What type of cable to use from actuator to V Box

[John Popper]

I just bought a VBOX 6 but the motor input is quite small for the classic satellite ribbon cable which is quite thick, does anyone know what cable I can use as replacement?

 

[Swamp_Rat]

I use regular sprinkler wire. I think it is 7 strand. Works fine.

 

[putney]

I use a 5 wire 18ga doorbell/intercom wire. No problem at 50'.

 

[FaT Air]

I just soldered s piece of 18 gauge to the end of the ribbon cable. Long enough so that I could fasten the ribbon down so as not to pull the 18 ga motor wires out of the terminals.

 

[John Popper]

thanks folks, now one question, can I use these irrigation wires for the sensor inputs as well?

 

[FaT Air]

I'd try it at least. But if recalibration is necessary often, I'd switch to a shielded wire. ground the shield at the dish/motor only. Do not ground the shield at both ends.

 

[eurosport]

I use sprinkler/irrigation wire, like from Lowes or Home Depot, for the motor and sensor wires. The dish has been there over a year (my 7.5 footer) and no recalibration has been needed...
The DSR-920 stops it right on the bird, every bird, every time. :up

 

[crossbow]

I just bought a VBOX 6 but the motor input is quite small for the classic satellite ribbon cable which is quite thick, does anyone know what cable I can use as replacement?

Im using about 50 ft of cat5 6 conductor 24guage with 2 pairs paralleled for the motor current and the remaining pair for the reed sensor. Yes its a little light but works great with a HARL 3618 actuator and Gbox.

 

[John Popper]

I bought 16 Gauge cable because they didn't have 18 Gauge at the place I go to buy my stuff. Im also using phone cable for the sensor, both are working perfectly! thanks for the suggestions folks

 

[electrosat]

I had the same question as OP. I'm thinking about using 7 conductor 18 gauge sprinkler wire and running two wires in parallel for each motor lead and two wires for the sensor. That still leaves me with one wire for a "drain" to ground on the motor side and leave unconnected at the receiver end.

 

[Blindowl1234]

I use 4 conductor solid telephone wire that I had left on a small spool, I buried it in PVC pipe in the ground last year....no problems so far....Blind