Computer to Grinch Connection? [Archive] - Do It Yourself Christmas Forums

piesrule58

06-26-2008, 06:53 AM

Would the following work OK? I have a short connection lead (DB25 Male Connector one end and RJ45 Connector at the other end) which works fine, but I want to make it longer so I can run a lead out to the garage for some tests. Can I just make up a 15ft cat5 cable with a RJ45 socket on one end and a RJ45 connector at the other end and just use it as an extension lead?

Cheers, Terry

jeffathompson

06-26-2008, 07:05 AM

Would the following work OK? I have a short connection lead (DB25 Male Connector one end and RJ45 Connector at the other end) which works fine, but I want to make it longer so I can run a lead out to the garage for some tests. Can I just make up a 15ft cat5 cable with a RJ45 socket on one end and a RJ45 connector at the other end and just use it as an extension lead?

Cheers, Terry

I am running tests on my Grinches right now. You may run into a problem with voltage drop.
Check out this thread goes over the problems I am having with my Grinch's. Best thing I can say is to try it and see.

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3527

piesrule58

06-26-2008, 07:14 AM

Thanks Jeff

I don't think I will have a problem with voltage drop because I have a separate 5v power supply out in the garage that will be close to the Grinch. What I want to do is extend the control chord from the Computer to the Grinch so I can leave the computer inside the house while I do some tests.

dnesci

06-26-2008, 08:17 AM

Terry

If you only need about 15 feet, it should work with a separate power supply. I'm running over 20 feet in my tests and I'm not having an issue. Long as your signal from your printer port is fairly strong (close to 5volts), it should not be an issue. Give it a try.

Don

piesrule58

06-26-2008, 06:31 PM

Thanks Guys, I will give it a try.

jeffathompson

06-26-2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks Jeff

I don't think I will have a problem with voltage drop because I have a separate 5v power supply out in the garage that will be close to the Grinch. What I want to do is extend the control chord from the Computer to the Grinch so I can leave the computer inside the house while I do some tests.

The voltage drop I am talking about is not power but signal. Mine comes out of the P Port 5.4 and by the time I get tho the third Grinch it its 3.3
Again, 15 feet isnt much so try it. If not go back and read the parts of the thread about the hex signal drivers. Thats the route I have to go.