[Elecraft] W-2 Cable Question

[Jim Brown]

On 5/15/2025 7:10 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> The W2 uses the eight wires for individual signals, unlike ethernet. But, at the low analog signaling it uses, there really is no reason not to use a short ethernet patch cable.

Hi Jack,

What's the form of signal on those 8 conductors? Power, DC from sensors, 
or RF? If data, which conductors carry that data?

Jack knows this, for for those reading the mail, structured cable like 
CAT5 and later versions consists of four transmission lines, with each 
pair having a different twist-ratio (in cable mfr world, called the 
"lay") to minimize crosstalk between pairs.

Because they're twisted pairs and because their twist ratios are fairly 
high, they have FAR greater rejection of noise and other signals than 
ribbon cable, and I suspect that they also have greater bandwidth. But 
to function as a transmission line, they must be wired as transmission 
lines.

And if that ribbon cable is carrying DC, it may have larger gauge 
conductors, for lower loss at DC.

73, Jim K9YC