Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

I was at work today thinking about tommrows task of wiring up the camera to the top of our shooter. I came up with the briliant idea of using 2 Cat5 twisted pair cables to extend the pwm runs. I want to use to to make sure i have no crosstalk, granted im pretty sure i could do all of the camera on one cat5. So what do you guys think, has anyone tried this before? theres no reason it wouldnet be illegal right?

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

There are two electrical rules which apply. You're supposed to observe the right color code for ground and power, and you're supposed to use at least 24 gauge wire for sensors and the like.

I've made a cable using AWG 24 ribbon cable for camera power and communication (and pwm signals to the servos).

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

I go along with Alan but want to add that solid wire should not be used on an object that takes as much physical poounding as a robot. It will crack and fail when you need it the most.

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

Well they do make stranded cat5 cables (they're the expensive kind), but the color thing might be a problem. cat5 cables normally have blue, green, orange, and brown, as well as their striped alternatives.

EDIT; Here is the rule from the manual:
<R81> All wires distributing power with a constant polarity (i.e., except for Relay Module, Speed Controller, or
sensor outputs) must be color-coded as follows:
• Use Red, White, or Brown wire for +12 Vdc and +5 Vdc connections.
• Use Black or Blue wire for Common (-) connections.

You can use the brown wire for positive, and the blue wire for ground, and you're good to go. It doesn't say anything about not having an extra layer of insulation over all the wires.

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

Im probably just going to run custom wire runs for the pwms and serial/power, we have some clear heatshrink and ill just shrink it all together. I like my runs nice and neat, and i would want to use heatshrink over the outer insulation, so there would be no way to determen the color code of the cat 5 and if the robot was following the rules.

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

Well if the inspectors decided to be really thorough that probably wouldn't fly. They like to see where everything goes.

Re: Cat5 for Camera PWM Runs?
 

you talking about clear heatshrink not flying or how i would have liked to run the CAT5 runs?

Actually, i was thinking about being even neater and using keystone jacks and making some custom straight though cables, would look even neater and easy to remove if nessicary :D