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Cables through windows?


WiggyHD

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A lot of people will use an old computer or laptop for running the show and put it in the garage. Others, like me, have hand an electrician run a piece of conduit through the wall so the computer can stay inside.

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I had rj45 jacks put into the wall for a pass thru to outside. However with other wires (temp security cameras and such) plus using more than one LOR network I have wires running out the window in our office. I lay a towel down and run the wires out then the towel folds back over the top of the wires. Then push the window back down snug on to p of the towel. This keeps out the cold air. I also have a piece of pipe cut that wedges on the top of the window so it can't be opened.

Of course if someone wanted in they could just break the window and see what happens.;)

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Paul Roberson wrote:

I had rj45 jacks put into the wall for a pass thru to outside.

When I started I knew this hobby would continue. So I installed RJ45 jacks in both the East and West eaves of the garage:

IMG_1618.JPG

They are wired to a box next to the computer in the garage. I run the audio through the same cables. Putting them under the eaves keeps them nice and dry all year.
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Steven wrote:

Paul Roberson wrote:
I had rj45 jacks put into the wall for a pass thru to outside.

When I started I knew this hobby would continue. So I installed RJ45 jacks in both the East and West eaves of the garage:

IMG_1618.JPG

They are wired to a box next to the computer in the garage. I run the audio through the same cables. Putting them under the eaves keeps them nice and dry all year.

Sweet. I like it. Mine is basically the same except I have only one ;) and its in a weatherproof cover.
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I run my CAT5 thru (under) the window.

Actually I poked a hole thru one of those copper pipe foam insulation pieces cut to the width of the window, so when I close the window it seals out any air AND protects the cable.




Attached files 264503=14665-pipe.h1.gif

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I've got my DC-MP3 in the basement, and a hole drilled in the cement around the glass-block window where the cat-5 goes through. Although, since I'm adding 2 new outlets (circuits) this year, I may add a cat-5 outlet, too.

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Lots of great ideas! I guess I just wasn't using the "outside the box" side of my brain? My desktop is in my office in the front of the house looking over the front yard. I can put one or more of these ideas to use!

Mark

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I have the standard hole in the wall which is only for a CAT5. The computer is located in a front bedroom, cable runs thru the floor, into the basement and out the side of the house. I seal the hole with some electiral putty which keeps out the winter cold and the summer bugs.

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WiggyHD wrote:

Do most of you use the Director so you don't have to run a cable through the window? Am I missing something?

Mark


You can also cut a piece of plywood/hardwood to meet the width of your window sill.

Then you can put in jacks (like Steven's CAT connectors), or imply cut out pass throughs for your cables.

For my installation I have a single CAT5e from my pc out to thegarage, where I have a number of controllers permanently mounted, with a pvc pass through for cables leading outside. I have a ELL mounted along one of the controllers that sends the signal to a couple of others ELLS located farther out in the display, to eliminate a lot of wiring going every which way.

Bottom line, there's quite a few ways to get your signals to where you want them!

Greg
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A drill bit and some silicone can get a Cat5 cable out quickly and cheaply and seal it. I run my out some LV conduit that was already installed between the basement and the outside. You might have to splice the cable back together, but there are even quick/splice versions of that.

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Last year I had controllers (4) on a framework all in one place, conveniently placed near an unused dryer vent, so power and cat-5 used that route.

This year, much more distributed...3 groupings of controllers, and cat-5 to interconnect everything is not realistic...we're talking several hundred feet.

So...computer will be in garage, connected to one ELL...will use that to link to 3 ELLs across the property.

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jimswinder wrote:

I run my CAT5 thru (under) the window.

Actually I poked a hole thru one of those copper pipe foam insulation pieces cut to the width of the window, so when I close the window it seals out any air AND protects the cable.



I really like that idea! I'm going to use that this year. The window I use to run my cat5 under is also the window I use to attach my antenna cable (my transmitter is a card that fits inside the computer). I also have my projector hooked up to the computer and show my videos out that window. Sure beats the heck out of using a towel! :P Thanks for sharing that Jim.
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What I may do is get the mini director, and just not have to worry about things this year. I ordered one controller that I will put on the front porch behind the swing so it is out of site. Then I will have the extension cords bundled out of tripping zone. Does that make sense, or am I making too much work by running the SD card back and forth testing the sequencing?

Mark

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Linda wrote:

I really like that idea! I'm going to use that this year. Sure beats the heck out of using a towel! :D Thanks for sharing that Jim.

+1
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