Does anyone know of a good connector to use in a 19" rack mount panel that a 4 conductor Cresnet or AMX cable can be terminated into (one pair 18 AWG, one pair 22 AWG). Or perhaps a good pheonix connector solution that is rack mountable. I am aware of the CNHBLOCKS that Crestron has that can be rack mounted but I am looking for a dense rack mount solution where the connectors are not all in parallel (as is the case with the CNHBLOCKS).

Something very much like an RJ-45/Leviton quuickport patch panel except for Crestron.

Thanks!

Where the connectors are NOT in parellel? Hmmm.. Thats an interesting dilema... I use the Xantech CC18 blocks for terminating multiple Axlink wires are the Home run... 9 Pheonix all in Parallel, compact and cheap...... Works great...

Maybe I'm thinking wrong here when you say not in parallel..... Whats the ap? Are you just loking for a 1-1 terminating block?

Imagine you've got a bunch of Cresnet or Axlink runs. I want to terminate them on a patch panel on a wall (with a 6" stand-off bracket) just as if I were terminating RJ-45 runs. So yes, a 1-1 termination. Then I want to be able to run a patch cable from there to my CNHBLOCKS or Xantech blocks (which are internally wired in parallel) that will actually be mounted in the equipment rack. Basically I'm doing nothing more than creating an extra cross-connect (in the form of the Cresnet "patch panel") for cable management that for reasons I needn't get in to is required on this job.

This message was edited by QQQ on 10/20/04 12:05 ET.

Wow. The great things I learn by hanging out here.....

Thanks.

So 4 pin XLRs are out?

How bout a Pro audio Patch Bay? They are available in TRS 1/4" pretty commonly and in a De-Normalized mode offer straight pass through. you would need to route Power and TX/RX on separate jacks as the are only 2 conductor, but should provide a nice patch bay......

[Link: dbxpro.com]

4 pin XLR's would work fine and in fact I was thinking about that. Anyone in particular you recommend for a 19" patch? How many XLR can I fit in 1 space?

The last time I went this route I believe I just ordered a blank with puch outs from Middle Atlantic. Now you have Display Devices ( yep, the lift folks ), Liberty Wire and a bunch of others. You could also use Neutrik twist and lock 4 pin speaker connectors. Ulgy but they will also not come out without untwisting them. And if you have an exterior application they make a water proof version.

You could also use Leviton (or whom ever's multi-ports you like ) RJ-45. As this will be at the rack it is unlikely you will need to concern yourself with someone plugging a network cable into 24v Cresnet. But this can also be done and using RED ( for Danger Will Robinson!) is how we sometimes terminate Cresnet in zones. There is a risk of blowing up a NIC and lord knows what would happen if someone plugged in a telephone ( even if you used pins 1+2 for GND and 7+8 for power ) but in 7 years no one has made this error but............ Not all decorators will permit XLRs in their rooms.
Alan

QQQ.

[Link: markertek.com]

You can load it up with 4 pin panel mount XLR's!


S

Thanks Alan & Studiocats. Studiocats, the link doesn't work. What term should I search on there?

Search for the UNI-1 from Middle Atlantic. Then search for NC4FDL-1-B to fill it with. You will also need NC4MX for the Cresnet patch cables.

studiocats1,

Any options that don't require soldering. Yes, I KNOW. What's the big deal. The big deal is that it will take 3 days to solder the quantity of cables we have here which are almost 6' off the floor and must be cut to exact length. A screw terminal or crimp menthod would be much easier and faster and more than adequate IMO. Any other suggestions?

I believe the Neutrik speaker twist and lock are screw on. There are also what I misname Amp connecters as I think most companies use those made by Molex. The 2 pin version is what Lutron uses for its power connections are Homeworks panels. For the Amp mate-n-lock connectors see Mouser part # 571-14807020. For Molex see page 805-806 of catalog 618, July 2004; eg.,part number 538-02-09-1104/2103

However, you may find DB9 connectors to your liking. Use those that can be mated with RJ45 connectors. Terminate the other end with Phoenix connectors so you can double up on the power lines ( or use 6 pins and H Blocks ). Personally, a hot solder gun and a vice and I can churn out XLR's very quickly.

Alan

Ended up using the Middle Atlantic UNI-1 with Neutrik connectors. Thanks you "liberals" :-) ;-).