Provide comprehensive M8 splitter search guidance despite automated search limitations

Co-authored-by: sgbaird <45469701+sgbaird@users.noreply.github.com>

Author: Copilot

M8_SPLITTER_SEARCH_RESULTS.md

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+# M8 Connector Splitter Search Results
+
+## Search Limitations Encountered
+
+Despite multiple attempts using various approaches, 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
+
+## Alternative Search Strategy & Recommendations
+
+Since direct automated searching isn't possible, here's a comprehensive manual search 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 to Search
+1. **Phoenix Contact** - Leading M8 connector manufacturer
+   - Search for: "SACC-M8" series splitters
+   - Model patterns: SACC-M8MS-4P-M8FS, SACC-M8MS-8P-M8FS
+
+2. **Murr Elektronik** - Major industrial connector supplier
+   - Search for: "M8 Y-distributors" or "M8 splitters"
+   - Model patterns: 7000-*-M8 series
+
+3. **Balluff** - Industrial sensor and connector specialist
+   - Search for: "BCC M8" series splitters
+   - Focus on BCC M8 distribution boxes
+
+4. **ifm Electronic** - Industrial automation connectors
+   - Search for: "EVC" series M8 splitters
+   - Model patterns: EVC###-M8
+
+5. **Turck** - Industrial fieldbus and connector solutions
+   - Search for: "RSC" or "RKC" series M8 splitters
+
+### 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
+Industrial M8 splitters typically range from $25-75 CAD depending on:
+- Manufacturer (Phoenix Contact premium, generic options lower)
+- IP rating and build quality
+- Cable length if pre-assembled
+- Quantity discounts available
+
+### Alternative Approach
+If exact 1M/2F splitters are unavailable:
+1. **Junction boxes**: Look for M8 junction boxes with 1 input, 2 outputs
+2. **Custom assembly**: Some suppliers offer custom cable assembly services
+3. **Modular connectors**: Build using separate M8 connectors and junction hardware
+
+## Recommended Next Steps
+
+1. **Manual website searches** using the terms and suppliers listed above
+2. **Direct phone contact** with Canadian distributors for personalized search assistance  
+3. **Email inquiries** to manufacturer technical support with Robotiq part number for cross-reference
+4. **Local industrial supply** visits for hands-on product evaluation
+
+This systematic approach should successfully locate suitable M8 splitter alternatives despite the limitations of automated searching.