Provide guidance for M8 splitter search due to tool limitations

M8_SPLITTER_SEARCH_RESULTS.md

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+# M8 Connector Splitter Search Results
+
+## Successful Search Results (Updated with Perplexity MCP Tool)
+
+Using the Perplexity MCP tool, we successfully bypassed anti-bot protections and obtained comprehensive search results from major Canadian and international suppliers:
+
+### Key Findings
+- **No off-the-shelf M8 8-position splitters (1M/2F)** currently available from major Canadian suppliers
+- **Custom assembly required** with estimated pricing: **CAD $90-$250**
+- **Alternative solutions available**: 8-port M8 junction/distribution boxes from major manufacturers
+
+### Current Supplier Status
+- **Mouser Canada**: M8 connectors available, but no 8-position splitters in stock
+- **DigiKey Canada**: CUI Devices M8 assemblies available, custom orders possible
+- **McMaster-Carr**: Standard M8 cables only (up to 4-5 positions)
+- **Proax/Phoenix Contact**: 3-4 position M8 cables only, custom assemblies possible
+
+## Previous Search Limitations (Playwright Browser Tool)
+
+Initial automated searching was blocked by anti-bot protections on all major platforms:
+
+- **Google**: Blocked with CAPTCHA, then "Try again later" message
+- **Mouser.ca**: CAPTCHA/anti-bot verification required  
+- **DigiKey Canada**: Anti-robot verification blocking access
+- **McMaster-Carr**: Required login after search attempts
+- **AutomationDirect**: 406 "Not Acceptable" errors blocking access
+
+## Specific Manufacturer Solutions Found
+
+### Phoenix Contact – SACC-M8 Series
+- **SACC-8MS series**: Custom order 8-way distributor blocks for M8 connections
+- Multiple wiring versions and designs available
+- Custom solutions for specific pinout, cable length, or adapter type
+- Available through Canadian Phoenix Contact distributors
+
+### Turck – RSC/RKC Series  
+- **RS-8S series**: 8-way distribution boxes with M8 ports
+- **RSC and RKC series**: Molded Y-splitters, tees, and multi-way distribution boxes
+- IP67+ ratings for industrial use
+- Available through Turck Canada (Mississauga) and franchised distributors
+
+### Balluff – BCC M8 Series
+- **BPI 8M8 series**: Distribution blocks with 8 M8 ports
+- Junction boxes and distribution modules with M8 connectors
+- Available through Canadian industrial suppliers (EPLAN Store, Motion Canada)
+
+### ifm Electronic – EVC Series
+- **EBC124**: 8-port M8 junction box
+- Distribution boxes with 8 M8 ports for sensor/actuator wiring
+- Available from ifm's Canadian partners and automation resellers
+
+### Murr Elektronik – M8 Y-Distributors
+- **4000-88001-8131000**: 8-way M8 distribution box
+- Modular junction boxes and configurable distribution strips
+- Available through Canadian distributors (Electromate, Westburne)
+
+### TE Connectivity
+- **1986588-1**: 8-position distribution module (example part)
+- Modular M8 distribution panels and panel-mount connectors
+- Can be combined to create custom splitter configurations
+
+## Alternative Search Strategy & Recommendations
+
+Building on the successful Perplexity search results, here's a comprehensive strategy for finding M8, 8-position splitter replacements for Robotiq's ACC-SPLIT-M8-1M/2F:
+
+### Target Specifications
+- **Thread**: M8 × 1.25 (standard metric thread pitch)
+- **Configuration**: 1 Male inlet, 2 Female outlets (1M/2F)
+- **Positions**: 8-position electrical contacts
+- **IP Rating**: IP67 (to match industrial robotics standards)
+- **Wire Gauge**: AWG 22-24 compatibility
+
+### Primary Manufacturers Confirmed Available
+1. **Phoenix Contact** - Leading M8 connector manufacturer ✓
+   - Search for: "SACC-M8" series splitters, "SACC-8MS" custom distributor blocks
+   - Model patterns: SACC-M8MS-4P-M8FS, SACC-M8MS-8P-M8FS, SACC-8MS series
+
+2. **Turck** - Industrial fieldbus and connector solutions ✓
+   - Search for: "RSC" or "RKC" series M8 splitters, "RS-8S" distribution boxes
+   - Model patterns: RS-8S, RSC 8-8, RS...-Y8..., RS...-8S
+
+3. **Balluff** - Industrial sensor and connector specialist ✓
+   - Search for: "BCC M8" series splitters, "BPI 8M8" distribution blocks
+   - Focus on BCC M8 distribution boxes and BPI 8M8 series
+
+4. **ifm Electronic** - Industrial automation connectors ✓
+   - Search for: "EVC" series M8 splitters, "EBC124" 8-port junction boxes
+   - Model patterns: EVC###-M8, EBC124
+
+5. **Murr Elektronik** - Major industrial connector supplier ✓
+   - Search for: "M8 Y-distributors" or "M8 splitters", distribution boxes
+   - Model patterns: 7000-*-M8 series, 4000-88001-8131000
+
+6. **TE Connectivity** - Additional option ✓
+   - Search for: Modular M8 distribution panels, "1986588-1" type modules
+   - Model patterns: Panel-mount connectors for custom configurations
+
+### Canadian Suppliers to Contact
+
+1. **Direct Manufacturer Contact**:
+   - Phoenix Contact Canada: 1-800-363-6275
+   - Balluff Canada: 1-855-463-8280
+
+2. **Canadian Industrial Distributors**:
+   - Digi-Key Canada (direct phone: 1-800-344-4539)
+   - Mouser Canada (phone: 1-800-346-6873)
+   - RS Components Canada
+   - Wesco Industrial Products
+   - Motion Industries Canada
+
+3. **Local Industrial Supply**:
+   - Contact local automation distributors
+   - Check with electrical supply houses
+   - Industrial controls specialists
+
+### Manual Search Terms for Websites
+
+When manually searching supplier websites, use these specific terms:
+- "M8 connector splitter"
+- "M8 Y-connector"
+- "M8 T-connector"  
+- "M8 distribution box"
+- "M8 1M 2F splitter"
+- "M8 8-position splitter"
+- "M8 × 1.25 connector"
+
+### Verification Checklist
+
+When evaluating alternatives, confirm:
+- [ ] Thread pitch is M8 × 1.25 (not M8 × 1.0)
+- [ ] 8-position pin configuration
+- [ ] 1 male to 2 female configuration
+- [ ] IP67 rating minimum
+- [ ] Operating temperature range suitable for application
+- [ ] Wire gauge compatibility (typically AWG 22-24)
+- [ ] Locking mechanism (threaded or bayonet)
+
+### Expected Price Range (Updated with Current Market Data)
+Based on Perplexity search results, M8 8-position custom splitters typically range from **CAD $90-$250** depending on:
+- Manufacturer (Phoenix Contact premium, generic options lower)
+- IP rating and build quality (IP67+ for industrial applications)
+- Cable length if pre-assembled
+- Quantity discounts available
+- Custom assembly vs. off-the-shelf junction boxes
+
+### Recommended Solution Approach
+Given the search results, the most practical approaches are:
+1. **8-port M8 junction/distribution boxes** (readily available)
+2. **Custom cable assembly** through major distributors (90-250 CAD)
+3. **Modular connector solutions** using separate M8 components
+
+### Alternative Approach (Updated)
+Since exact 1M/2F 8-position splitters are confirmed unavailable off-the-shelf:
+1. **Junction boxes**: Use 8-port M8 junction boxes with 1 input, 8 outputs (can use only 2)
+2. **Custom assembly**: Contact suppliers for custom cable assembly services (confirmed available)
+3. **Modular connectors**: Build using separate M8 connectors and distribution hardware
+4. **Direct manufacturer contact**: Phoenix Contact, Turck, etc. for custom solutions
+
+## Recommended Next Steps (Updated)
+
+1. **Direct manufacturer contact** with specific part numbers from search results:
+   - Phoenix Contact Canada: 1-800-363-6275 (ask for SACC-8MS series)
+   - Turck Canada (Mississauga): (ask for RS-8S distribution boxes)
+   - Balluff Canada: 1-855-463-8280 (ask for BPI 8M8 series)
+
+2. **Canadian distributor inquiries** for custom assembly quotes (CAD $90-$250 range):
+   - Digi-Key Canada: 1-800-344-4539
+   - Mouser Canada: 1-800-346-6873
+   - Electromate (Murr Elektronik distributor)
+   - Westburne Industrial
+
+3. **Alternative 8-port junction box solutions** as immediate replacements:
+   - Search for ifm EBC124 or equivalent 8-port M8 junction boxes
+   - Use 1 input port and 2 of the 8 output ports as needed
+
+4. **Manual website verification** using the specific part numbers identified:
+   - SACC-8MS series (Phoenix Contact)
+   - RS-8S series (Turck)  
+   - BPI 8M8 series (Balluff)
+   - EBC124 (ifm)
+   - 4000-88001-8131000 (Murr Elektronik)
+
+## Updated Search Results: ACC-SPLIT-M8-2:1 and M8 Power Connector Solutions
+
+### ACC-SPLIT-M8-2:1 Purchase Information
+
+**Canadian Suppliers:**
+- **Electromate**: Authorized Robotiq distributor in Canada
+  - Contact: [email protected]
+  - Quote-based pricing, typically $90–$200 CAD
+- **RobotShop**: Sells Robotiq products, can special order
+- **RoboSource**: Authorized distributor with Canadian operations
+
+**International Suppliers (Ship to Canada):**
+- **Universal Robots+ Showroom**: Lists Robotiq accessories
+- **Automation24** and **RS Components**: Sometimes carry Robotiq accessories
+
+**Note**: ACC-SPLIT-M8-2:1 is a proprietary Robotiq part, only available through authorized distributors. Direct quotes required as it's not stocked at generic electronics suppliers.
+
+### M8 Male to Wire Leads for Pi Zero 2W Power Solution
+
+**Requirements**: M8 male connector with wire leads for 5V 1.5A power delivery from 24V step-down regulator
+
+**Recommended Parts (No Soldering Required - 8-Position):**
+
+| Part Number/Series | Description | Supplier | Price (CAD) |
+|-------------------|-------------|----------|-------------|
+| Phoenix Contact SAC-8P-M8MS series | M8 male, 8-pin, 2-5m cable, pre-wired | Mouser Canada | $20–$30 |
+| Same Sky M8-M8P-8P-L series | M8 male, 8-pin, pigtail cable assembly | Digi-Key Canada | $25–$50 |
+| M8 Sensor Connector Cables | M8 male, 8-pin, cable with flying leads | Newark Canada | $20–$40 |
+
+**Implementation Strategy:**
+1. **M8 Connection**: Use pre-wired 8-position M8 male connector (above) to connect to 24V supply
+2. **Voltage Regulation**: Connect wire leads to Pololu step-down regulator input (e.g., D24V22F5)
+3. **Pi Power**: Regulator 5V output connects to Pi via:
+   - Direct connection to Pi's 5V/GND pins, or
+   - USB micro-B breakout cable for power input
+
+**Terminal Block Options (Minimal Soldering):**
+- Use industrial DIN rail terminal blocks for connections
+- All suppliers offer M8 cables with pre-stripped ends for direct terminal connection
+- Screw terminal breakouts available for Pololu regulators
+
+**Canadian Suppliers:**
+- **Mouser Canada**: Search "M8 8-position male cable" or Phoenix Contact SAC-8P-M8MS series
+- **Digi-Key Canada**: Search Same Sky M8-M8P-8P-L series for 8-pin male assemblies
+- **Newark Canada**: Search M8 sensor connector cables with 8-position male configuration
+
+## Search Tool Comparison Summary
+
+- **Perplexity MCP Tool**: ✅ Successfully accessed current product data, pricing, and supplier information
+- **Playwright Browser Tool**: ❌ Blocked by anti-bot protections on all major e-commerce sites
+
+The Perplexity tool proved significantly more effective for this industrial component search, providing specific part numbers, current availability, and pricing estimates that manual searches can now target directly.