F.A.Q - frequently asked questions:

There are some typical questions that occur frequently regarding our CatCore systems. Of course we`re happy to help personally, but also would like to inform you about some topics in advance.

Where can I buy CatCore?

CatCore is dirtributed in Germany by the manufacturer itself, as well as by Trius in Ibbenburen and Fischer-Vertriebsgesellschaft in Bremen. We have several foreign distributors, and will be happy to help forwarding your request.

Why don`t you have a CatCore onlineshop?

Wa feature a wide portfolio, and want to feature the best counseling for you. Therefor we prefer a direct contact to avoid any open questions.

Which cabletype shall I use for CatCore?

in General all Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6 and Cat7 cables are suitable for out CatCore AUdio/DMX Extenders. Technical properties are quite well defined compared to microphone cables, and build a reliable basis. For proper working a double ended shielding is recomended. Otherwise phantom power will not work and shielding against external interference can be degraded. A disconnected shield disables any ground loop, which may be an advantage in some situations (Noise, hum). A general advice regarding grounding can not be given, but from our point of view its more easy to interrupt an existing ground (with adapter e.g.) instead of creating one afterwards.

Does CatCore cause latencies?

No. CatCore is a simple adapter, that doesn`t change the signal, read or use the signal other than any else cable. That`s why signals are transmitted without any delay or phase shift.

Does catCore alter frequency response?

No. CatCore just uses another cable type instead of conventional DMX or Microphone cable. Cat cable will even outperform some cable types, as its transmission quality is standardized and defined with 100 Ohms wave resistance. So there shouldn`t be any difference to your systems used up to date.

Can I use phantom power with CatCore?

Yes! Phantompower is applied to the signal wires only, not to common ground. So there is no influence on other channels. Please bear in mind, that a gnd connection is reqired! (which is recommended for audio applications anyway)

How long can I run my cables?

Depends! As Signals differ in frequency and level no general state can be made. Basically Cat cables equal or even exceed transmission quality of DMX and audio lines, as the wave resistance is defined at 100 Ohms. Analogue Audio and DMX can be sent over hundreds of meters.
Mesasurments with digital AES/EBU-signals over Ethernet cables returned the following results:
48kHz appx. 300m
96 khz appx. 100-150m
192 kHz appx. 100m
DMX could be sent up to 800m even without termination.
As technical specs of sender, transmitter and cable may vary these informations can only be used as guideline, but can not be guaranteed.

Can I mix up different signals within one CatCore universe?

Yes, but... Basically it`s possible, but not recommended. Different signals use diferent waveforms and levels. Whilst a microphone signal runs at few millivolts paek, a DMX-Line can handle up to 12 Volt, a call button on your clearcom even causes peaks up to 30 Volts.
CatCore components may easily handle these voltages, but connected devices may take serious damage. Just imagine a digital DMX signal plugged into a microphone input at full gain and PA connected - strange noise before big silence...

Can I include CatCore into my IT Network?

No! CatCore just uses RJ45 cables, but doesnt match any structures of network technologies. Just imagine a hose you can either use for water or compressed air. You won`t use water to fill your tire, and can`t use the air to water your garden, though it`s the same hose. That`s why CatCore must not be used with networking equipment as switches or routers. Just as you won`t have a water clock in your compressed air system...

Is there a difference if my lines are wired according to Type "A" or "B" standard?

No. As long as the connection on both ends has the same pinout, which is self evident with all pre-fabricated cables. There are no changes except pairs change their position physically within the cable. In fixed istallations it is recommended to announce a standard in advance to avoid later problems. For new installations standard "A" wiring is recommended.

Why do you have DMX boxes with link?

Good aspect - you really create a y-split whenever you use one output in a box that`s linked through! As DMX is recommended to be daisy-chained this is something "wrong". Yes and no - if you only use short outlets e.g. to feed a dimmer or a local booster you won`t face any problems as DMX is a quite tolerant bus system. So the Cat link has some practical background. Just know what you`re doing with it.

Is the whole CatCore family compatible within itself?

Yes! All CatCore-components use the same pinout - according to TIA568 A. So all boxes can be linked in every combination. We can not guarantee compatibility to other manufacturers, but will be happy to help verifying whether your product matches our pinout.

How do colors and channels match at our split snaks?

Basically network wires are color coded according to ancient telephone wire codes made by AT&T. Standard colors are white-orange/orange, white-blue/blue, white-green/green, white-brown/brown. Assignments color/channel are defined in TIA 568 A/B, but according to you preference of A/B standard colors and channels may vary. So we decided to make an memory hook with RGBW - known from video and LED - abbreviation for "Red/Green/Blue/White". As it`s mor easy to differ in low light environment "blue" was changed to "black".

So back to trainig - which were the basic colors within a network cable? Awww... difficult to remember. But RGBW - you even knew it before, did`t you?