Ashley R Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Hi all Yes another DMX cabling question.... Is there any way of ensuring that the cable that I receive is of the correct specification?\ As I am considering buying in a bulk lot of raw cable from China at an extremely low cost, and them making the cables up myself to ensure good connections, as I'm finding prices for what is sold as DMX Cable is $3-$4/m for a 5Pin, and I'm not prepared to pay that much when I know what the cable is worth in bulk from China. Also I know that CAT 5 cable I suitable for fixed installations, but what about flexible CAT 6 for temporary use? Can anyone see any issues with this? As you can probably figure out I'm after DMX Cable on the cheap, as I want to get rid of all of the Mic cable I'm using a replace it with up to spec stuff. Thanks Ashley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shez Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Also I know that CAT 5 cable I suitable for fixed installations, but what about flexible CAT 6 for temporary use? Can anyone see any issues with this? I would have thought flexible CAT5 would be easier / cheaper for temporary use. No point spending more on a higher spec cable than necessary. (I've not handled much in the way of non-install CAT6 but the installation stuff is much less flexible and has larger minimum bend radii than CAT5 so the flexible stuff might be less ideal) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley R Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Ive just had a slight mental blank as to why I decided to go after CAT 6 cable. But I wouldn't see any harm in using either? Obviously the Install stuff with a solid core is unsuitable, but were you saying that the flexible stuff is suitable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbotsmike Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 The only issue I can see with using cat6 is terminating it. The spec doesn't advise it being crushed, and I cant see the chuck type strain relief on XLR's holding it that well anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley R Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Does that also apply to CAT 5? where the cable is not meant to be crushed. I was either thinking Neutrik copies or Amphenol connectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shez Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I don't see any technical reason why flexible CAT6 wouldn't be suitable; my reasons were more economic. Bear in mind the don't-crush-it spec for CAT5 is aimed at it being used for ethernet type data at up to 100MBits. DMX is much slower and more forgiving. I still wouldn't want to mangle the cable too much though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbotsmike Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 From a data perspective it could well be fine, I was coming at it from a networking perspective where cat5 can be used for 1gbps data. I was also thinking physically, as it doesn't have much structure for the connectors to 'grip' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley R Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 From a data perspective it could well be fine, I was coming at it from a networking perspective where cat5 can be used for 1gbps data. I was also thinking physically, as it doesn't have much structure for the connectors to 'grip' I will have to investigate if I can get CAT 5 cable, but with a tougher and thicker sheath. Or the alternative is to go with the Chinese Imported cable, which the only thing I'm worried about is that it wont be up to spec. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameroncoats Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Canford make a 'deployable' Cat5 cable, but seeing as you are wanting this cheap I don't know if it's appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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