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Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:25 am
by Gary Campbell
I'm in the middle of acquiring parts for the 1st Acorn build, conversion to CNC of a G0752 lathe. On this build in particular and possibly in the future the net cable connecting the PC to the control box (at 15') is going to be much longer than desirable. I would like to source shorter cables, but before I do I have a few questions. Of course online suppliers confuse the issue with differing terminology.

Cable spec: Cat 5, Cat 5e Cat 6, Cat 6, Cat 7. OEM provided cable is Cat 5e. What is required or recommended? Are there any maximum or minimum requirements?

Not for this build, but the future: I would like to use an RJ45 bulkhead connector, which I assume will require passthru of the shield. Any sources? How about perceived issues with the connector and short patch cable inside the control box?

Last, but unrelated item: My Boxford lathe, along with a number of others I see being converted have a ball/lead screw protector that is a coil of spring steel that compresses within itself as the carriage moves. Anyone have a tradename or US source for these? See center of pic below.

Thanks in advance, GC
lathe.jpg

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 11:21 am
by cnckeith
Gary Campbell wrote: Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:25 am I'm in the middle of acquiring parts for the 1st Acorn build, conversion to CNC of a G0752 lathe. On this build in particular and possibly in the future the net cable connecting the PC to the control box (at 15') is going to be much longer than desirable. I would like to source shorter cables, but before I do I have a few questions. Of course online suppliers confuse the issue with differing terminology.

Cable spec: Cat 5, Cat 5e Cat 6, Cat 6, Cat 7. OEM provided cable is Cat 5e. What is required or recommended? Are there any maximum or minimum requirements? << shielded Ethernet cable Cat5e or better, up to 100 feet long, you can tell the shielded ones since they have a metal jacket around the connector. >>>

Not for this build, but the future: I would like to use an RJ45 bulkhead connector, which I assume will require passthru of the shield. Any sources? How about perceived issues with the connector and short patch cable inside the control box? << if you go this route it has to be a shielded bulk head connector so shield is not broken, i would connect straight to the Acorn board and avoid such in between connectors which are just begging for problems, see images attached for nice way to bring cables into an electrical cabinet. the two metal clamps with rubber seal are a centroid part, they are for sale.. all you do is cut a rectangular hole in the box and use this clamp system to strain relieve and seal around the incoming wires. the photos are from mectechmike's Acorn installation.>>>
strain relief 2.jpg
strain relief 1.jpg
strain relief 3.jpg
ethernet cable.JPG

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:05 pm
by Fastest1
Startech.com has them in all lengths

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:30 pm
by Gary Campbell
Thanks for the clarification guys

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:44 pm
by lilb93

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:11 pm
by martyscncgarage
Gary Campbell wrote: Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:25 am I'm in the middle of acquiring parts for the 1st Acorn build, conversion to CNC of a G0752 lathe. On this build in particular and possibly in the future the net cable connecting the PC to the control box (at 15') is going to be much longer than desirable. I would like to source shorter cables, but before I do I have a few questions. Of course online suppliers confuse the issue with differing terminology.

Cable spec: Cat 5, Cat 5e Cat 6, Cat 6, Cat 7. OEM provided cable is Cat 5e. What is required or recommended? Are there any maximum or minimum requirements?

Not for this build, but the future: I would like to use an RJ45 bulkhead connector, which I assume will require passthru of the shield. Any sources? How about perceived issues with the connector and short patch cable inside the control box?

Last, but unrelated item: My Boxford lathe, along with a number of others I see being converted have a ball/lead screw protector that is a coil of spring steel that compresses within itself as the carriage moves. Anyone have a tradename or US source for these? See center of pic below.

Thanks in advance, GC

lathe.jpg
Just go to Amazon and search Cat6A Shielded cable. You'll turn up all sorts of lengths. Just make sure it has the tell tale metal shield around the RJ45 connector.

Then when you are done with that, search Amazon for Cat6a jacks....

Marty

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:47 pm
by ScotY
I used this panel mount to pass the ethernet cable into my enclosure. As mentioned before, I have little free time and am as lazy as can be :lol: , so this one is really nice as it's shielded and you just need to drill a round hole and a couple of screw holes. This place was cheaper than every other place I found them, even ebay. I dunno, but I think Switchcraft makes nice products.
http://www.winford.com/products/mjjsgf.php

Those rubber slotted "seals" Keith mentioned do look nice though...way easier to get all your wiring through.

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 11:31 am
by tblough
As network speeds keep increasing, network cables have to improve to reduce EMI and crosstalk at the higher data speeds. Ethernet cable categories refer to the maximum bandwidth they can carry - from 10Mbps for CAT3 up to the latest CAT6a at 10Gbps. Cables are downward compatible so, as long as you get one that is CAT5 or greater and is SHIELDED, you should be good to go.

The same criteria applies to couplers and feedthroughs. As long as they are rated at least CAT5 and shielded they should work as well.

Cheers,

Tom

Re: Limitations on Network Cable?

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 4:27 am
by ScotY
Do you know if these guys sell directly or do you have to go through a dealer? Curious to know a rough idea what they cost.