cglaeser 0 Posted October 18, 2010 The GVI Tool-Less Baluns came in a small bubble pack with no instructions except to observe polarity. It wasn't clear if these baluns could cut and connect through each Cat5 wire or if the pair of wires needed to be stripped first. Based on a simple continuity test, the wires must be stripped. The next question is, how much to strip? I guessed 1/3" and it seems to work fine. I did not see any answers on Google or Youtube, so thought I would post these comments here. If my guesses were wrong, please feel free to post a correction. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted October 31, 2010 This the one? I've used these quite often, they don't require any stripping of Cat5e wire. How are you testing continuity? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2010 This the one? I've used these quite often, they don't require any stripping of Cat5e wire. How are you testing continuity? Well that's good to know, but they did not work for me unless I stripped them. I tested continuity by tying the pair of wires together at one end and using an audible continuity tester at the other end. Nothing. Unless I striped the wires. With no instructions and a bit of testing, I assumed they required stripping. Not sure why I didn't get a good bite through the insulation. I'm sure the inserts were pushed in all the way. Next time I'll try again without stripping. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted October 31, 2010 If you're testing on the BNC connector, keep in mind both sides of the signal are going through a matching transformer, and the coil adds a lot of DC resistance, which could easily prevent a simple continuity test from seeing a "connection". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2010 If you're testing on the BNC connector, keep in mind both sides of the signal are going through a matching transformer, and the coil adds a lot of DC resistance, which could easily prevent a simple continuity test from seeing a "connection". The audible continuity tester works with high resistance. The continuity test did not work prior to stripping, and worked after stripping. More important, the camera did not work prior to stripping, and the camera worked after stripping. My best guess is I did not get a good bite through the insulation. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted October 31, 2010 There's been the odd time with both these and the GEM tool-less baluns, that I've needed to pull the wire out, snip the end, and re-snap the connection. It's rare, but it does happen. I've sometimes needed to re-punch a 110 patchbay or keystone jack connection as well. 99.8% of the time these types of connections work fine. Trust me though, you're not supposed to have to strip the wire first Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2010 Trust me though, you're not supposed to have to strip the wire first Thanks, I appreciate the help. Best, Christopher "Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know." -- King Arthur Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
