Cat 5 snakes and couplers

Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

I would still like someone to suggest a solid core shielded cat5e. I know that the solid core is reliable for the longer runs. A shield is required for reliability with the X32s, but I've only seen stranded cables that use it. Stranded Proplex has proven to work for longer runs, but I don't know how reliable other stranded Cat5e cables are well beyond the 20 meter length specified for stranded type patch cable. The issue of vetting cables for long runs is complicated by some people being unsure of the type cable they are actually using.
 
Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

I'm using 250 ft. of TMB Proplex Cat 5e with my iLive. Great, rugged cable. I have it bundled on a Schill reel along with two 250 ft. XLR's (one for lights, one for Xilica RS-232 control). I recently had a gig at a place where I had to run the snake up to the ceiling, across and down, so I bought another 100 feet of Proplex and a Neutrik coupler. Worked great: not a single drop-out.

-Mark
 
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Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

Mike Pyle said:
I would still like someone to suggest a solid core shielded cat5e. I know that the solid core is reliable for the longer runs. A shield is required for reliability with the X32s, but I've only seen stranded cables that use it. Stranded Proplex has proven to work for longer runs, but I don't know how reliable other stranded Cat5e cables are well beyond the 20 meter length specified for stranded type patch cable. The issue of vetting cables for long runs is complicated by some people being unsure of the type cable they are actually using.
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Mike,
I use Belden 1533R which is a solid conductor/shielded cable. I built both a 100' and a 200' snake each with 3-Cat5e and 2-110ohm XLR runs. I use these snakes primarily with X32's but they also get used with Midas Pro Series and Yamaha CL/QL mixers. They have worked perfectly so far.

JP
 
Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

We have used the Rapco/Horizon DuraCat cable with our X32 to stage box for nearly a year without any issues. I believe the specs are CAT 6, SOLID and NOT shielded, which is the only option Rapco offered. It's 150' and so much easier than pulling out our old Whirlwind 56 channel Mass connector system.
 
Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

Sean Thomas said:
We have used the Rapco/Horizon DuraCat cable with our X32 to stage box for nearly a year without any issues. I believe the specs are CAT 6, SOLID and NOT shielded, which is the only option Rapco offered. It's 150' and so much easier than pulling out our old Whirlwind 56 channel Mass connector system.
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Rapco owns ProCo and when i ordered the ProCo STP with Ethercon the didn't know anything about it. They do now. ;)
 
Re: Cat 5 snakes and couplers

[COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961)]ESD is a pretty well documented phenomena for digital audio over ethernet at this point. It may not always or often rear its ugly head but why tempt fate? Shielded cat5 and shielded rj45's with Neutrik Ethercon connects is the only way to go..and if a coupler is needed the BEST by FAR is the Neutrik NE8FF...As for cable-one CLEAR winner (IMO) is Canare RJCSES-4P-BS. It has a TPE outer jacket, which is as flexible (and same size) as good quality mic cable, its round, it's extremely strong and has a woven shield that completely surrounds the twisted pairs, again like using good quality mic cable. Once you feel it and use it you will not try any other again...IMO. It's fairly expensive but not outrageously so, ($1.25 per foot) and worth every penny. If you don't need or want shielded, Gepco 504HD is a really good choice, it also has a TPE round, flexible jacket. Lake cable makes a very nice 4 carrier cable (AVB4TCAT5E) each cat5 section has a different colored TPE flexible jacket, surrounding those 4 cables is one larger flexible TPE jacket. Surprisingly flexible, strong and light in weight. Great if you need more than one ethernet connection from FOH to stage. It is about $3 per foot but remember there are 4 quality cat5e cables inside it. There are other good multi cable varieties out there, or so I have heard, but I'm not aware of who makes them. I'm pretty sure there will be other players soon enough with the popularity and increase of new products that require cat5/cat6 connections. My 2 cents!..[/COLOR]
 
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