27 Feb
2002
27 Feb
'02
9:12 p.m.
On Thu, 28 Feb 2002, William S. wrote:
Are most of you handling the former by using patch
cords and then
attaching the appropriate modular adapter (rearranging the pinouts if
necessary)? Or using a crimper and building yourself?
What you should be concerned about is shielded vs unshielded cable.
Shielded round cable with D-Sub type connectors will be more immune to RF
noise, and less likely to generate the same. A twisted pair or flat silver
satin cable with RJ-45 (8 conductor) or RJ-14 (6 conductor) connectors
isn't shielded, and most RJ-45/RJ-14 to D-Sub adapters are also not
shielded. I've made up both types of cables, but I usually use shielded
cables for connections between equipment since my systems live in an
residential neighborhood.
Additionally, I will taking the RX50 out and replacing
it with a TK50.
I will buy ~64cm (length of BA23 enclosure) of 26 way flat ribbon
cable and 2 IDC connectors. As far as I know this is all I need. Any
additional advice for this procedure? I already have the M7546 (Tape
controller).
If you don't have an IDC press and this is the first ribbon cable you've
ever made, buy at least 2.5x the amount of cable you think you'll need,
and at least twice as many connectors. IDC connectors are somewhat fragile
when pressing onto ribbon cable, and without the proper press, you end up
damaging at least one before you get the technique down. Ribbon cable and
IDC connectors are both inexpensive, so it would be good idea to have some
extra. A vice and some small blocks of wood can press IDC connectors onto
ribbon cable in a pinch. Don't try to press the connector on by hand, it
won't work, and you'll break the connector. Also, don't use scissors to
cut ribbon cable. It frays the ends of the wire, and can short out the
conductors. If you don't have a flat cable cutter, (carefully) use a metal
straight-edge and an X-Acto knife to cut the cable.
-Toth