DMX CABLE

[kennethpaulsharp]

Hi Guys

could any of you give me a description of how to make my own DMX cable.

I have made XLR cable before but never DMX.

Also could you reccomend the best cable I should buy-I dont want to spend a fortune but I want the cables to last.

I need to make 5 pin DMX cables

Thanks in Advance :up:

[Yorkie]

If by XLR cable, you mean Mic Cables, it's a very similar process, except for + and - being on the opposite pins. See DMX on our wiki for information. I don't know enough to suggest what cable you might like to use, but I have a personal preference for Neutrik connectors.

[gareth]

When you say "I've made XLR cable", presumably you mean audio (3-pin) cable? The process for making 5-pin cable to carry DMX is exactly the same, apart from the fact that it needs to be 'pin 3 hot', rather than pin 2 as you would with a mic cable.

 

Regarding a cable recommendation - just phone your local/regular lighting supplier and ask them to sell you a drum of DMX cable - they'll know what to sell to you.

 

Oh, and by the way - there's no need to clarify the number of pins when you're talking about DMX cable - 5-pin is the *only* right one, according to the DMX standards. 3-pin, as used by some naughty manufacturers, is non-compliant.

[charl.ie]

CAT5 cable works for DMX, but is only really suitable to install, not for day to day or touring use.

[Paddywhack]

I would recommend Van Damme Cable (VDC). Their DMX cable is very long lasting but it can be a little bit pricey.

 

We got a batch of (presumably unbranded?) ready made cables from CPC recently and they are nicely made and work out pretty cheap. I can't vouch for their longevity however as we haven't had them that long!

 

Moderation: minor edit to clarify that we are talking about 2 different cables here!

 

CAT5 Cable does work reasonably well but it tends to get broken internally if you are moving it around.

 

Hope this helps,

 

N

[themadhippy]

Cheapskate method,buy networking patch leads (double check there the flexible cable,not solid install stuff ) cut off the rj45 connector and fit a suitable XLR.

[timmeh2]

CAT5 cable works for DMX, but is only really suitable to install, not for day to day or touring use.

 

Hi

 

Don't know about that, I've frequently used reels of STP patch as FOH multicore, running 4 universes.

 

All the best

Timmeh

[paulears]

I've always found it performs fine - but isn't good at abrasion - the outer being very fragile, and frequently splitting when given a tug around something like a seat leg iron, or a sharp ali extrusion. We have quite a few lines using cat 5 for DMX which electronically are fine, but mechanically prone to damage.

[niclights]

Tourflex Datasafe

[matt c]

Cable-wise, RS part number 382-7000 would do the job nicely.

 

Use the twisted pair for the data + / - and the drain wire for the common. Make sure you keep the twisted pair twisted as much as possible when making the connections.

 

Not sure how flexible it is though.

 

Matt