Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi, I just received my Cybercommander and csrb+. Ive had my AB800 for a few years now and have lost the rj11 cable. I want to use it this weekend but obviously need the rj11 to control my AB800. Can I use a standard phone cable from the hardware store?

Yes, but not all cords are the same. You will need a 4 conductor (6 conductor will work, too) cross over cable.

Thanks for the quick reply. I dont know what that is but i will print this and take it to radio shack! :P

When you look at the little clear connectors, you will see little color coded wires that go to each of the goldish-colored contacts on the connectors. They come in at least 2, 4, and 6 wire types, which is visible just by looking at them. Cross over cables are identified by comparing the connectors. With the locking tab oriented the same way (i.e., up) the order of the wires in one connector will be reverse of the other. "Straight" cables will have the same order in both connectors. If the incorrect style of cable is used, the wires will match up to the wrong corresponding contact, and the system will not function properly.

Thank you. I went to two stores last night and bought one that did not indicate that it was cross wired. I didnt think it would work since it did not say it was cross wired. However, looking at the order of the colors after reading your response, they are in fact reversed like you describe.

Every standard four wire phone cable I know of is criss connected. You should be able to just pick up a stand male to male telephone cord anywhere . Lowes, etc and expect it to work.