Connection from encoders to DSC

[iceman]

Hi

My bunny rabbits got out the other night, and being the cord crunching things they are, they found my telescope and chewed through the encoder cables that connect to the DSC computer.

See the attached pics - both encoders have an input plug socket, and the cables join to each other where they plug into the DSC computer.

Where can I get a replacement?

Lucky I found out today, and not in a weeks time before Kulnura on the 25th! No going back to starhopping! :)

Thanks for assistance.

[Starkler]

Mike, such a cable is easy to make if you have access to a tech with the right crimp tools as they are standard RJ phone type connectors.

Firstly, hold each 4 pin connector so that the cable is facing down comming out of the bottom of the connector, and the gold contacts are facing you. The contact on the left is pin 1. Record what colour wires go to each pin, and to then to which pin that colour wire connects on the larger 8 way connector using the same numbering format.

If you can work that much out and what cable lengths you require I'll see what I can do, but getting it to you by Friday might be a tall order. Oh and if I make it, it will be beige phone cable and not as pretty :(

[Karls48]

Hi
The plugs look like RJ11 4 and the other one RJ11 6. Find Telstra serviceman or alarm installer guy and ask them to make you new one. Plugs cost about dollar, but crimping tool for it is quite expensive. Keep the old cables, so he will know which way the wires go in.
Karl

[gary]

Hi Mike,

We carry these cable assemblies in stock 45 mins. from where you are.
Probably the largest such inventory of these particular encoder cables on the planet.
How many thousand would you like to order? :)

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[acropolite]

Mike, the plug you are holding looks like a standard RJ45. The smaller one is either an RJ11 or 12. I doubt that a Telstra Tech would have a plug and tool, they're not supplied by the company and most techs won't buy their own. Any private telephone installer should have the plugs and a crimp tool (I have several). The crimping tools for RJ45/12 can be had for $20-85, there are several available, including a model that does all 3. This one at jaycar ($39.95) may probably be suitable if the smaller plug is an RJ12 http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TH1935&CATID=&keywords=Crimping+tools&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=
, does RJ12 (6 pins) and RJ45 (8 pins) If you're contemplating buying a new cable I would suggest buying the crimper and a few plugs, you never know when you're going to trip over the leads and tear the wire out, a real problem at starcamps.

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

IMO for the few dollars involved its better to buy them off Gary. That way you know all the pinouts are correct and the thing is going to work.

CS-John B

[Orion]

I agree with John.

I replaced mine a couple of months ago but I got mine from ****s Smith in Kotarra.

[cjmarsh81]

If you have a Rabbit problem(lol), it may be best to buy the tool and do it yourself. It is really easy. Just put the wires in in the correct order and crimp it, done!. The tool comes in handy for computer networks/rabbit related astronomy repairs and amateur radio.

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

I own the necessary crimping tools, I also have some RJ-11, RJ-12 and RJ-45 connectors. Is the end that goes into the DSC's a double width funny type of plug like the one that plugs into Argo Navis ? If it is I can't do that end, I can do the end that goes into the encoders with a single RJ-11 plug.

CS-John B

[iceman]

THanks for all the help and suggestions.

I'll just give Gary and call tomorrow and see how much they're worth, and follow up some of the other suggestions failing that.

Thanks again.