Jump to content

Composite Video Over CAT5 Balun


bigbert

Recommended Posts

Hello

 

I've come across this balun on CPC> linky

Does anyone own a pair? I am curious as to what is inside them. I'm presuming they must have some electronics rather than the signal going straight down the Cat5!?

If it is as simple as that I'd make some sets up but if not I think I'll be buying.

 

Thanks

Bert

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've got a similar CV / audio balun from CPC. All that's inside it is a small transformer for each signal. At the end of the day, all it does is convert from 75 ohm impedance to 110 ohm and back again.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

They are not simply changing the impedance - the transformer converts the unbalanced signal to a balanced one and back again. This is a three wire system, and means the signal cables carry identical signals relative to earth; in effect, any interference induced in the cables is picked up equally by both conductors so it cancels itself out. It works in exactly the same way as a balanced audio connection (eg XLR) in comparison to an unbalanced two wire system (eg jack plug). The active units are also amplified to overcome transformer losses, so tend to have a better range than passive units.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

the transformer converts the unbalanced signal to a balanced one and back again.

Alright, you got me, I forgot that bit.

 

But if we're being pedantic...

 

This is a three wire system, and means the signal cables carry identical signals relative to earth

... A balanced system doesn't need an earth reference as each leg is referenced to the other. In the case of the box I've got, it squeezes two CV and two audio lines down one CAT5 cable - that's four signals down four twisted pairs, no earth required. You could shoe-horn a couple of phantom circuits down there too but then it just starts getting silly ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Bert

 

We use these LINK over a 30m CAT5 run and they work perfectly well :)

 

Cheers

Anton

 

Oh! What happened to the link? Help please Admin. It shows up in the editor, so what am I doing wrong?

Cheers

Anton

Moderation: Just a minor syntax issue Anton, you had http: twice at the start, so I've fixed it for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.