Comfort Automation/ Security System Forums

What type of cable do I need to wire a keypad to Comfort?
Cable shielded (S/UTP), pair shielded (STP), or both (S/STP)?
Does the shielding need to be terminated to common? At one end or at both?
Thanks.

STP

Also it is better if it is stranded
soild drawn cable tends to snap when terminated under screws
we use a belden equiv. of 9504 (i think that\'s the number, its a 4 pair screened cable) rather than cat5/6, its more flexible and easier to terminate in the keypad and panel

A foil wrapped cable....,
You can get foil wrapped alarm cable or and FUTP CAT5 or 6.


We have come across many comfort installations with NO additional sheething on the keypad/doorphone, in a majority of cases there has been little or no effect on the quality of the voice.
I WOULD HOWEVER ALWAYS RECOMMEND THE USE OF A FOIL WRAPPED CABLE.

BTW this was also asked at:
http://www.comfortforums.com/view_topic.php?id=1495&forum_id=1&highlight=STP

Thanks for your responses.

I have read that with some types of cable, it\'s recommended to bond the insulation to ground. Does that apply in this instance?

My reason for asking is that I am currently testing a keypad with FTP cable (I bought the wrong one), and am hearing interference in the form of clicking from the keypad.

Yes it is best to connect the shield to ground on Comfort

You should also keep the keypad cable away from any noise source like mains cables

But what sort of clicking are you hearng? where could it be coming from

[user=86]ident[/user] wrote:

Quote:Yes it is best to connect the shield to ground on Comfort

You should also keep the keypad cable away from any noise source like mains cables

But what sort of clicking are you hearng? where could it be coming from

Thanks. I have ordered the proper STP cable, so will make sure this is connected to ground when I rewire it.
In the meantime, the FTP cable that I am currently using for testing is far away from any mains cables. The interference comes from the keypad speaker whenever it is active. I have attached a sound recording. It happens all of the time, but is best heard in isolation towards the end of the recording. I wonder whether it could be cross-talk between the pairs?

I cannot play the file Error message says Windows Media Player does not support it or the file is damaged

[user=86]ident[/user] wrote:

Quote:I cannot play the file Error message says Windows Media Player does not support it or the file is damaged

It was recorded using my iPhone. It plays fine on my Mac.
On a PC, try opening it with VLC Media Player or iTunes.