> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/building-3d-paws/getting-started/cables-and-connector-systems.md). # Cables and Connector Systems An introduction to the cables, connectors, and signal types used to connect 3D-PAWS sensors, data loggers, and power systems. ### Overview 3D-PAWS uses several cable and connector systems to provide flexible and reliable connections between sensors, data loggers, and other station components. The **Cables and Connectors instruction slides** below explain: * Grove and Qwiic connectors * Dupont wiring * I²C communication * digital pulse signals * analog voltage signals * male and female connectors * multi-port hubs * cable management and wiring best practices * common wiring issues {% hint style="info" %} The instruction slides explain how 3D-PAWS cables, connectors, and signal types work. For the wiring configuration of a specific data logger, use the wiring diagrams provided on that data logger's page in the **Setting Up the Data Logger** section. {% endhint %} *** #### Cables and Connectors Instruction Slides {% embed url="" %} Use these slides as the primary reference for understanding the cable, connector, and signal systems used by 3D-PAWS. *** #### Connector Systems Used by 3D-PAWS 3D-PAWS primarily uses: * **Grove** – the preferred modular connector system for many current 3D-PAWS connections * **Qwiic** – a modular connector system used in earlier 3D-PAWS configurations * **Dupont** – individual male and female connections used where direct or flexible wiring is required * **Multi-port hubs** – provide additional connection points where supported Although Grove and Qwiic connectors may look different and use different wire colors, both can carry the same types of electrical signals when wired appropriately. Always verify connector orientation and pin assignments rather than relying only on wire color. *** #### Connector Type vs. Signal Type The physical connector does not determine how a sensor communicates. A Grove-style or similar connector may carry different types of signals depending on the instrument and data logger configuration. 3D-PAWS commonly uses three signal types: * **I²C** – digital communication over shared SDA and SCL lines * **Digital pulse** – HIGH/LOW switching signals that are detected or counted by the data logger * **Analog voltage** – a changing voltage measured by the data logger's analog-to-digital converter {% hint style="info" %} A sensor connected to a pin labeled as an analog input is not necessarily an analog sensor. Many analog-capable data logger pins can also operate as digital GPIO inputs. {% endhint %} *** #### Examples | Signal Type | How It Works | 3D-PAWS Examples | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **I²C** | Devices communicate digitally over shared SDA and SCL lines using unique addresses | Wind vane; temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors; other I²C instruments | | **Digital Pulse** | The sensor switches between digital states and the data logger detects or counts each pulse | Rain gauge; anemometer | | **Analog Voltage** | Output voltage changes in proportion to the measured value and is read by an ADC | Ultrasonic distance sensor when using its analog-voltage output | *** #### Wiring Diagrams Detailed wiring diagrams and pin assignments are provided in the documentation for each data logger. Use the appropriate data logger page when assembling or troubleshooting station wiring: * [**Particle Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/particle-iot.md) * [**Raspberry Pi Data Logger**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/raspberry-pi.md) * [**Adafruit Feather**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/adafruit-feather-m0.md) * [**Arduino MKR**](/building-3d-paws/setting-up-the-data-logger/arduino-mkr.md) {% hint style="warning" %} Always verify the wiring diagram and sensor pinout for your specific data logger before applying power. Do not rely on wire color alone. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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