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Network cables for wiring

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wcndave:

Not sure what gauge id required, however has anyone used network cables for wiring up buttons, as it could be neat, and also would make plug and play panels a doddle...

Slippyblade:

I've used Ethernet before, works like a charm and if you have the crimps and such to make jacks and cables, yeah - it'd make swappable panels a breeze.

PL1:

Doc's Modular MAME and Weisshaupt's "The Ghost in the Machine" both used network cables for wiring controls.

 

Scott

TopJimmyCooks:

So did paul olsen and myself.  I cut up old network patch cables- stranded wire and molded plugs for my modular panels.  working well so far. 


I used euro style terminals to switch to solid wire for the button terminals.

DeLuSioNal29:

I used them too:



Just make sure you have a ratchet crimper or they will constantly come out.  I learned the hard way after doing my whole control panel with a cheapo crimper.  :angry:  But once I redid them with the ratchet crimper they are all solid.

You can buy cat5e wires here for CHEAP (about $2.05 per wire)!  I ordered 7 feet of each color and I still have some left over after almost 3 years!  You simply cut the boot end off and voila, cheap cables.  Also, you can order multiple colors for easier tracing of wires if you have a problem in the future.

Last but not least, I ordered a few packs of crimp connectors and they fit great.  Ratchet crimper: RIC1 $24.95 (super cheap price for a ratchet crimper!)  Crimp connectors: FDV1-187 $3.50/100 (for Cherry switches), FDV1-110 $2.95/100 (for Sanwa), FDV1-250 $4.15/100 (for E-Switch). I would also grab these red butt connectors for quick splicing:   BV1-2 $3.50/100.  You can grab them all here.

Order 2 of each pack, so you can save on shipping on future orders (you don't want to run out and pay shipping again).

Hope this helped!

DeLuSioNaL29


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