Network cables, other wise known at ethernet cables are one of the means of connecting the Grinch board to the power boxes to switch the AC power supply.
These cables are made from Cat5 cable and RG45 plugs. (Note: There is also Cat5E and Cat6 cable available, these can also be used).
What you will need:
 |  |  |
| Crimper | Cat 5,5e or 6 cable | RG45 Plugs |
About Ethernet Cables
There are two kinds of Ethernet cables you can make. Straight Through and Crossover. We will be making Straight Through Cables.
These are the industry standards for straight through cable. Which is what we need for this project. If you deside to purchase your cables don't get cross-over cables. They will not work for this project as they are wired differently.
One reason to stick to an industry cat5 standard wiring scheme is so you can utilize the cable for other uses. I know I do. I make all my cat5 cables, whether for the display or my home network, to the same standard.
568A Standard
| 568B Standard 1 White/Orange 2 Orange 3 White/Green 4 Blue 5 White/Blue 6 Green 7 White/Brown 8 Brown
| |
| STRAIGHT THROUGH - Ethernet cables are the standard cable used for almost all purposes. It is highly recommend you duplicate the color order as shown above. Note how the orange pair is not side by side as are all the other pairs. This configuration allows for longer wire runs. | CROSSOVER CABLES - The purpose of a Crossover Ethernet cable is to directly connect one computer to another computer (or device) without going through a router, switch or hub. |
Making the cables.
Step One:
Strip more of the jacket off than you need, about 1 inch - like the picture . Line the wires up side by side and trim the coloured wires so they are all the same length. You DON'T strip any insulation off the ends, Just cut them straight.
Step Two:
After untwisting the wires and ordering the wires, (as in the image for straight through above), make sure that they are flat, very flat. Squeeze them together so they are parallel and tight up against each other. Then cut the end straight with sharp cutters, leave about 1/2 inch of wire. Then push them into the connector, making sure that they truly go all the way in.
Step Three:
Now check to see that each wire is in it's "lane." (there are little plastic lines to guide the wire to the right place. you can see them from the "bottom" of the connector.
Step Four:
Looking at the end of the plug, you should be able to see copper tips pointing at you. If you don't see all 8 copper wires, don't crimp it. Double check one more time that they are in the correct order. Insert into the crimper, forcing the wires in tight and crimp. Test by plugging into an existing network.
This Youtube video might help.
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