dual axis motor connection? RJ45?

[theghettostylus]

Does anyone know the name of the connector on the dual axis motor drives? Is it a RJ45 plug or something else?

I'm after an extension cable so I can sit in the shed with laptop and hand box while the scope is outside.

Thanks.

Jason

[Cornelius Varley]

I think they are RJ11

[theghettostylus]

The RJ11 look more like it, went for a couple of extension cables.

Thanks for that!

[Steve Ward]

The cables needed for the motors on my EQ3-2 were RJ12's ... 

[theghettostylus]

I have cancelled the order and will go for the RJ12 as there is a review on Amazon from someone saying they used them for their celestron handset which is the same so thanks!!!!

[Steve Ward]

You'll need a couple of these too ... http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/in-line-fcc-6p6c-coupler-sn87u

[JamesF]

I've posted about this before, but it bears repeating as it can be confusing...

The "RJ" designations actually refer not only to the type of connector, but also the number of connected conductors (and in fact the purpose for which the connector is used).  There are a number of designations that include the same six-way connector (including RJ11 and RJ12), but have different numbers of pins connected.  RJ11 strictly only needs two connections but often what are advertised as RJ11 cables have four (which I think is actually RJ twenty-something).  RJ12 should have all six connected.  Sometimes you also see them listed as 6P2C (six position, two conductor), 6P4C (four conductor) or 6P6C (six conductor).

I can't recall which is required off the top of my head and I'm not sure where my handset or motors are at the moment as I've heavily modded my EQ3-2 now, but I'd have confidence in Steve's suggestion.

James

[Steve Ward]

I tried RJ11 first , against what I knew I needed , as they're cheap and easy to find being std telephone extension leads , they didn't work ... 

The cable needed is 6P6C.

[JamesF]

Hmmm, well...

I've found my handset (with my 14" mirror blank; where else?) and it only has four-pin connectors which would be 4P4C, or sometimes RJ10.  If others are also saying that RJ12 works with your motors though perhaps I've got the wrong end of the stick.

James

[Steve Ward]

Right I'm now confused myself ... mine are 4-pin too ... ?

Was certain they were RJ-12 but RJ10 looks more likely ... 

[JamesF]

Oh, I hate the RJ specification.  It has been subverted from its original use and new non-standard numbers made up to fill in gaps where there was originally no need for such a connector and it's all ended up a total mess that serves more to confuse than enlighten.

James

[JamesF]

The only cables I can find that look like they would fit are telephone handset cables which are all "curly".  I hate them because they inevitably end up getting tangled, but you can at least get them in quite decent lengths.

James

[Steve Ward]

Right ... they are RJ11 leads with 6P4C ends ... just under 10mm wide ...  RJ10 which is about 7.5 mm wide with a 4P4C end.

Found a very helpful chap on YT ... 

[Steve Ward]

The BT curly leads are 6P2C ... I think.

[JamesF]

I'll go and check mine again in the morning.  I've had a long day brewing and I'm struggling to stay awake now...

James

[JamesF]

Forgot to do this yesterday.  Other things got in the way

I've measured mine now and agree with Steve that what you need is a 6P4C.

James

[theghettostylus]

Just an update, I noticed mine were 4 pin and the RJ12's that came this morning were 6 pin but thankfully the 6pin RJ12's do indeed work so that's a nice bonus