Ethernet connectors

Posted elsewhere, but equally valid here…

Nothing brings on a big tidy-up like a house move, and as everything  electronic seems to come with an ethernet cable, from PCs to routers, I  had at the last count four of these things, only ever used [TMK] when  setting up new kit, and totally universal. Just as I was about to  consign the three shortest to the bin I thought I'd look at the  cable…result?

Four pairs of very fine flexible cable that looks  just the job for low-current applications like wiring LEDs as  unobtrusively as possible, etc.

So, some SLW tokens saved for the next illuminated model, when ever that will appear!

Doug

Quite agree Doug.  I bought a cheap surplus computer cable many years ago and have been using the fine stranded wire therein ever since.

John

I'm using ethernet cables for SEEP point operations Doug, so it doesn't have to be only low power stuff.
(cheap, too! we like cheap…)

I'm using it for LED lighting, the twisted multicoloured pairs make it easier to circuit trace too. All of mine is repurposed off  cuts from working in IT 20 years ago.
Cheers

Marty

Ethernet cable can often be picked up quite cheaply. A while back Poundland had some 10m and 15m lengths, for £1!  Bought a couple, there weren't many and none there next time I looked. Obviously not the only modeller around.

This week went into , i think Poundworld, definitely not Poundland and found a 5m length on sale. Bought it too.

Telephone wires are a good source too.

David

Glad to see I'm not the only cheapskate here!

On the subject of S.L.W., I have long disliked pouring whisky for SWMBO only for her to add lemonade etc, so usually have a bottle of 'Own Brand' stuff on one side for the purpose. They have mostly [to date] proved pretty horrid when taken with a tint of water, but last week I bought 'The Glen Stag' in Morrison's, to be very pleasantly surprised at it's smoothness for a cheaper blend.

I recommend it to the house!

Doug

I think rather a lot of us here (myself included) are cheapskates. Case in point, I've been making a fish van primarily out of cardboard, cardstock, and scrap styrene and have it set up to run on HO 33" wheels because those are what I had.

Have people found that cat5e cable is able to cope with the currents from a CDU to run seep point motors and Hornby x404 motors for signals?

[user=2050]Jon Miles[/user] wrote:

Have people found that cat5e cable is able to cope with the currents from a CDU to run seep point motors and Hornby x404 motors for signals?

if that was the only cable you had, I would use at least three cat wires to make one actual wire if the length is over 12 inches/ 30cm due to voltage drop caused by high current  - solenoid motors take approx 3 Amps

That's what I thought, but other had said they had it working.

Also be aware of CAT cable marked CCA - copper coated aluminium - you think you have made nice soldered joints, only for them to break apart after a couple of weeks...

From what I remember each strand is a solid copper wire and as such tends to weaken and break if used somewhere that is regularly moved. Something like a wiring harness for a walk in swing bridge for example.
cheers

Marty

[user=567]gastwo[/user] wrote:

I'm using ethernet cables for SEEP point operations Doug, so it doesn't have to be only low power stuff.
(cheap, too! we like cheap…)

Not recommended for a ton of reasons unless you use all of them. Better off using one wire with enough diameter to handle amps, not milliamps. In another (electronic) forum the interesting question came up of whether you would be covered insurance-wise if there was a fire. Consensus - probably not.

Nigel

Hi Doug.    I am the No 1 cheapskate! Sorry for my late entry, but the cable in question, is that the cable that connects the “ Set top Box “ to the TV?  When I was low on “ layout wire, as sold by “Squires”. and countless other outlets”. for Model Railway Track and points, I grabbed a length of wire, stripped from such a cable, but, it was of a Lower Gauge than I was expecting . Will this wire work for” Droppers “ as weir as LED’s?  Best wishes.  Kevin

Kevin, I'm talking milliamps, for LEDs, and for very fine wires in tight situations e.g. inside the bodywork of a OO9 diesel locomotive to connect LED headlights to the supply.

Doug

Hi Doug. Thank you. So that means I will have to spend some money, and await delivery?  Best wishes. Kevin

If it's an emergency Kevin, have a root around for an old table lamp - strip the cable from that and you will have two lengths of useful brown and blue 5 amp wire - more than adequate for droppers.

Regards, Shaun.

Hi Shaun.   Thank you.  As a matter of fact, that is what I did in the first instance . I was trying to tidy up the wiring, but it seems to have back fired on,me . All that 5 amp Wire seemed OTT.      Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Doug.    Second reply? I have just received ,from “Hattons “ my multi strand layout wire. But, the wire strippers that I usually have no trouble with , seem to be tearing the the wire strands? Have you got a recommendation for wire strippers for such a fine wire???  Please.  Best wishes.  Kevin

I use me teef!!
D