codamedia Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 For anyone that owns a Variax VDI Cable from Line 6 (or @psarkissian)....I have a question about the RJ45 connectors used. (this is not a question about the Neutrik Ethercons used) Do they use a shielded RJ45 connector (plastic with metal shield) or an unshielded RJ45 connector (just plastic)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I just checked my Line 6 VDI .... the RJ45 disappears into the housing, but as far as its exposed there is no metal shielding; its plastic only. I didn't take it apart to dig deeper, but I'm guessing its unshielded all the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 If it's not shielded at the connector, then chances are it is tied at the cable to the Canon casing, and that would set up a chassis ground. That would be a typical AES standard for such a cable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I've built several VDI cables of different lengths for stage (non Workbench) use using plastic, unshielded RJ45s with Neutrik Ethercons. Four lines tied end to end (power, ground; data +, data -), with no shielding. They've always worked OK for me.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codamedia Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 On 2/10/2021 at 6:44 PM, soundog said: I've built several VDI cables of different lengths for stage (non Workbench) use using plastic, unshielded RJ45s with Neutrik Ethercons. That is what I've done with standard Cat5e and they work fine but I hated the feel of the cable. This time I bought some flex soft shielded cat5e and didn't know if I needed to connect the shield or not. I knew the non shielded ends worked so that's what I put on for now... and it does work great. On your Line 6 VDI cable.... do you know if there is continuity between the two Ethercons? (which would suggest they are connected to the shield) On 2/10/2021 at 1:01 PM, psarkissian said: If it's not shielded at the connector, then chances are it is tied at the cable to the Canon casing, and that would set up a chassis ground. That would be a typical AES standard for such a cable. Since you are the official Variax Doctor with Line 6.... I have to admit I find it a little surprising that you are "speculating" as to how a Line 6 VDI cable is actually constructed. Spec is spec... but "If" and "Chances are" do not instill confidence :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I haven't cut a cable open to do dissections on one. As far as speculations,... we like using and complying with AES and IEEE standards (both groups of which I am a long time member), since that is commonly used and makes for good compatibility with other audio devices. There are only so many ways to do a good chassis ground, and I know how they do thinks around here, so it's a good speculation. But since you bring it up, I'll see what I can find in the specs for the cable. Thanks for bringing that up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 @codamedia -- i just checked my VDI cable; there is no continuity between the connectors. I tested on the bare metal screws that go into the housing on each end. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 From what I see in the drawings, that sounds about right. Ground leads are dealt with in the guitar and the device at the other end. It complies with FCC codes. The guitar and the devices they connect have chassis grounds as is normal for audio devices. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codamedia Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 3 hours ago, soundog said: @codamedia -- i just checked my VDI cable; there is no continuity between the connectors. I tested on the bare metal screws that go into the housing on each end. That sounds like I've built an equivalent then... I don't think I need to worry about it any further :) Thanks for checking... I do appreciate it. @psarkissian... thanks for the info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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