Calrec APOLLO Installation & Technical Manual

Also see for Apollo: Operator's manual Installation manual

Contents

Calrec APOLLO Installation & Technical Manual Manual pdf 38 page image

38 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console Connection InformationHydra 2 network connections andcontrol surface to processing coreconnections made via copper SFPmodules require shielded F/UTPCategory 5e or Category 6 cables withshielded RJ45 mating connectors.Calrec do not supply these cables as it isoften preferable to terminate them afterthey have been run through cable ductingto avoid damaging the terminations, and tobe able to cut them to the precise lengthrequired.ShieldedcablesandconnectorsShielded cabling and connectors arerequired in order to meet EMC (Electro-magnetic compatibility) standards tocomply with the radiated emission limitsset in the standard EN55022, as well asto guarantee performance in electricallynoisy environments.F/UTP Cat5e/Cat6 cable has an overallfoil shield around the conductor cores.Shielded RJ45 connector plugs have ametallic shield around them which shouldbe clamped / bonded to the shield withinthe cable. The shield on the connectormates with the chassis of the RJ45socket that it is plugged into, providing anearth to the cable shield.The method of attaching the connectorshield to the cable shield can vary. Pleaserefer to the connector manufacturer’sinformation for further guidance.COPPER SFP CONNECTIVITYSHIELDED RJ45 CONNECTORConductive connector matingscreen clamped / bonded tocable shieldMaximumcablelengthThe maximum length of Cat5e/Cat6cables is 90m / 295ft. This is theabsolute maximum and needs to includeany patch points and cables that may bein the path. Hydra2 cable runs can NOTbe extended using Ethernet switches,hubs or repeaters. If a run betweenHydra2 hardware exceeds the maximumrecommended distance for coppercabling, fibre and optical SFPs should beused instead.CableroutingconsiderationsThe layout and twist rate of the data coreswithin Cat5e/Cat6 cables are integralto their performance at high speed overdistance. Poor installation practise canseriously impact upon this. The followingare general good rules of practise,please refer to the cable manufacturer’sinformation for comprehensive installationrules.When running Cat5e / Cat6 networkcabling, it is important to avoid kinkingthe cable. Kinks can seriously impairperformance. Cable manufacturersadvise that kinked cables should bediscarded and replaced as the damagecaused cannot be addressed simply bystraightening the outer appearance.Cables should not be bent in tight angles,this too can seriously impair performance.Please refer to the cable manufacturer’sspecification on minimum bend radii.Excessive pulling force when routingcables can deform the twist rate of thecable cores, causing irreparable damage.Cable manufacturers specify a maximumpulling tension.Cable-ties should not be over-tightenedas this also deforms the internal structureof the cable. Cable ties should be tightenough only to support the cable weightCrimp pointsCable outer jacketStrain reliefSTRAIN RELIEVED RJ45 TERMINATIONbut not so tight as to cause any visibledeformation to the cable’s outer jacket.Large, heavy bundles of cables canbe difficult to support using cable-tieswithout causing damage. 'Velcro' stylehook-and-loop cable straps can be a goodalternative to plastic cable-ties.Whilst neatly bundled parallel cable runsare tidy and aesthetically pleasing, theydecrease cross-talk immunity whichcan impact on performance. Avoid neatbundling of network cables over any kindof distance - the majority of a cableslength is normally unseen, running underfloor or through ducting where they shouldbe loosely laid rather than neatly bundled.Termination-strainreliefPoor termination and lack of strain reliefis one of the most common causes ofhigh speed network cable problems.To properly strain relief the data cores,the outer jacket of the cable should beinserted into the RJ45 housing and heldin place once crimped by the strain-reliefpoint, as shown in the following diagram.This also maintains the integrity of thetwist rate and shield into the termination,• Note, this is a simplifieddiagram that does notinclude the shield.