Hello all,

I'm researching how to control possibly 640 strobe or LED bundle lights
via computer.  These will go on the outside of a building.

Leaving the circuitry aside for now (PIC + whatnot), in order to keep
wiring sane I'd like to use just one cable of a commonly used type
(cheaper).

The current idea is to daisy-chain 16 together (spaced at 4' intervals)
with ethernet, using 2 pairs for transmit/receive rs-485, and the other
2 pairs for power (say 12v) and ground.  Cat-5 is available in
ruggedized outdoor, exposed-to-the-sun versions.

The AWG specified for the cables I'm looking at is 24 (pure copper).
There is no mention of how much power can go thru each wire, or pair, or
thru the RJ-45 connector for that matter.  28.6Ohms DC resistance for
1000ft is specified.

So each module will have an RJ-45 "in", and an RJ-45 "out", and 4' of
cable between.  The run from the first one to the rs-485 + power supply
inside will be longer of course (maybe 25').

I couldn't find a current-capacity for given AWG table anywhere.  Help?
Also, does this seem like a reasonable plan in general?  The data rate
required isn't high - 56Kbps should be sufficient.

Thanks for any tips!
Jesse

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