Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

Other Interest => DIY - Side Scan Sonar and towfish => Topic started by: stevemc on October 26, 2011, 06:27:59 PM

Title: Cat 6 cable, exactly what is it called?
Post by: stevemc on October 26, 2011, 06:27:59 PM

I plan on making a long extension cable and using the factory transducer cable and the male end with a Cat 6 patch cable inbetween ends.  I am an ex marine electronics riggers so I am familiar with soldering tiny wires, shielding, heat shink and so on.  I just want to know what the cat 6 cable (or the best cable ) is called, so I can buy a long length from a cable supply or maybe the local electronics dealer.   I have a 997C SI, and want to make a towfish, and cable.  And is the cable shielded?  In all the right places?  I would rather do this than hook several 30' extensions together.  Or am I off track here?  Thanks, Steve.

Title: Re: Cat 6 cable, exactly what is it called?
Post by: stevemc on October 26, 2011, 06:35:48 PM

OK, did some searching here, and saw it was category 6 computer cable, available at the Home Depot.  Is it shielded and will it work?

Title: Re: Cat 6 cable, exactly what is it called?
Post by: Roddy on October 26, 2011, 10:31:53 PM

HI Stevemc, CAT6,4pr,shielded. As used on any computer network. I have a tow fish that uses 200ft + 10ft HB ext cable +20ft HB xducer run. the 10ft HB ext cable is cut the installed at each end of the CAT6 cable. This saves the need to cut the xducer cable, you end up with a 230ft cable.

This system works well.

I have started a new system that will use CNC interlink cable at 500ft.

Check the tow fish post in the forum.

Happy to give any help!

 

Title: Re: Cat 6 cable, exactly what is it called?
Post by: stevemc on October 26, 2011, 10:57:40 PM

Thank You!  That was what I needed.  I will check out that post about the CNC cable.

Title: Re: Cat 6 cable, exactly what is it called?
Post by: bigkahuna on October 27, 2011, 06:39:09 AM

@stevemc & Roddy - If you find a supplier for the CNC cable please post it here.

Falmat ( http://www.falmat.com/ (http://www.falmat.com/) ) produces an undersea CAT5/CAT6 cable with heavy PVC cover and kevlar jacket.  They sent me a sample and it's super heavy duty stuff, model number is:  FMXCAT50000K12 but be warned, it's very pricey.

I also got a sample of some "ruggedized" CAT5 cable (unshielded) from someplace, can't remember where.  It's basically standard CAT5 cable with a heavy rubber jacket.

When you're looking for cable be sure to get -stranded- leads not -solid-.  Stranded will bend without breaking and are typically sold as "patch" cables.