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Cat 5 for IR extension questions...

846 Views 16 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  GPowers
I need to run an extension for my IR repeater from the equipment rack to the projector. Ive been told that Cat5 is the stuff to use. My questions are these:


1) Does it matter what type of Cat5 (Mhz wise)?

2) Which wires from the bundle do you use to make the splice?

3) How exactly am I gonna make the splice? Is there a better method than another to join the wires together since they are so small in diameter.


I have a Universal MX3000 with a MRF-250 repeater if that helps you gentlemen.


I need help since this is the last step before drywall can go up on the ceiling...


Kevin -
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I would terminate the extension on both side on a cat5 RJ45 jack. The modify the existing IR wire with RJ45 plugs.


This will make the installation simpler and future proof.
Is running Cat 5 the preferred way over RF?
looney, that a really confused question. You can't use RF on equipment that can't receive RF, and you can't use IR (forwarded via the cable) on equipment that doesn't understand IR. No equipment that I know about does both, so what could you possibly mean?
Greg,


Maybe you could elaborate a little more about how to do that. Are you saying I should somehow wire the existing leads into a rj45 plug? If so, which leads do you connect it to?


Kevin -
Quote:
Originally Posted by documentarymaker
Greg,


Maybe you could elaborate a little more about how to do that. Are you saying I should somehow wire the existing leads into a rj45 plug? If so, which leads do you connect it to?


Kevin -


Doesn't matter which wires you use as long as you know. If you need something to follow, you can use the 568-A or B network standard as shown here:

http://www.lanshack.com/make-cat5E.aspx


But again, it's not really necessary since a CAT5 rating isn't required for IR use.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by looney01
Is running Cat 5 the preferred way over RF?
Hardwired is always preferred over wireless because of the reliability.
Eskay -


Short of me going out and buying a special crimper and tools to do what you refer to above, is there a way to splice the cable together otherwise?


It seems youre saying it doesnt matter which wires I splice as long as its the same on each end, right?


Kevin -
Quote:
Originally Posted by documentarymaker
Eskay -


Short of me going out and buying a special crimper and tools to do what you refer to above, is there a way to splice the cable together otherwise?


It seems youre saying it doesnt matter which wires I splice as long as its the same on each end, right?


Kevin -
I dunno. I've never attached modular plugs to a cable. I've used Leviton Quickport connectors, but they aren't made to be loose; not sure if they would hold up. Search around; I have seen modular connectors where you insert the wires and squeeze it without ordinary hand tools.


Also, I just ran across this link. See the two items on the bottom. Not as elegant as the modular plugs, but maybe it's all you need.

http://www.hometech.com/techwire/tpconn.html#EC-702018



Yes, pick the colors you like and keep it consistant.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by documentarymaker
Greg,


Maybe you could elaborate a little more about how to do that. Are you saying I should somehow wire the existing leads into a rj45 plug? If so, which leads do you connect it to?


Kevin -
When terminating the jack i would use the 568b standard. When installing the plugs on to the existing IR wire you need to be constant on both sides. There is no standard.
Eskay -


Those "superbee crimp connectors" you linked too may just do the trick. I'll have to leave the connection exposed by the rack so that if it doesnt work I can try something different...


Now...Does anyone have a source for cut-to-length Cat5 cable? I dont need a 500ft roll. I only need 75-100ft and everyone wants to sell it by the big spool.


You Gents rule! thanks for all the help so far...


Kevin -
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check your local Lowes or Home Depot for per foot cat 5 pricing.
CT10 - I'll be at the big orange box today - I'll make sure to check it out...


Kevin -
Quote:
Originally Posted by documentarymaker
Eskay -



Now...Does anyone have a source for cut-to-length Cat5 cable? I dont need a 500ft roll. I only need 75-100ft and everyone wants to sell it by the big spool.



Kevin -
Kevin just buy the whole box of 500 feet, you will always find a use for Cat5 wire.
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Greg,


I got 100ft at the big orange box (@.18 a ft. yikes!) and some "telco splicers" that were referenced in Eskays post a few posts up...


I'll try to run it tommorow and see what happens...


Thanks All!!!


Kevin -
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I just went through this delimma. I wired 6 RG-6 coax cables and a cat-5e to the projector. For your IR emitter, it will plug into this thing:

Parts Express


This makes the install clean. Then you plug your IR emitter into this thing and use a keystone wallplate to mount this to. On the other end where you plug it into your emitter, solder one of these on the end of your cat-5:

Mono Plug


Two solder connections and you're home free. That's the way I'm doing my project.


Good luck!!


Oldschool
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oldschl , great find! these parts make the IR emitter extention process even easer.
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