Clear-Com HLI-FBS - Manual (Page 140)

Appendix C: Cabling reference
You can connect HBP-2X Beltpacks to the HMS-4X Main Station using:
• A wide range of standard microphone (intercom) cable types (16 AWG – 26 AWG).
• CAT5, CAT5e and CAT6 cable types.
Note: Clear-Com recommends the use of shielded twisted pair cabling.
You can also mix CAT cables and microphone cables when connecting to the HMS-4X Main Station. For
example, you might use CAT cables to trunk long distances, and flexible microphone cables to connect
HBP-2X Beltpacks to bulkheads.
Important note: The cabling information provided in this guide is for guidance only. For in-depth, tailored
advice on cabling, Clear-Com recommends that you contact your Clear-Com representative.
Interoperability
The optional interface modules (two-wire, four-wire, 10/100BaseT Ethernet and Fiber Channel) for the
HMS-4X Main Station enable interoperability with your existing communications infrastructure.
You can connect the HMS-4X Main Station to:
• Two-wire intercom systems and devices (including Encore and RTS) using standard microphone
cable (16 AWG – 26AWG).
• Four-wire intercom systems and devices (including Eclipse) using Ethernet (CAT) cable.
Tip: For more information about integrating HelixNet Partyline into your existing communications
infrastructure, see 9 Connecting to Other Intercom Systems.
Cable capacitance versus distance
Standard microphone cables impose distance limitations at their upper limits due to cable capacitance.
If your priority is audio quality, experiment with attaching one or two fewer beltpacks than the maximum
permitted (10) to each line. Your choice of topology (daisy chain, star or tree) may also impact audio
quality over distance.
Manufacturer Cable type Gauge (AWG) Style Attenuation /
100m
Belden 8760 18 Std 11 dB
Canare L-4E6S 21 Star Quad 56 dB
Belden 9451 22 Std 33 dB
Belden 1800F 24 Std 23 dB
Table 67: Cable capacitance
138 HelixNet Partyline User Guide