ETC RFU over Cat 5 cable

willbb123

Active Member
We have an Expression 3 and the RFU. I have moved the board from the booth, into the balcony, I had enough DMX cable to run to my new position. But I don't have a long enough 6 Pin cable. Would it be possible to just get two six pin connectors and solder them onto a cat 5 cable?
 
Thanks for the quick reply.

Do you know how the pins are connected? Does it matter which color goes to what pin (the twisted pairs probably make a difference)?
I don't. Will take a look this week.
 
Be aware there are two different XLR-6 pin configurations--one symmetrical and one offset.
from Neutrik - Frequently Asked Questions :
Why does my 6-pin XLR not fit into the Neutrik 6-pin XLR?
Currently there are two configurations of conventional 6 pin XLRs. The NEUTRIK 6 pin XLR meets the industry standard according IEC 61076-2-103. Nevertheless NEUTRIK offers both types of 6 pin configurations. The standard NEUTRIK 6 pin has black insert - the insert of the non-standard configuration is gray.
The difference in the part #s is the addition of an “S” – for example:
Standard 6 pin male XLR cable connector –nickel housing/silver contacts = NC6MX
Same part with non-standard pin configuration = NC6MXS
[Edit: The black insert is the non-symmetrical layout. According to below, you'd want the gray insert for the "5pin with an extra pin in the center." So, according to Neutrik at least, the symmetric is the non-standard.]

Here's the pinout:
RFU pinout
1 Data (+) (to RFU)
2 Data (–)
3 Data (+) (from RFU)
4 Data (–)
5 Common (AC ground)
6 +12 Vdc (fused, 2 amp)
 
Last edited:
It may work, but by no means is it standard, and if you have trouble, or blow it up, I don't think ETC will warranty it.
 
I'm in the middle of a show right now, I'll post a picture once they are done. It woulda been way too easy if there was only one style of connectors.
It looks like a 5 pin, with an extra pin in the middle. We have plates with RFU and DMX jacks right next to each other, and I've figured out that a 5 pin cable will fit into the RFU jack.

Things not exploding is always interfered. Can Cat 5 cable hold the 12v? Should I pair the send, receive, and power together?
 
We have an Expression 3 and the RFU. I have moved the board from the booth, into the balcony, I had enough DMX cable to run to my new position. But I don't have a long enough 6 Pin cable. Would it be possible to just get two six pin connectors and solder them onto a cat 5 cable?

The RFU gets it's power from the console and I would worry a bit about potential voltage drop with a long run of non=spec. cable. The RFU's are sensitive to power, FYI.

'Ya might want to run it past ETC tech support.

SB
 
Been awhile since this thread has been active, looking to do this in my place. ETC, any ideas? Possible double up the power pins?
 
I'm in the middle of a show right now, I'll post a picture once they are done. It woulda been way too easy if there was only one style of connectors.
It looks like a 5 pin, with an extra pin in the middle. We have plates with RFU and DMX jacks right next to each other, and I've figured out that a 5 pin cable will fit into the RFU jack.

Things not exploding is always interfered. Can Cat 5 cable hold the 12v? Should I pair the send, receive, and power together?

I can't really speak specifically to whether the RFU over Cat5 is a good or solid idea, but rated Cat5 cable will hold 12V with no issue. POE is 48V at up to 100m
 
I can't really speak specifically to whether the RFU over Cat5 is a good or solid idea, but rated Cat5 cable will hold 12V with no issue. POE is 48V at up to 100m

There should be no problem running the RFU data signal [two differential signals] on Category cable as it is a very low baud rate. I would suggest using a twisted pair for pin 1 and 2 and then a twisted pair for pins 3 and 4. Here is more information: RFU - Electronic Theatre Controls

The issue in using Category cable for the power pins is that there may not be enough conductor size to handle current requirements over distance. Since this is 12vdc power, voltage drop at some point will cause the RFU to not power up be or be unreliable in operation. We have always recommended a pair of #16s to handle the power. You may try doubling up conductors, but there are no guarantees. 48v at low current is way different than 12v at higher current.....

If it were me, and I was running Cat5 either free or in conduit [recommended], I would pull a 2 x #16 audio or fire alarm cable in a jacket to go with it. Then, if you happen to have a broken conductor in the Cat5 wire during pulling or in the future, you have two full spare pairs to use instead of having to repull. Just a thought.

David
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back