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The cables used to connect NED modules to one another
eventually wear out. Unfortunately, no matter how sturdy a
connector is, it occasionally needs to be repaired. |
When cable ends break, you have several options:
- Order new cables from NED
Refer to this order form
(click here) to order new cables.
New cables are the most expensive option, but if you're in a hurry,
NED can have your order processed and your new cables to you in less
than one week.
Order new cables from a supplier other
than NED
Many other suppliers,
including your local Radio Shack, sell cables that will work with
your NED buzzer system. Your institution's computer-repair group may
also have spare cables on-hand. The important thing to specify
when ordering new cables is the following:
> Connector Style: RJ45, 8 conductor
> Wiring: "Straight-through" wiring ("pin 1 to pin 1")
> Conductor Size: 24AWG is preferred, but 26AWG is
acceptable (the lamps may be a little dimmer with the 26AWG cable).
Important: damage caused by using the wrong kind of cable
voids the system's warranty.
Have NED replace the broken cable ends
NED offers CABLE REPAIR to its customers as an alternative to buying new cables.
The cost of the repair is $2 per cable. When a cable is repaired, both cable ends are replaced.
When repairing cables, NED installs its exclusive snag-resistant
connectors (click here for a picture
of the connectors).
Procedure:
Send broken cables to Novel Electronic Designs (use this
order form -- suggestion:
send cables via USPS Priority). We will bill you for the repair when we return your
cables. We will have the repaired cables back to you a couple of days
after we receive them. We will charge actual shipping
expenses ($5 or less... for example, shipping for two short cable is
typically $1).
Replace the cables
ends yourself
If you have the right tools and
a supply of cable ends, repairing the cables yourself is not
difficult. Simply follow these instructions.
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| Cable
Repair (do-it-yourself option!) |
Tools needed for cable
repair:
- Cable Ends (connectors)
- Crimper
Cuts and strips wires; crimps
connectors onto cables.
- Tester
Our experience has shown that testing
cables is essential.
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Cable tester, cable ends, and crimper. |
Step 1: Cut the broken
connector off of the cable.
A. Cut the cable as close
as possible to the old connector.
B. Cut the cable squarely, not at an angle. |
A. Cut the cable.
B. Cut it squarely! |
Step 2: Strip the
jacket from the cable.
Be careful not to nick the insulation on the
wires. |
Cable installed in stripper. |
| Step 3: Push the wires
into the connector.
A. Orient the wire color order the same way in both
connectors. With the latching-tab towards
you, the wire colors from left-to-right
must match the order
used on connector at the opposite end of the cable.
B. You can obtain connectors from many electronics
suppliers.
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Note: latching tab is towards you.
Also, note the left-to-right color order(make
sure the other connector is the same)
Cable firmly seated in connector. |
Step 4: Crimp the
connector.
Squeeze down on the crimper until the crimp is complete. Not
squeezing hard enough will result in "weak" crimps (which
may result in intermittent system behavior problems). |
Install the connector in the crimper.
Squeeze crimper. |
Step 5: Test the cable.
Plug the cable into a cable tester and verify the cable's
wiring is correct. The tester's LEDs must glow
green without
flickering. The tester will identify weak crimps, reversed
connectors, and broken wires. |
Plug the cable into the tester.
Green LEDs means the cable is good. |
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The cable is now
ready for use! |
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