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[Silas Pradetto]

Gian P. Portanova wrote on Wed, 08 December 2010 11:15

So for those who want to use the proper DMX cables, what is a good recommended source for purchasing?  Low cost install up to high end mobile applications?

Elation's Accu Cable has proven to be excellent, and it's cheaper than buying cable and putting ends on yourself. Even if you have to replace the generic Neutrik-style ends eventually, it's still cheaper than buying and making your own originally.

Call me...

[James Feenstra]

Gian P. Portanova wrote on Wed, 08 December 2010 11:15

So for those who want to use the proper DMX cables, what is a good recommended source for purchasing?  Low cost install up to high end mobile applications?

belden 1696a + neutrik ends in either the 3 or 5 pin variety, whichever you prefer

or for strictly 5 pin, belden 9729

there's very few lights that actually use pins 4+5, and generally the ones that do also run over cat6

[John Livings]

[quote title=Marlow Wilson wrote on Thu, 11 November 2010 08:12]

The best affordable DMX cables I have found are the ADJ Accu Cable line.  They are obviously not top shelf quality, but the soldering appears to be okay (Better than I can do, I'm ashamed to say)and the cable is generally workable.  The connectors are not perfect, but for the price they are very serviceable.

At these prices, there is no excuse not to use the correct cable (and buy the terminator while you are at it):

 http://www.godirectmusic.com/advanced_search_result.php?keyw ords=accu-cable&x=0&y=0

(That's where I ordered from and I was happy with the service).


Thanks Marlow, We ordered some DMX cables from "Go Direct Music" Great Price, Great Service.

Regards,  John

[Rob Timmerman]

Gian P. Portanova wrote on Wed, 08 December 2010 11:15

So for those who want to use the proper DMX cables, what is a good recommended source for purchasing?  Low cost install up to high end mobile applications?

For installs, CAT5 cable is fine.
http://srforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/59916/108/

[Graham Wakefield]

I like the LEX stuff, coils well and is extremely rugged. A bit on the pricey side however

[Tom Bourke]

Found this while working on a different project.  DMX used the RS485 wiring specs.  Here is what Maxim-IC has to say on cable and termination.  The cool thing is there are pics of what each configuration does to the wave form.

http://www.maxim-ic.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/763

[Geri O'Neil]

That's good reading, even if a little over my head. But it makes the basic point.

The assertion that advocating the use of DMX-spec cable only amounts to marketing hype and un-necessary expense can be equated to the argument that advocating the use of seat belts in vehicles only amounts to marketing hype and un-necessary expense to the consumers.

We will take our chances with the DMX-spec cable (and oh, yeah, the seatbelts, too!)

Geri O

[Duane Massey]

Considering the price drop on off-the-shelf dmx cables I am finally going to stick with them for my installs.

To be honest I've rarely had an issue, but I can't deny that I have been lucky, as well as having the luxury of fairly non-demanding and non-critical applications.

I rarely make my own cables anymore, except for the home runs where the length cannot be pre-determined and/or the cables have to go thru conduit. Used to spend hours making up cables to length for installs, just not cost-effective anymore.