Date   : Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:25:20 +0100
From   : robert@... (Rob)
Subject: Econet over UTP ?

2009/4/29 Pete Turnbull <pete@...>:
> On 29/04/2009 15:04, Rob wrote:
>> Has anybody tried running standard econet over UTP (category 5) cable
>> over a reasonable distance (20M or so)?

> I've run Econet over Cat.5 often enough, but used spare pairs as an
> earth. ?Econet is actually ground-referenced, so I'm not sure if it
> would work properly, but unless you're unlucky with an external earth
> loop (by virtue of the two machines being earthed themselves) or a lot
> of electrical noise it might. ?Certainly worth a try, and I doubt if you
> could damage anything.

Well that was my worry (earth loops).  The devices at each end are on
different ring mains, but at least it's only a single phase mains so I
don't have that to worry about.  I'll give it a try, anyway.  As soon
as I can get out to Maplin[*] for a couple of DIN plugs.  I don't want
to cut up an existing econet lead - only just got enough as it is, but
got loads of old Cat5 patch cables thanks to picking up a box load off
Freecycle a while back.


Rob


* - Compulsory Maplin Moan: they've only got 5 in stock, apparently.
One local store has none!  How can an electronics store run out of DIN
plugs?!?! But they aren't really that any more are they... more of a
gadget shop...  Not even cheap either..