DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: mcangeli on March 19, 2011,

Title: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mcangeli on March 19, 2011,
Got my first le built this week, grabbed two power cords from lowest for the input power, trying to figure out the best/cheapest route to go for the 16 plugs needed for the output channels.

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: Jeffl on March 19, 2011,
Here is what I use for the output plugs.  I always buy enough to get the best price.  Some think they are overkill but I tie the grounds together with ring connectors and I think this is the best.  For me this is the best and cheapest as a plain white or brown 2 conductor cord from the big box stores will cost the same or more.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022802&p_id=5297&seq=1&format=2
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: Jeffl on March 19, 2011,
Post #33 has some pictures of my controller setup using these cords.

http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=3100.30
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: jnealand on March 20, 2011,
I purchased 64 brown 6ft cords from Home Depot and will be using those for my new LEs.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mcangeli on March 20, 2011,
Jim, are those the 'indoor' kind with the multiple outlets that are rated indoor only?

I canabalized two last night to use as makeshift plugs so I could mess with the le I have together... want something a little more polished looking...
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: budude on March 20, 2011,
Yep - they are indoor rated but they work fine for the short time they are outside for the show. I think you'll find at least half of everyone uses these for their plugs. Other alternatives are complete DIY using SPT-1/2 cord and slide-on or 'vampire' style plugs/recepticles.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: inzeos on March 20, 2011,
The walmart 0.97 6' cords are your best bet.  Monoprice is also good; however, don't forget to factor in shipping and additional time cutting up cord molding.

I plan on using a mix of spt and previously purchased outdoor seasonal cords to extend the connections from the expresses.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: hbomb341 on March 20, 2011,
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Here is what I use for the output plugs.  I always buy enough to get the best price.  Some think they are overkill but I tie the grounds together with ring connectors and I think this is the best.  For me this is the best and cheapest as a plain white or brown 2 conductor cord from the big box stores will cost the same or more.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022802&p_id=5297&seq=1&format=2



I use these too from Monoprice - for input and output with cord labels - VERY nice polished look.

Harrison
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mcangeli on March 23, 2011,
Ok, bit it and went with the monoprice.... I had a bunch of old PC power cords to use for power in....
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: diceman3807 on March 23, 2011,
Glad to know I'm not the only one abusing old server power cords....
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: lineman on March 23, 2011,
Heres what the mono price cords look like installed. I also like a polished look
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: JDM1oc on March 23, 2011,
That looks great lineman!  Very polished.  What are you using for the grommets on the cords?

Josh
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mokeefe on March 24, 2011,
And where did you pick up the weather tight RJ45 connectors?

-Mike
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: bisquit476 on March 24, 2011,
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Very polished. 

I agree.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: JDM1oc on March 24, 2011,
They appear to be these: http://www.lanfairsystems.com/product/EB-RJ45-ECS-6/RJ45-Field-Replaceable-6-Ethernet-Connector-System-RJ45-ECS.html (http://www.lanfairsystems.com/product/EB-RJ45-ECS-6/RJ45-Field-Replaceable-6-Ethernet-Connector-System-RJ45-ECS.html)

I've used these for a few things in the past and they work very well.

Josh
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: taybrynn on March 24, 2011,
http://www.sparcotech.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RJ45-ECS
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mokeefe on March 24, 2011,
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http://www.sparcotech.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RJ45-ECS

That site has some good prices on those items, but it doesn't really seem to be setup as an online store.  When you get to the ordering section of the checkout the only payment option listed is "Purchase Order".

-Mike
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: lineman on March 24, 2011,
guys i have tried to post the links put being computer stupid it won,t let me so as for the grommets I got them at cableorganizer.com SKU OMAR - 0505 ( 5/16 x 1/16 x 7/16 x 5/8 x 9/32 ) and the RJ45 are from http://www.sparcotech.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RJ45-ECS and the template is from another dlaer just tape to bottom of CG1500 case and drill away . I pit the power cords in from the sides also to help with strain relief zip tie 2 channels together. 1&2 , 3&4 , 5&6 , and so on . http://cableorganizer.com/grommet/  mabey I smarter than I think? <la..
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tng5737 on March 24, 2011,
Do you also have a link for the strain relief bushings?
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: lineman on March 24, 2011,
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Do you also have a link for the strain relief bushings?
Not sure what your asking , The rubber Grommets are in the bottom of the case were the wire goes thru fit real snug as for strain relief I zip tie the cords together inside of the case 2 channels per 1 zip tie.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tng5737 on March 24, 2011,
From the pix it looked like you used bushing for the input power cables.  Looking closer I can see that they are just grommets as well.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: diceman3807 on March 24, 2011,
I was looking at the RJ45 weatherproof connector, and I think we could probably use these as well...
http://www.balticnetworks.com/rj45-ethernet-connector-system-weatherproof-and-outdoor.html?___store=default

Jon
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: Jeffl on March 24, 2011,
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I was looking at the RJ45 weatherproof connector, and I think we could probably use these as well...
http://www.balticnetworks.com/rj45-ethernet-connector-system-weatherproof-and-outdoor.html?___store=default

Jon

I can't tell from the picture.  Are these just a seal for the cable to pass through or does it have a female connector on both ends?  My guess based on the price it's just a seal.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tng5737 on March 24, 2011,
These look to be Hutton RJ-45FT's.  They are just seals.  The cable passes thru them and when the outside cap is tightened they close down on the cable.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: SteveMaris on March 24, 2011,
Great links, thanks guys. My bookmark folder just keeps growing and growing... 8)
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: diceman3807 on March 25, 2011,
I believe you're right about it being just a passthru....<sigh>...I should have read the description instead of looking at the picture!
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tng5737 on March 25, 2011,
I bought a bunch of these from an ebay vendor (csibuyandsell) who occasionally offers them.  I plan to use them with my hubs.   They are made for field techs - you just pass the cat5 cable thru, plug them in and tighten them down.  I paid $10 for a bag of 10.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: mcangeli on April 18, 2011,
OK, so I went with the cords from monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022802&p_id=5297&seq=1&format=2) as they provided the look I wanted.

Cut them the right length, fed them through, labeled them (so I know which one is one and which one is 16) and finished up with labels for the box.

I think it looks pretty good....

I fought myself over labeling the channel numbers and decided that I'd rather have the channel numbers on the box and just place the box in a different position every year rather than having to re-program the box when I want to change the channel. Besides, the only one that really matters is the one I'm putting on the roof....

If you like the labels I have for the box, I have them at:
http://www.cafepress.com/linuxtracker/7604411

I currently have through Channel 64 (as I'm only planning on 4 LE's this year) but I can add up to any channel count anyone wants.... :)


Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on April 24, 2011,
Christmas tree shop has the 6' cords for 99 cents.. They are white tho...
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: D56VillageNut on April 24, 2011,
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Christmas tree shop has the 6' cords for 99 cents.. They are white tho...

Can you post a link.  Not sure which "Christmas Tree Shop" you are referring to.  Links are a good thing.  :)

Thanks

Alan T
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on April 24, 2011,
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Christmas tree shop has the 6' cords for 99 cents.. They are white tho...

Can you post a link.  Not sure which "Christmas Tree Shop" you are referring to.  Links are a good thing.  :)

Thanks

Alan T
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/cts/tabless.html.. The only thing is that their site sux for looking at thingys, but it does give all locations.. Also, depot and lowes carries them for $1.47..
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: CB on April 25, 2011,
I have used Americord recently and the little bit I pay extra for these cords to already have one end stripped and seperated is worth it to me, plus I also liek the clean look but like not having a grounded female plug that is virtually unnecessary.  The output cords I purchase are these:
http://www.americord.com/roj-to-1-15p-prod-646.html (http://www.americord.com/roj-to-1-15p-prod-646.html)

Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: Gary on May 10, 2011,
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I have used Americord recently and the little bit I pay extra for these cords to already have one end stripped and seperated is worth it to me, plus I also liek the clean look but like not having a grounded female plug that is virtually unnecessary.  The output cords I purchase are these:
http://www.americord.com/roj-to-1-15p-prod-646.html (http://www.americord.com/roj-to-1-15p-prod-646.html)

Why not use SPT cable and Vampire/Zip plugs? They're 18 Gauge as well, and pretty quick to assemble.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: CB on May 10, 2011,
I went with the Americords out of being lazy, I am very picky about making sure the stripped ends are soldered and all of that time wasn't worth it to me when I could buy some pre-done.  Plus I like the factory look and sealed ends I wound up with.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on May 10, 2011,

I think soldering the ends is a must. It takes me a few minutes to strip them and solder them but that's ok. I save a few bucks.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: chrisatpsu on May 10, 2011,
i think the "having a grounded type plug" would be a good thing in the long run, in case you had to plug in an extension cord, and just had the standard 3 prong available at the time.   I'm thinking of attaching all my grounds together inside the Enclosure as a just to be safe, in case for some reason i power some type of light, or spotlight, or something that has a three prong plug. that way i dont have to look for adapters.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on May 10, 2011,
Good point.. I now have to change a few now for my spots..
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: cubbieco on May 11, 2011,
I don't remember where the post is but be careful if you connect the grounds.  Apparently somebody was doing that, something got loose and he got the magic smoke from his express because it shorted something.

I just use the cheap walmart extension cables.  Compared to the overall assembly time the time cutting & stripping 18 cables really isn't that long.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on May 11, 2011,
That's true, but if you use typical floods like I am you need the ground.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tbone321 on May 11, 2011,
You don't NEED the grounds and a hand full of 3 prong adapters costs much less than 32 or more 3 prong cables.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: cubbieco on May 12, 2011,
Just as an FYI the ground has nothing to do with the delivery of power.  The only thing the ground is for is to give the electricity an escape route if what you are using breaks.  The ground doesn't normally have any power on it at all, in fact if it ever does it will trip a ground fault interrupt outlet (which we should all be using for outdoor outlets).

If your flood lights have the three prong plugs go ahead and connect the grounds if you'd like.  You might want to use heat shrink around the whole thing to be 100% sure it doesn't short anything out inside your LE box.  Just keep in mind the actual flood light bulbs only have two connectors so the ground is only used if the housing becomes damaged for safety purposes.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: taybrynn on May 12, 2011,
I either use those 2' monoprice cords for around $.99 each (50+)  or the 6' 3-tap (2 prong) green Christmas clearance cords from target ... which are $.33 to $.50 depending on deal.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on May 12, 2011,
So if I use the lil ground cheater plug end it'll be ok as long as its shrink wrapped?
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: cubbieco on May 12, 2011,
Yeah or you can even pull out / snip off the ground prong.  You should make sure your flood light housing is water tight though.  They may have added the ground plug because of water problems.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: caretaker on May 12, 2011,
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Just as an FYI the ground has nothing to do with the delivery of power.  The only thing the ground is for is to give the electricity an escape route if what you are using breaks.  The ground doesn't normally have any power on it at all, in fact if it ever does it will trip a ground fault interrupt outlet (which we should all be using for outdoor outlets).

That is incorrect, a GFCI does not detect a fault between the hot wire and ground but rather between the hot wire and neutral. In fact the NEC recommends that if you have an older dwelling and there are no grounds at the boxes replace the regular outlets with GFCI outlets for better protection.
 
If your flood lights have the three prong plugs go ahead and connect the grounds if you'd like.  You might want to use heat shrink around the whole thing to be 100% sure it doesn't short anything out inside your LE box.  Just keep in mind the actual flood light bulbs only have two connectors so the ground is only used if the housing becomes damaged for safety purposes.
The ground is there to provide a path for the electricity to travel should the neutral fail or the hot comes in contact with a grounded connection. 

DO you need a ground? technically no, as long as the power goes out on the hot wire and comes back on the neutral and you have the LE plugged into a GFCI protected outlet you should be OK.  Now if and electrical inspector came around and checked your display out you can bet everything will require a ground. 
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: sirloinofbeef001 on May 12, 2011,
Everything is gfi protected. But I'm not taking any chances, ima tie the ground in on the LE that has the floods.
Title: Re: Best thing to use for plugs?
Post by: tbone321 on May 12, 2011,
If you are using GFI then you have nothing to worry about other than unexpected pops any time it rains.  Connecting the gounds will do nothing for you but cost you money but if it makes you feel better . . . .