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    dvgmacdonald
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Termination kit for cat 5 to screw terminals

Hi, 

I've got a project with lots of Color Kinetics on it.  The controllers are Pharos LPC 1 & 2, sometimes going to Pathway eDIN opto splitters.  CK runs DMX over Cat 5 lines.  The problem is that this solid wire is quite fragile when landed on a screw terminal like those used in both the Pharos & the eDIN splitters.  It would be most handy if ETC would develop a termination kit that allowed one to either plug the male RJ-45 in or punch down the cat 5 wire & land on screw terminals on the other side.  This could be a DIN rail mounted device, since Pharos & eDIN are both DIN rail devices, or it could fit in a conduit knock-out if that was easier.

For now I've been told to just double the Cat 5 back on itself, and torque down the screw terminal gingerly to avoid breaking the wire.  This will probably work, but I wouldn't be surprised if I was called back on a service call within 12 months due to a wire breaking.

Thanks,


Doug

 

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  • in reply to dvgmacdonald

    You are correct in thinking that you shouldn't use screwdown terminals for solid-core Cat5/6

    As DMX over Cat5 is permitted by ESTA, ETC already do a Cat5 punchdown termination kit for DMX for use with all products that use an 8-pin Phoenix connector for DMX input or output.

    It's an 8-pin Phoenix connector with punchdown terminals instead of the normal screw terminals.
    Just ask for it when you make your order and we'll make sure you get them.

    I don't recall which connector is used for Pharos, but you could easily use a DMX plugin point to jumper between punchdown Cat5 and screwdown terminals for stranded cable.



    [edited by: Richard at 2:53 AM (GMT -6) on Wed, May 07 2008]
  • in reply to Richard

    ETC Part number 4100A1013 is a CAT5 Cable Preparation kit that includes an 8-pin IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector).

    Please note that this kit is used when connecting CAT5 cable to an ETC DMX-In or DMX-out connector plate.  

  • in reply to mmeskill

    Thanks Mike!

    Also, the IDC in 4100A1013 is a tool-free version - you don't need any special tools, just a pair of pliers, small screwdriver or rock & hard place to squash the cable clamps onto the wire.

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