Burning Cables - Part 1: Plug Repair and Testing of UTP Slat Cables

[WithReport]

There are a number of benefits of using UTP cable and quite a few firing systems have UTP cable options. Some of the benefits are the low cost, readily available just about anywhere, and easy to repair (if you didn't just want to replace them).

Here is a quick video I posted of repairing cables. I also show a very inexpensive tool that can be used to test cables. In one of the repairs I mix up the repair to show how the tool works.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A9E4rbWDMs

In a shorter follow on video, I'll show how a crude emergent repair can be done to a cable.

[WithReport]

Here is the 2nd part of this video.

With the cost of UTP cables so low (50ft for ~$6), it is probably best to carry an extra cable or two with you if needed. However, if you needed to quickly repair the cable - it's easily doable.

Sure the video is basic, but if you wonder how a repair could be done, here is an ugly but functional repair. Any other suggestions on dong a repair rather than replacement - especially in an urgent situation?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGOpswQK_D0

[Rick_In_Tampa]

So if you're going to have all those tools and connectors and tape and testing devices, why not just have an RJ-45 crimping tool and connectors with an inline coupler? The repair would take far less time. https://www.showmecables.com/rj45-female-to-rj45-female-inline-coupler-adapter-8p8c-reverse-pinout?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3p27yvqF6wIV5wiICR30ZwLgE AYYAiABEgIflfD_BwE

[WithReport]

There is certainly more than one way to skin a cat and I may not know or cover many of them. You have a great suggestion. Thanks.

As for "all those tools" ;)

The purpose of the second video was to show you could repair it in a crude manner, if you needed. I wanted to show you had options- I had a bin of scotch-locks sitting on the shelf and using those was a spur of the moment decision in the video - you just need to connect the right wires.

I think most carry tape to a shoot - even masking tape would work. Nippers and strippers are pretty common, too. (My "go bag" includes two sets of nippers, electrical tape, masking tape, multiple pokes, wire strippers, multiple knives, lanyard continuity checker, and a few other items. That RJ45 repair bag goes in a Accessory bin along with audio cables and tablet cables to accompany the firing system bins) I don't carry scotch-locks around but I did use them extensively for some special setups this year and they made all the series circuits of matches so much easier and cleaner (picture of some of that below). I'll say wire strippers are a new addition this year and my fingers and nails appreciate it, but in a hurry on the soft scab wire, I'll still just use my nails.

I'd recommend a boot on the RJ-45 plug and I prefer to use a zip-tie behind it to hold it in place.

As for the testing device - I think that is a good deal to have for cables in general. I know two people who had cables this year that did not work out of the box. Luckily one tested the cable with their firing system and the other tested it with a multi meter. I actually set up a new wireless router at home last weekend and the cable that came with it was bad (I actually replaced it with one of my shooting cables for now). As for these videos, I could have just as easily tested these cables with a multi-meter or firing system. However, that cheap cable tester is much faster.



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[Arclight]

If you're going to crimp CAT5/CAT6, I highly recommend getting the "EZ Crimp" type:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUeHIgW7mwU

[Mudballs]

If you're going to crimp CAT5/CAT6, I highly recommend getting the "EZ Crimp" type:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUeHIgW7mwU

Ez crimp ends make putting an end on a lot easier. Just about anyone can put them on. From my use of them, they have held up very well.

There are also ones that come with a plastic sleeve that you push the wire through and than insert that into the end. I would not recommend these. I have found that at times these do not crimp down far enough and find the wire sliding out of the pins over time.