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modular controls... sort of
NoOne=NBA=:
--- Quote from: AmericanDemon on October 30, 2004, 07:49:41 pm ---My only concern is for the lack of size in CAT5 wiring. Also you only have 8 wires. He would need two use at least two fittings for each side. However, you are correct in your thoughts on the difficulty of connecting molex at times.
--- End quote ---
I've been using 28 gauge wire for ALL my control panels for years now, and never had a problem with it.
8 wires works great for modules.
A top-fire joystick, with TWO thumb buttons + ground, uses exactly 8 wires, and a 7-button layout uses a maximum of 8 if you don't wire a common connection for the 7th button.
I used 9-pin connectors on my swappable panels at first, and found they were a huge pain, for the reasons described above.
When I decided to go modular, I also swapped out to the RF-45 jacks.
AmericanDemon:
Well guys, I know I didnt start this thread but you have made me want to try using Cat5 for my project. I already have all of the crimpers and such. Also colored rj45 jacks are available. Which would make things easy for the eye.
:: AmericanDemon looks over at the still closed Molex packages and wonders if he can still return them. ::
Crazy Cooter:
If it were me, I'd go with the ipac4, cat5 connections and a metal clip on the side of the cab. The panels would have a hook that would slide down into the clip.
Plug in (x2), drop in. Lift out, unplug (x2).
shadowdrak:
Thanks for the response people; This is exactly the reason I post here. The RJ45 is a good idea; hadn't thought of it. I am not quite certain how to secure it to the rest of the CP. Which type of clips are you suggesting exactly? Whatever mechanism, it would be nice for it to be flush. I remember seeing a piece of 2x4 cut at a bias one time to mount something maybe that would work. I guess I will figure something out :-\.
telengard:
--- Quote from: shadowdrak on October 31, 2004, 02:03:04 pm ---Thanks for the response people; This is exactly the reason I post here. The RJ45 is a good idea; hadn't thought of it. I am not quite certain how to secure it to the rest of the CP. Which type of clips are you suggesting exactly? Whatever mechanism, it would be nice for it to be flush. I remember seeing a piece of 2x4 cut at a bias one time to mount something maybe that would work. I guess I will figure something out :-\.
--- End quote ---
What I did was bought a punch panel and then bought what are called "keystone jacks". This sat inside the cabinet under the control panel. When I want to change a module I just unscrew it, unplug the RJ45 connector from the punch panel, and I'm done. I'll post some pics if that would help.
~telengard
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