Assemble the RJ45 Weatherproofing and Ferrite Kit - SMART System

SMART System User Guide (Latest Software Version)

Core Product
SMART System
Accessory
SMART Software Version
1.3.9

Each SMART microphone ships with a collection of accessories that protect the microphone's Ethernet connection from the weather and help reject electromagnetic interference. The weatherproof cover also provides a screw-on connection that securely holds the Ethernet connection in place.

Before you begin

You will need the following materials:

  • The Ethernet cable (CAT 5 minimum) that you will connect to your SMART microphone.

    The cable diameter must be 5–6.5 mm to fit inside the weatherproof cover.

    The length of the Ethernet plug on the end of the cable should be approximately 21.5 mm. A plug that is too long may compromise the ability of the Weatherproofing kit to keep water out.

  • Optional: A craft knife for removing the molded cover from a commercial Ethernet cable.
  • The RJ45 Weatherproofing and Ferrite Kit that shipped with your SMART Microphone. This kit includes the following:



    1. 1x Connector Body
    2. 1x Cable Sleeve
    3. 1x Waterproof Grommet
    4. 1x End Collar
    5. 2x Cable Ties
    6. 1x Ferrite

Procedure

  1. Make sure the microphone end of your Ethernet cable fits through the end collar.
    If your cable includes a molded plastic sheath, use a craft knife to remove it and expose the bare RJ45 plug underneath. Ensure that the plug is approximately 21.5 mm in length.




  2. Thread the microphone end of your Ethernet cable through the End Collar.
  3. Install the Waterproof Grommet and Cable Sleeve in between the End Collar and the RJ45 plug.
    The plastic end collar should be about two inches along the cable from the RJ45 plug, with the internally-threaded end facing the RJ45 plug. The Waterproof Grommet should be installed next, followed by the Cable Sleeve, which is directly adjacent to the RJ45 plug. The Waterproof Grommet is shorter in axial length and wider in diameter than the Cable Sleeve.
  4. Thread the microphone end of your Ethernet cable through the Connector Body, making sure the Ethernet plug is correctly aligned.
    The Ethernet jack should protrude from the Connector Body slightly.

  5. Push the Cable Sleeve into the Connector Body, followed by the Waterproof Grommet.
    The Waterproof Grommet should be flush with the end of the Connector Body.

  6. Push the End Collar onto the Connector Body and then turn clockwise to tighten, making sure to line up the threads.
    The End Collar should tighten against the Connector Body, creating a weatherproof seal.

  7. To make sure you have assembled the cover correctly, connect the Ethernet cable to the microphone and screw the Connector Body's collar onto the microphone's threaded Ethernet port.

In the following steps, you will install the Ferrite next to the installed Ethernet Cover. Installing the Ferrite as close as possible to the microphone ensures its effectiveness. You will also install two Cable Ties to keep the ferrite in place and prevent it from knocking against the Ethernet Cover.

  1. Note: Only tighten Cable Ties enough that they stay in position on the cable. Overtightening can cause the Cable Tie to damage the Ethernet cable.
    Attach the first Cable Tie to the cable, as close as possible to the End Collar.


    The first Cable Tie creates a small gap between the Ferrite and End Collar, preventing the two from bumping together and creating noise.
  2. Position the Ferrite adjacent to the first Cable Tie and fold it together so it snaps shut around the Ethernet cable.

  3. Attach the second Cable Tie adjacent to the Ferrite to prevent it from sliding down the cable.

Results

The Ethernet cable can now be screwed onto the microphone's threaded Ethernet port using the weatherproof cable cover. The ferrite should be held firmly in place next to the cable cover using two Cable Ties.