Mini-Din 6-Pin and CAT-5e cable... WILL IT WORK?

poorguy · 16-01-2005, 08:13

I just got a new video camera system. The cameras attach to a switcher using 6-pin Mini-Din cables (same as PS/2). The cables they have supplied me are too short (60ft.)

I'd like to splice the given wires and insert CAT-5e cables in between to extend the wires to 100ft.

Is this doable? What wiring configuration should I use? I know I should use specific wires for the audio and also specific wires for the ground and video as the CAT-5e wires are twisted.

Any tips? Thanks! Any help appreciated... =)

poolking · 16-01-2005, 09:24

I wouldn't have thought that would work.

Because CAT - 5e cables are network cables.

paulyoung666 · 16-01-2005, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorguy

I just got a new video camera system. The cameras attach to a switcher using 6-pin Mini-Din cables (same as PS/2). The cables they have supplied me are too short (60ft.)

I'd like to splice the given wires and insert CAT-5e cables in between to extend the wires to 100ft.

Is this doable? What wiring configuration should I use? I know I should use specific wires for the audio and also specific wires for the ground and video as the CAT-5e wires are twisted.

Any tips? Thanks! Any help appreciated... =)

splicing is never a good idea imho , can you not get an extender cable from somewhere like this ,

to the site btw

poorguy · 16-01-2005, 10:22

thank you all for the replies...

but i have seen people use CAT-5e cables as the main wires in RCA audio cables and other DIY cables with very good results...

maybe it is best to buy an extender cable.. but so expensive in comparison to using things I have in my home right now. oh well...

Graham M · 16-01-2005, 12:10

You could try it, I cant see it causing any harm to be honest.

MovedGoalPosts · 16-01-2005, 12:43

You've got nothing to loose, apart form the cables you trash in the process. The two wires may be degisned to carry signals at different freequencies / voltage whatever. If so you may get some signal loss.

Also there may be a limit on the maximum length of the cable without signal loss (even if the cable is a purpose made one).

zoombini · 17-01-2005, 09:53

Video cables are usually screened & have characteristics that make them preferable for the job that Cat5 does not have.

However, as it's twisted pair you can but try, however strip the outer back & identify the pairs so that they are used for the video signals etc when you "try" it.

Heck, if it works all's well, if not then you only need to get a new cable.

handyman · 17-01-2005, 10:09

would one of these do the job?

http://www.showmecables.com/estore/s...ategory_id=139

altis · 17-01-2005, 11:02

CAT5e cables are made of 4 twisted pairs which have a characteristic impedence of 100 ohms. They are intended for carrying balanced signals - as one leg moves up the other moves down.

A video signal is normally unbalanced - one leg goes up and lown while the other is held at ground - and has a characteristic impedence of 75 ohms.

As you can see, the two are not ideally suited, but it may work reasonably. Watch out for reflections which will reveal themselves as ghosting on the image.

There's a pinout of a 6-pin S-video connector here:
http://pinouts.ru/data/pin_leadtek_tvout.shtml

Note that 2 types of signal are carried on the same lead - YC and composite. You probably only need YC and, if so, then a 4-pin S-video lead will be adequate. If 25m is long enough try this:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=gensearch&y=0

If not then I'd look for some small 75 ohm coaxial cable and try to squeeze two (or three) into a mini-din connector. Look hard enough and you'll find some twin 'shotgun' coax with two runs laid side-by-side.

zoombini · 17-01-2005, 13:11

Is this the sort of lead your after?
How long do you need it to be?

http://www.ardelectronics.com/
Description: PROFIGOLD SVHS TO SVHS 10M
Product Code: 110-00828

ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£5.50 +vat

poorguy · 18-01-2005, 07:32

thanks everybody for the suggestions!

because of your tips and concerns i ended up buying two 50ft extentsion cables off ebay... maybe someone else will be brave enough to use cat 5 cables.... =)

18-01-2005, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorguy

thanks everybody for the suggestions!

because of your tips and concerns i ended up buying two 50ft extentsion cables off ebay... maybe someone else will be brave enough to use cat 5 cables.... =)

thanks for the feedback