Daviddc114

Hey everyone, i just have a question on cat 5, i am switching a standard CCTV camera over to a PTZ camera, and i am sending cat5 for the PTZ control, i am wondering if it would be OK to also use that same cat 5 to run a microphone.. also, would it hurt anything sharing the power feed for the camera with the mic.. the power wire is BNC rg59 with power) that's what, 24 gauge i think??? thanks..

Now how much does that video BALUN cost? and now you just need to buy the BALUN transmitters, not the receivers.. can you buy them this way? i though they only come in pairs.. that unit is also just for the video and power, it would not work for PTZ control or audio, so it kind of limits you, if you want even 1 PTZ or audio camera, now you need a separate power supply, or wire.. i definitely think the BALUNs have their place, and its nice to know whats available for certain installs, but i'm not sure that you would completely go this route for all installs over RG59 Siamese.. i just had another thought, you now have to hide that BALUN outside (by the camera) on the customers house, not sure (in some cases) it would look as clean as just having the RG59.. most times i am able to have the RG59 hidden behind the corner molding on the vinyl siding, not sure the BALUN would fit behind that molding. also, i wonder how the BALUN would hold up in the snow and heat from the sun.. i think i like rg59 siamese for video and power, and a run of CAT5 for microphone and PTZ.. thoughts?

come on guys!! im salivating over those Baluns!! i would rather find a wholesaler because if i get used to using them i would hate to not be able to find them again! i am a QSEE dealer, but they don't offer me such things!!

As long as the PTZ is 12v DC and not 24v AC. Why not 24VAC? because microphones are 12vdc, cameras are also, but some PTZ are 24vac.. cant mix voltages..

wait.. i... uh.. what??? that's AWESOME!!! only $7 a pair??? that's crazy!! is there a wholesaler i can go to and get these or are they just an eBay deal?? what is the pros and cons using this vs. RG59 Siamese?? the other thing is, if your doing say a 16 camera system, going into the power supply box might get kind of ugly, because now you have to convert the balun back to BNC for the DVR and back to power wire to go into the the power box... might need an empty metal box just to hide the conversion (for cleanliness reasons). does the baluns actually do anything as far as converting the signals? i mean if you can use a balun like this, can you just use the wire itself for AV sound and power via soldering????

great! Thank you so much! i am new to using cat 5 for my surveillance systems, (aside from the actual networking part) it seems like a great versatile cable, is there any other tips / uses for cat 5 that would make my installs easier?? can it handle power of any kind? if it can, can you mix power with signal without interference? for instance using it to run a mic and using 2 leads for audio and 2 leads for power?? thanks again!