Task 3: Pulling and Terminating shielded CAT 5e Cabling

You can terminate and plug in the shielded CAT 5e cables prior to or after installing the HAL into the audio rack. We recommend that you install the cables and the HAL before installing the EXPs, RADs and DRs. Each of these devices has the same cable requirements; Shielded CAT 5e or better. For more details about cable requirements including recommended type, maximum length, and termination, see CAT 5e Cable Requirements.

If you’re curious how the RAD network utilizes twisted pairs within the shielded CAT 5e cable for audio transmission, data communications, and power, see the illustration and explanation. Knowing how the wires are used can be helpful when troubleshooting RAD and DR connection problems.

Following are a list of things to consider when installing the shielded CAT 5e cables:

• The maximum allowed distance between devices. EXPs, RADs, and DRs each have different maximum CAT 5e cable lengths. See the CAT 5e Cable Requirements topic referenced above.
• We recommend that you clearly label each end of each shielded CAT 5e cable you install. This makes it much easier to connect the proper shielded CAT 5e cable to the proper port on the back of the HAL and to the EXPs, RADs and DRs. It also helps guarantee that you install the proper EXP, RAD and DR in each designated location.
• Speaking of labels, you should generate and insert a label into each RAD prior to installing it. It’s possible you did this during an off-site build of the audio rack. If the audio designer did not provide you with labels, you can generate and print them yourself from within the Halogen software or you can use the default labels supplied with each RAD. See Generating Device Labels for details. If the RADs are not available yet, you can still generate the labels and insert them later. DRs do not need labels, as they have LCD screens that display their configured names.
• Most RADs require two, three, or four-gang standard switchboxes (for installation into a wall). A DR1 requires a one-gang switchbox, while a DR2 and DR3 require two-gang switchboxes. Switchboxes used for both RADs and DRs must have a minimum depth of 2 1/4" (57 mm).