Step 0 : Introduction

Being a newbie to Computer controlled lights myself, I have found the howto's very useful. So here's a little something that I can give back to the community. I know nothing about programming, or soldering, or about electricity in general.....BUT, I do know quite a bit about networking and running cable. This howto will give you an inside look into CAT5 and RJ45 and everything in between.

Step 1 : CAT5


CAT5 cable is generally used to connect computers together on a network. CAT5 also has a few other common names.....

ethernet cable
CAT5e
CAT6
Patch cable
Network cable

i may explain the more detailed things, if anyone would find it helpful, but for this community and how its being utilized, it doesn't matter too much.

what you do need to know is that it has 4 twisted pairs (total of 8) wired inside.

Step 2 : RJ45


RJ45 is simply the plastic boot or connector that is attached to the ends of the CAT5 cable. It is similar what you would plug into a phone...but fatter.

Step 3 : TOOLS


The tool you need to attach an RJ45 boot or connector to the end of a CAT5 cable is a crimper. i got mine a Fry's electronics almost 2 years ago and i never had a bad cable....well not due to the crimper, i just mixed up a wire. (more on that later).

Step 4 : DISCLAIMER

Before we begin. please read the following......I make no warranties or guaranties or promises with anything you do or attempt to do or think about doing by reading the rest of this howto. I am not responsible in any way for the mistakes you make or the mistakes you will most likely make. also I am not liable for any of the possible consequences of any kind as a result of your mistakes and all mistakes you will ever make with making cable or any other aspects of your entire life. I can't control your actions nor would i ever want to. This is simply listing the steps I take to make network cable that I use personally in my own home, for my own personal uses. I hold no certifications or degrees and I am not to be considered an authority on this subject, even though i probably know more than you do. i'm just a simple man who looked it up online and started doing it....and it worked....so far. good luck.