RapidRun




RapidRun Cabling System FAQs
February 2008


  • What kind of connector is that?
      • This is a proprietary circular DIN-style connector. This connector is used solely for RapidRun products.
  • Can I get custom lengths?
      • Custom-lengths are available for analog Runners, but are significantly more expensive. These are built in our Dayton, Ohio production facility. The most efficient solution is to use the next closest stock length for a run. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of digital video we cannot make custom length digital Runners, as these are made in our factory under very tight control.
  • What about plenum jackets?
      • Runners for the analog system (Blue and Yellow) are available in all lengths. These have a CMP rating. Unfortunately at this time, we are aware of no HDMI cable manufacturer that can make plenum rated material.
  • Do you have any splitters or amps with that connector?
      • Not at this time. If an amp or splitter is required for a particular application, the user can attach a Break-Away with the necessary connections on it.
  • Can I join two Runners together for an extreme long length?
      • Couplers are available, however extreme lengths should be avoided. Short extension cables are also available. Please note that video source equipment and cable length will play a part in the quality of the video image on the display. Be aware of the limitations of your equipment and the affect of the additional cable on the picture quality of your display.
  • How is the connector terminated?
      • The conductors of the cable are soldered securely to the DIN connector. This is standard practice for factory-assembled cables, and results in a high-performance, highly stable connection.
  • Is this CL2 or CL3 rated?
      • The Runners use a CL2-rated jacket, which is suitable for installation into walls and ceilings of residential applications. An installer should always check with local building codes regarding cable jackets & installation practices.
  • How large of a conduit can I put it in?
      • 3/4” conduit, with a 90-degree sweep. Conduit can be field-bent, or come as a factory sweep.
  • How long of a cable can I have?
      • Normal signal length recommendations apply. For standard definition analog A/V (composite, S-video, YPbPr) signals, lengths often exceed 200 feet. The longest runners that will be stocked are 150-footers. See the cable length “rules of thumb” in Appendix A
  • What about M1/USB?
      • Break-Away pigtails for M1 & DVI-A are available. At this time, the M1 solution supports video only, as USB is sensitive to length restrictions, and would also result in a thicker cable than can be used with the current DIN connectors.
  • Is there a runner for network cabling?
      • Not at this time. Future RapidRun developments may allow for data networking, IR control, RS-232, or other forms of communication.
  • Does it support Hi-Def?
      • Yes. The analog system supports VGA & YPbPr analog video, both of which support HD resolutions (up to and including 1080p). Length considerations should always be taken into account. The digital system supports all HD resolutions carried by HDMI, including 1080p.
  • What’s the maximum resolution?
      • These are built to support UXGA resolutions, which include 1600x1200 and 1920 x 1080 (WUXGA).
  • How thick does the wall need to be to hold the wallplate? Do I need a special J-Box?
      • The Break-Away wallplate takes up the same space as a standard electrical outlet/junction box. It fits into either plastic or metal single-gang box, or into a mud ring/Arlington bracket. A metal box is preferred.
  • What kind of faceplate do the wallplates use?
      • Any standard decorative style faceplate (such as Leviton’s Decora™) faceplate can be used.
  • Can I join different Break-Aways?
      • There is a limited amount of interoperability—HD15 to 5 BNC, HD15 to 3 RCA, for instance. Keep in mind that there is no signal conversion occurring within the RapidRun cable. An S-video signal can’t be converted into composite, nor VGA into component. Conversions like these would have to occur by using a separate active device.
  • I want a wallplate on one end, and a pigtail on the other end—will this work?
      • Yes, that will work fine. The type of termination can vary—wallplate/wallplate, flying lead/flying lead, flying lead/wallplate.
  • Do you sell the RapidRun connectors separately?
      • No, RapidRun is sold as completed assemblies only There are no immediate plans to make the raw connectors available.
  • My Break-Away doesn’t fit my Runner!! It’s broken!!
      • Make certain that the user isn’t trying an illegal combo—i.e. blue termination with a yellow runner, or vice versa.
  • Can I run the RapidRun alongside AC power?
      • That is not a good idea no matter what kind of AV cabling is being installed. Best practices indicate that at least low-voltage communication cables should be separated from AC power lines by at least 6 inches of space. If they must intersect, do so at a right angle.
  • I’m connecting speakers. Can I use the RapidRun system, and adapt the RCAs to Banana Plugs?
      • Not at this time. RapidRun uses thin conductors for low-voltage signals, and is not suitable for speaker-level signals.
  • Can use the HD15 on one end, and the 3 RCA on the other end?
      • Yes, in certain applications. There is no signal conversion, though. This should only be used for a YPbPr component video application. For instance, many projectors use an HD15 input for YPbPr.
  • Your terminology is confusing. What are the different Runners called?
      • UXGA, coded yellow (3 Coax, 3 TP, 1P), 5 Mini-coax, coded blue and the Digital Runner coded red.
  • You used to sell Break-Apart VGA cables. Where are they?
      • The Break-Apart VGA cables are obsolete, and have been replaced by RapidRun. RapidRun offers a more complete solution than the old Break-Apart VGA cables.
  • Are these compatible with your old Break-Apart VGA cables?
      • No. They use different connector types.
  • Are these compatible with XXXXX brand cabling systems?
      • No. RapidRun is an innovative, proprietary solution. There is not a generic equivalent.
  • Is the coax RG59 or RG6?
      • RapidRun uses 75-Ohm Minicoax conductors, ideal for analog video & audio signals.
  • Can I run RF signals over this, and adapt RCAs to F-type?
      • No, the mini-coax is too small for effective RF transport. Separate RG6 coax should be installed for satellite or terrestrial TV signals.
  • What are the wire gauges used?
      • UXGA cable—3x 28 AWG mini-coax, 3x 24 AWG twisted pairs, and 1x 24 AWG pair.
      5 Mini-coax—5x 28 AWG mini-coax.
      Digital—4-24AWG shielded twisted pairs with drain wire for TMDS, 24AWG tinned copper sync and return lines
  • I need an HD15 female—do you make that pigtail?
      • No, but the Break-Away wallplate has an HD15 female, though. If the pigtail connector must be female, an HD15 slimline gender changer/coupler can be used as a workaround.
  • Do you have a wallplate in XXXX color?
      • Wallplates are currently available in white, ivory, and black.. Stainless steel plates should be available in the near future..
  • Is pin 9 missing on the VGA pigtail?
      • Yes. Pin 9 is missing on HD15 pigtails. The corresponding pin on the Runner cable is not connected.
  • What about XLR, or ¼” connections?
      • Pro audio connections are in the planning stages, however no firm ETA has been established.
  • How strong is the pulling eye?
      • Pulling force should not exceed 30 pounds. The pulling ring is designed to fail at this force, in order to protect the connector terminations. If stronger pulling force is needed, a pulling aid that attaches to the wire itself (such as a Kellum grip)should be used.
  • Who needs the RapidRun system?
      • Hotels, banquet centers, exhibition halls, convention centers, training rooms, presentation areas, houses of worship, conference rooms, classrooms, high-end home theater installations, auditoriums, transportation terminals, retail stores, etc.
      ANYWHERE WHERE A/V OR VGA SIGNALS NEED TO GO A LONG DISTANCE, THROUGH A SMALL SPACE, AND WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF TERMINATION WORK!!!