Wire connections
The first version of ZAF is 100% solderless. We used splice connectors, either T-type or I-type . These connectors are cheap, safe, and very easy to use! However, if you prefer, you can use soldering to connect all your wires and devices together. Importantly, you should aim for a clean setup with well-connected cables and no loose wires. To further secure the connections, you can use 'electrical insulating tape'.
Overall, when placing your robot in the fish facility, make sure to place the electronics -- and in particular the cables carrying 110 or 240V -- far from water and at a safe distance away from splashing. In practice we found that elevating ZAF to the height of the highest tanks is a good strategy both for the flow of water and to avoid the risk of ZAF electronics being flooded.
Here we show how to use the splice connectors:
