cj200 0 Posted March 11, 2012 Can i use Cat3 phone copper wire for IR' analog camera installation for video and power?? i do be live the wire inside is copper here some info on the cable Attributes & Specifications Length 75ft Wire Size 24gauge Conductors 4 Colour Almond this is the type of cable i would like to used as it cheap the link is below http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8418964/Miscellaneous-Surplus/Phone-Extension-Wire here is the type of camera i be useing. and spec of cam Image Device: 1/3 CMOS Color Camera TV System: NTSC Horizontal Definition: 380 TV Line Backlight Compensation: AUTO LED Switch AUTO Minimum lllumination Olux Cable Connection: RCA Cable Connection Power Adapter: DC12V 500mA Diameter: 5.8cm I know about the Coax/18x2 siamese cable, but I don't need entire roll right now. and i cant buy it right now so im looking a cheap way to have this camera out doors Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 11, 2012 You could use that for a short distance, but you'll need one pair for video and one pair for power, and with the draw of the IRs, the voltage will drop quickly the longer the run is. You'll also want to use video baluns to prevent interference, especially as that doesn't appear to actually be Category 3 twisted pair. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_3_cable Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cj200 0 Posted March 11, 2012 ok thank you for the help i run a test with rca jack and power "red/black wire for power yellow wire for video and it work but im going to used video baluns soon as they comes. so will i need two of these cables? so i have a 8 pairs of wires in total ? "4 pairs in each cable" the power supply im going be using is 12v? will that help with the voltage drop and the run is about 50 ft maybe 60ft will the voltage drop quickly for that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 11, 2012 Those wires are four *conductors*, not four pairs. It will work without using baluns, but because the extension wire isn't shielded, you have no noise rejection if not using baluns (plus the impedence mis-match will make it more susceptible to picking up interference). One pair of 24ga., for 12VDC at 0.5A draw, you'll see about 0.7V loss... MIGHT be okay, if those cameras can operate at 11.3V, or if the power supply puts out more than 12.7V (if it's a non-regulated type, it's probably producing closer to 15VDC anyway). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites