[TowerTalk] It's Getting Worse ...

[Roger (K8RI)]

RICHARD SOLOMON wrote:
> My latest project is a K9AY Loop. I thought I could use a CAT5 cable to
>
> connect the relay box to the switch box. Of course, that requires one
>
> to solder the wires at the relay end.
>
> Well, to my surprise, the 100' CAT5 cable I picked up is made out of
>
> ALUMINUM wire.
>   

I've never seen CAT5 or 6 that was anything but very *small* copper 
wires in twisted pairs (4 pair per cable). Aluminum would be a higher 
resistance per 1000' and I'd think the wires would need to be larger 
diameter which could be a real pain with those crimp RJ45's or CAT6 
equivalent.  The only difference I've seen in the connectors is the ones 
for CAT5 have the wires side by side while they are staggered high/low 
in the CAT6 connector.
Those wires are so tiny I don't see how they'd handle much current and 
would be very fragile.

I just pulled out two runs of CAT 5 and replaced them with CAT6.

73

Roger (K8RI)
>  
>
> Can it get any cheaper !!
>
>  
>
> 73, Dik, W1KSZ
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