Hey guys, just wondering, is there any reason not to use cat 5 wiring for electronics over IDE cabling?
I don't have any IDE cables, but tons of spools of cat 5 wire.
Thanks
Most CAT 5 cables are unshielded, so if noise could be an issue you have better options.
Cat 5e
Operating Voltages up to 125V DC
Maximum Current per Conductor: 577 mA or .577A
Cat5 is solid core copper and will break easily with repetitive movement. Old IDE cables are stranded. Easily
moved and can handle more abuse. Cat5 is twisted pair, and as long as you leave it twisted, you should be
fine as far as noise and interference. IDE is not shielded so I believe Cat5 would have the edge here over longer
runs IF distance is the issue.
Very good. Thanks guys. The cat5 I have is all stranded. So this should be fine then?
DSC wrote:
Cat5 would have the edge here over longer
runs IF distance is the issue.
100 feet max.
@Grannicus Yes, if your installation requirements do not exceed the Cat 5 cable characteristics.
Thanks bro. It's just for a Nintoaster 72 pin connection, so I just wanted to double check. Max 6 inches.
Stranded Cat5? Wow where did you get that stuff?
Sounds cool!
Cat5 for normal patch cables is often stranded.
Cat5 intended to be installed behind the wall and between nodes is solid core.
mikejmoffitt wrote:
Cat5 for normal patch cables is often stranded.
Cat5 intended to be installed behind the wall and between nodes is solid core.
Yes sir, you are correct.
Yep, just checked a couple of pre-made Cat5 patch cable jumpers and what would you know.
Very cool.
I use cat5 all the time. I have an abundance of it. Works fine.