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How to measure wire lengths to a splice?

Bronson_WrightBronson_Wright Member Posts: 4
How do I measure the wire length between a connector and a splice point? The table only shows the overall length. In the first picture below, the wires in the two connectors need to be spliced together before going to a third connector (not pictured).

I tried defining a splice as a terminal (second picture) and updating the from-to list. When I do that I can't move the splices around in space without them being connected to another part. I also tried defining the splice as a connector (third picture), but both wires had to come in from the same direction, along with not being able to move the splice around like before. 

My recommendation is to have the table to automatically display the distance to the splice point, as well as the overall length. Alternatively, I'd recommend adding a way to define a splice, instead of a connector or a terminal. 

Maybe there is an easier way to go about all this? Any help is much appreciated!


Answers

  • NeilCookeNeilCooke Moderator, Onshape Employees Posts: 5,688
    Did you try the "bundle" option? See video 6 from 12:30 - https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/18756/custom-feature-cable-wire-routing/p1
    Senior Director, Technical Services, EMEAI
  • Bronson_WrightBronson_Wright Member Posts: 4
    Yes, those videos were most helpful in getting me to this point in the model.

    The two cables need to be electrically connected to each other where they join the bundle. For my company to have this harness manufactured elsewhere, we need to specify the length of each wire segment between splices and connectors. 
  • NeilCookeNeilCooke Moderator, Onshape Employees Posts: 5,688
    There is a limitation there, for sure. The only way to do it now is to manually measure the wire centerlines (turn on hidden edges makes this easier).
    Senior Director, Technical Services, EMEAI
  • eric_pestyeric_pesty Member Posts: 1,887 PRO
    @Bronson_Wright
    I don't think you can make the splice as "connector" with wires coming both ends, but I think if you define the ends of the splice as different refs in your from-to table, you should be able to create the wire refs "on the fly" coming out of both ends of the splice.
    The only downside is that I don't think you'll get the "overall" length in the table anymore as they will be two separate routes, but that might be more helpful?

    I also defined an in-line fuse holder as a wire clip to simplify the routing. Obviously doesn't produce any lengths in the table, but you can use the measure tool to figure out the length of the paths "manually", which was good enough in my case.
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