I'd like to try my hand at adding fiber optics to my network - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kenshi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 01:09:08 pm
content: First, let me say that I realize this could be done more easily using Ethernet cables, maybe even Wifi, but I'm very curious about this and think it would be a fun learning project. I don't want to get in over my head with costs, but I've seen terminating tool kits for around $500 (they usually only do two or three types of cables for this price, but I'm okay with that), so with all said and done, I'm hoping I could get the equipment I need for about a grand. The first thing I was thinking about doing was running a cable from my house to the shed to add a Wifi repeater and get a decent connection on my phone from anywhere in the yard. Then I don't know, maybe I can find a neighbor that would like to connect.Anyway, I don't see any need for a cable that's more than two or three hundred meters long, nor ultra-high speeds since my LAN is all gigabit or less anyway. Multimode would probably be the way to go. Other than that, I've read a lot and watched plenty of Youtube videos and see that people have done this, but there isn't a lot of information on what kind of cabling would be good for someone new to it or other things that might be good to know for someone just starting out. I was hoping for some advice on how realistic my goals are (I have seen others do it at least) and something a little more specific on what kind of cabling and equipment to use.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 02:13:37 pm
content: I am also interested in DIY fiber cable. Specifically I would like to use the Blackmagic Designs ATEM Camera Converter for my video production rig.https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/atemconverters/techspecs/W-ATC-01It uses 2 x single mode with LC connector.But my problem is the premium price that is charged for "tactical cable". For portable deployment, we often have to string camera cables on the floor (and tape them down so they aren't a trip hazard). And the problem there is that optical fiber cables are rather delicate and someone stepping on one especially with a spike heel will break the cable. So "tactical grade" cables are made with outer flexible sheath to protect the fiber. But they are pricey and I would like to experiment with budget solutions. Like taking "patch cord" grade optical cable and threading it through poly tubing (like the stuff used for drip irrigation).So I would like to investigate buying bulk duplex single-mode cable and terminating those LC connectors.

author: kenshi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 07:38:47 pm
content: I wonder if you could get some of that black plastic conduit like they use to wrap wires in automobiles and just apply electrical tape where needed. That way you could buy your preterminated cables but add some toughness to them and keep them from bending sharply. Of course if you just really want to learn the stuff like me or the cables are really long, that won't be the best option, but it's a thought at least.By the way, yours is single mode, so the optical fiber part of the cord is going to be one or two microns thick. I figured multi mode would be a lot easier (plus cheaper), but hey, even single mode is cheap enough to practice on little pieces until you finally get it down.But hopefully somebody will chime in here that knows what they're talking about.