(contents revised Feb 2020)
The Seletek controller uses DB9 (Sub-D9) connectors, not to be confused with the same type of connector used for serial (RS232) ports. The signals they carry are completely different.
These connectors are properly numbered (1 to 9), so the correct way to specify a connection is by that number (there are tiny digits moulded into any connector shell if you look closely).
The newer controllers (Armadillo 2, Tarsier) changed the pinout to make it easier to swap motors, and to allow the connection of any third-party motor (Robofocus, Lakeside, Moonlite, FeatherTouch…) at any port.
MAIN connector
| SubD-9 pin | Armadillo 2, Platypus 2, Limpet, Tarsier (female plug) | Seletek, Armadillo, Platypus (female plug) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phase A / Digital out | Phase A / Digital out |
| 2 | Phase B / Digital out | Phase B / Digital out |
| 3 | Phase A′ / Digital out | Phase A′ / Digital out |
| 4 | Phase B′ / Digital out | Phase B′ / Digital out |
| 5 | +12V D.C. | V+s (for the external temperature sensor—LM60/LM61) |
| 6 | Input (not used for the moment) | Ground |
| 7 | Input (not used for the moment) | Ground |
| 8 | V+s (for the external temperature sensor—LM60/LM61) | Ground |
| 9 | Vout from the LM60/LM61 | Vout from the LM60/LM61 |
| Shell | Ground | Ground |
When connecting motors, it is recommended to connect the centre tap to ground (use the shell ground, not pins 6–8) and to always use male connectors, so that any motor can be plugged into any Seletek connector—MAIN or AUX—just by using a female-to-female DB9 converter.
Careful: not the kind found in many stores labelled “gender changer”—you need one where pin 1 of one side goes to pin 5 of the other, 2 to 4, 4 to 2, and so on. Really easy to make at home with 2 DB9 female plugs.
The expansion connector (EXP), and THIRD (only on Platypus), are very similar, but include 4 multipurpose inputs.
| SubD-9 pin | Armadillo 2 / Platypus 2 (female plug) | Seletek, Armadillo / Platypus (male plug) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phase A / Digital out | +12V D.C. |
| 2 | Phase B / Digital out | Phase B′ / Digital out |
| 3 | Phase A′ / Digital out | Phase A′ / Digital out |
| 4 | Phase B′ / Digital out | Phase B / Digital out |
| 5 | +12V D.C. | Phase A / Digital out |
| 6 | Input | Input |
| 7 | Input | Input |
| 8 | Input | Input |
| 9 | Input | Input |
| Shell | Ground | Ground |
Please note: this is the correct wiring for both unipolar motors (usually 5 or more wires) and bipolar ones (usually 4 wires). This changed from older firmware versions, where bipolar motors used a different wiring—if you're affected by this and want a simple fix, just let us know when you upgrade.
Most common peripheral connections to the Main plug
Stepper motor P5-M48 from Mc Lennan (or Amidata), 3000 or 6000 steps/turn
| Pin 1 | Black |
| Pin 2 | Yellow |
| Pin 3 | Brown |
| Pin 4 | Orange |
| Chassis | Red and Green |
Stepper motor RB-37GM (3600 steps/turn)—currently supplied by default
| Pin 1 | Orange |
| Pin 2 | Purple |
| Pin 3 | Yellow |
| Pin 4 | Blue |
| Chassis | White |
To use a Robofocus™ motor with the Seletek controller
Section to be updated with a better, clearer explanation.
Note: starting with firmware 1.5, this adapter cable is no longer needed, as you can select the wiring mode from the program. However, if you plan to use your Seletek with the handpad and without a PC, it's best to still use this crossed cable—the wiring parameters are saved on the PC, not the controller, so they'll be forgotten if you boot the controller with no PC, using just the handpad.
You'll need two DB9 connectors: one female at the RF (Robofocus) side, one male at the Seletek side. The pin correspondence is as follows:
| RF | Seletek |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 1 |
| 5 | Shell |
Robofocus is the well-known focusing system by Technical Innovations.