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Network cables for wiring
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