for 3D printing. Use the STL downloads below instead.

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

STL files

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer 4pin_penetrator PETG 1 This part differs from the 3-pin penetrator. Use it only for making a 4-pin connector
explorer 4pin_penet_inner PETG 1 This part differs from the 3-pin version. Use it only for making a 4-pin connector
explorer Penet_nut PETG 1 Same as 3-pin version
explorer Penet_tip PETG 1 Same as 3-pin version
explorer Plug_grip PETG 1 Same as 3-pin version
explorer Plug_tip PETG 1 Same as 3-pin version
explorer Plug_cap PETG 1 Same as 3-pin version
explorer 4pin_plug_inner PETG 1 This part differs from the 3-pin version. Use it only for making a 4-pin connector
STL FILES DOWNLOAD

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

4-pin connector terminals

Exact model: male and female

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Electric Plug Crimp Terminal DTM Pins. Tracked, affiliate link.

Penetrator blinders

STL files

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer Penet_blinder PETG 1

Plug blinders

Plug blinders are used when some connectors are not connected. They are as watertight as the connectors. They can also be used to protect penetrators from dust when not in use.

STL files

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer Plug_tip_blind PETG 1 Same for 3- or 4-pin plug blinder
explorer 4pin_plug_inner_blind PETG 1
explorer Plug_grip PETG 1 Same for 3- or 4-pin version

Plug connector guard

Prevents the plug from getting wet or dusty (when disconnected from the craft).

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer Plug_guard PETG 1 Same for 3- or 4-pin plug
STL FILES DOWNLOAD

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

Build help 3D files

These files are helpful for consistently producing connectors.

Pict Part name Best mat Qty Notes
explorer 3pin_fixture PETG 1
explorer 4pin_fixture PETG 1
STL FILES DOWNLOAD

To download this file you need a Builder's Membership.

O-ring for penetrator (female) connector

Exact model: OD16mm CS2mm or OD18mm CS3mm (inner diameter is always 12mm), 60-70 ShA (ShA no less, no more)

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Sealing Rubber Ring Fluororubber Rubber Sealing Gasket. Tracked, affiliate link.

O-ring for male plug connector

Exact model: OD11mm CS2mm or OD13mm CS3mm (inner diameter is always 7mm) 60-70 ShA (ShA no less, no more)

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Sealing Rubber Ring Fluororubber Rubber Sealing Gasket. Tracked, affiliate link.

Spade connector terminals

Exact model: 2.8mm male, 2.8mm female, isolator

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

2.8mm Cold Crimp Female Male Spade Connector. Tracked, affiliate link.

JST connectors with wire

Exact model:

  • 2 PIN, XH 2.54 mm, 20-30cm, at least 10 sets; more is better
  • 3 PIN, XH 2.54 mm, 20-30cm, at least 10 sets; more is better
  • 4 PIN, XH 2.54 mm, 20-30cm, at least 10 sets; more is better
BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

XH2.54 Wire Cable Terminal Wire JST Male Female Plug Socket. Tracked, affiliate link.

JST connector set

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

230pcs XH2.54 PH2.0 2p 3p 4p 5 pin 2.54mm 2.0mm Pitch Terminal Kit Housing Pin Header JST Connector Wire Connectors Adaptor. Tracked, affiliate link.

JST, connector terminal, spade crimping pliers

Exact model: SN-68B

Your life will be dramatically easier with these pliers. A must-have for every toolbox!

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Crimps 2.8, 4.8, 6.3,Plug JST ,TE,XH,SM Molex Terminals Ratchet Crimper Pliers For 0.08-1.5mm²(28-16 AWG) Wires SN-68B Tool. Tracked, affiliate link.

Wires

For motors, use high-amperage wires. Avoid wires with silicone insulation (typical drone motor wires), as silicone cannot be bonded with epoxy — this usually results in connector leakage.