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Category 5 Cabling
Page 48
Well, you've been in the audio business for a while now....you know all
about audio connections, balanced cables, multi-pairs, SJO, TRS this and
XLR that....you can dress off a wiring harness like nobody's business....then,
the industry throws "CAT 5" at you! So, what exactly is Category 5 cabling,
and how do you terminate it?
Category 5 cable, or "CAT 5" as it is commonly known, is a wiring standard
that became popular when computer networks moved from a "bus" topology
to a "star" topology. The wire itself is a UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
configuration and consists of eight conductors, identified into four pairs.
The cable is coupled to in-line, RJ-45 connectors, and special crimping tools
are required to make the termination. The tools, connector and wire are
available almost everywhere.
Although CAT 5 cabling is used primarily in computer networks, it is often
used in proprietary systems as well. Such is the case for the X-Frame 88. It
is very important to understand that this is a proprietary interface. Do not
attempt to connect the X-Frame 88 to computer equipment. Just because
there is an RJ-45 connector on a piece of equipment, doesn't mean it's com-
patible with what you are plugging into it!
Connecting the X-Frame 88 to equipment other than the MM DSP-RJ or
X-Frame
™
88 can seriously damage the X-Frame 88 and/or the other
equipment!!
We strongly recommend that you purchase pre-made CAT 5 cables for use
with the X-Frame 88. They are very inexpensive, and are available in many
lengths and colors. However, we realize that in order to properly dress off
your rack wiring, you may, at some point, be required to build your own
CAT 5 cables.
Just like most wire types, there are stranded and solid varieties of CAT 5
cable. This is important to know, because the RJ-45 connector is different
for each type of wire. The standard "bent tyne" style connector is intended
for use with solid core wire, and the "aligned tyne" connector is intended for
use with stranded wire. There can be errors when using incorrect cable/con-
nector combinations, so be careful. The "bent tyne" connector will generally
work on stranded wire by the way, but not the other way around. In general,
make sure your connector matches your cable type. If you aren't sure, use
the "bent tyne" variety.
When terminating CAT 5 cable, it is important that the natural twist of each
pair be carried through as close as possible to the point of termination at the
connector. The EIA standard requires no more than 1/2 inch be left untwist-
ed. More than 1/2 inch of untwisted cable will affect performance at high bit
rates. It is required that all pairs be terminated, and that the conductors be
twisted together in pairs.
The illustrations should give you the basics for getting your cables, and your
audio system up and running. Since this manual is printed in grayscale, you
will not be able to see the color code of the wire. We have labeled them for
your convenience, but you should get familiar with the color schemes so they
are second nature to you. An error in the cabling of your audio system is
often the primary cause of system errors, so take your time, learn it thor-
oughly, and DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
http://mediamatrix.peavey.com copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved
X-Frame
88 Designer's Manual
™
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