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+--- Thread: Cables needed for System Blue (/showthread.php?tid=1662)
Cables needed for System Blue - MDMD - 2016-04-23
After years of fascinated watching real time lightning data on the Blitzortung website, I'm interested in operating a Sytem Blue lightning detection site.
I'm aware that Sytem Blue still is in development. Because I currently renovate our house, it would be much easier, if I could install the cables needed for Sytem Blue now.
Could anyone please specify which cables are needed between antenna/(pre-)amplifier and gps antenna mounted in an attic and the control unit, which should be installed in the basement?
Thx Martin
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - RichoAnd - 2016-04-23
To router - RJ45
To H-Field - RJ45 shielded
(not in the same cable channel as RJ45 to router - if necessary, more than 10cm space)
To E-Field - Good quality 75 Ohm coax double shielded
To GPS antenna
(normal lengh about 3m - loss to high if over 5m with standard cable. It can be longer, but frequency is 1575 MHz, and the gain of the antenna is about 20-26dB and it is necessary to know cable specifications for that frequency)
To USB power , about 350mA
To Ground?
(I recommend an independent ground for Controller with thick grounding cable)
(In theory it is unnecessary, but no one knows the electrical levels in the connected cables)
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - MDMD - 2016-04-24
Thanks for your reply @RichoAnd !
I still have some more specific questions ;-)
Is a standard shielded ethernet cable with S/FTP shielding sufficient between H-Field amplifier and controller?
Does the H-field amplifier need an external power supply? Or is it supplied by PoE? On the pics at http://en.blitzortung.org/cover_your_area.php the amplifier only seems to have a RJ45 jack. I saw mini USB jacks on the System Red amplifier boards.
Regarding a GPS antenna extension cable. I found cables rated with under 0,5 dBm/m loss at 1500 Mhz named H155 / LMR200 type. Might a 10m cable of this type would provide a signal of sufficient strength?
Thx Martinvfy
vfdvsdfy0L
SooMR200
LMR200
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - cutty - 2016-04-24
(2016-04-24, 11:47)MDMD Wrote: Thanks for your reply @RichoAnd !
I still have some more specific questions ;-)
Is a standard shielded ethernet cable with S/FTP shielding sufficient between H-Field amplifier and controller?
Yes... Cat 5 or 6 shielded... recommend < about 50 feet, for example...but some use longer ...
Does the H-field amplifier need an external power supply? Or is it supplied by PoE? On the pics at http://en.blitzortung.org/cover_your_area.php the amplifier only seems to have a RJ45 jack. I saw mini USB jacks on the System Red amplifier boards.
there is only one supply for RED or BLUE... through the USB on controller. Don't scrimp on your USB supply. Cheapos may cause issues. Needs to be stable, filtered well, and radiate no noise.
Power is supplied to H through the RJ45 ... must use shielded to amp. Recommend unshielded to router.
Power is supplied to E field through the coax.
Regarding a GPS antenna extension cable. I found cables rated with under 0,5 dBm/m loss at 1500 Mhz named H155 / LMR200 type. Might a 10m cable of this type would provide a signal of sufficient strength?
Shorter the better. Blue System will NOT send signals until it gets a stable GPS
Thx Martinvfy0
Now, one of the "GOTCHAS" about these receivers: You need to find the quietest place as far as electrical noise, especially mains, TV's dog fences, radio devices, computers... etc. Deciding on a location for your antennas may take some effort.... you normally cannot just 'put one up' and have optimum operation. These are not plug and play. Controller location isn't 'critical', but for the H and E field assemblies, it can be very critical.
Cheers!
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - RichoAnd - 2016-04-24
(2016-04-24, 11:47)MDMD Wrote: Thanks for your reply @RichoAnd !
I still have some more specific questions ;-)
Is a standard shielded ethernet cable with S/FTP shielding sufficient between H-Field amplifier and controller?
Yes
Does the H-field amplifier need an external power supply? Or is it supplied by PoE? On the pics at http://en.blitzortung.org/cover_your_area.php the amplifier only seems to have a RJ45 jack. I saw mini USB jacks on the System Red amplifier boards.
No! - the mini USB on RED H-Fileld is for testing purpose
Regarding a GPS antenna extension cable. I found cables rated with under 0,5 dBm/m loss at 1500 Mhz named H155 / LMR200 type. Might a 10m cable of this type would provide a signal of sufficient strength?
Yes
Thx Martinvfy
vfdvsdfy0L
SooMR200
LMR200
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - cmd_spock - 2016-08-04
Hello together,
thx for the informations.
I only have a question about the ethernet cable, what means standard shielded? There are different ways to shield a cable. Is it enough, to shield the complete cable (S/UTP, F/UTP or SF/UTP) or must all twisted pairs be shielded (S/FTP, F/FTP or SF/FTP)?
Currently i want to use a SF/UTP cable.
Thx for your help!
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - RichoAnd - 2016-08-04
One shield for all is just fine
RE: Cables needed for System Blue - cmd_spock - 2016-08-04
Thanks for the quick answer @RichoAnd!
Now I can go forward with my work
Thx!