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Topic: routing Data Cable (Read 569 times) previous topic - next topic

routing Data Cable

I replaced both of my A/Cs with Atwood Air Commands. I ran a new data cable for the aft unit and used the existing data cable for the forward unit. This is a 34' and it's probably similar to the 36 footers.

I've been having trouble with the front A/C (the heat element wouldn't stay on). Anyhow, it's that original data cable. I need to run a new 4-wire cable but how?

The factory data cable exits the front A/C cavity through a pvc race that heads to the driver side. Not sure where it goes from there.
At the DuoTherm location behind the driver the cable heads up into the overhead cabinet and from there goes forward toward the front cap (weird).

There is likely no way to use this cable to pull the new one as it's clamped and taped in a number of places.

Has anyone replaced this cable? I need to run from the front A/C cavity to the thermostat which is in the same place as the old DuoTherm. Thanks.
jor
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Re: routing Data Cable

Reply #1 –
Quote from: jor –
I replaced both of my A/Cs with Atwood Air Commands. I ran a new data cable for the aft unit and used the existing data cable for the forward unit. This is a 34' and it's probably similar to the 36 footers.

I've been having trouble with the front A/C (the heat element wouldn't stay on). Anyhow, it's that original data cable. I need to run a new 4-wire cable but how?

The factory data cable exits the front A/C cavity through a pvc race that heads to the driver side. Not sure where it goes from there.
At the DuoTherm location behind the driver the cable heads up into the overhead cabinet and from there goes forward toward the front cap (weird).

There is likely no way to use this cable to pull the new one as it's clamped and taped in a number of places.

Has anyone replaced this cable? I need to run from the front A/C cavity to the thermostat which is in the same place as the old DuoTherm. Thanks.
jor

Before you go through all of that, have you tried the new data cable just from unit to unit? They rarely go bad. It's just a phone wire. You can put new ends on it, just need to get them in the right configuration.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: routing Data Cable

Reply #2 –
John,

Why not find a way to run a new phone-type-data cable from front roof air through ducted ceiling toward street-side to an opening in cabinet top corner, under cabinet floor, down to thermostat.

You could test to see if your current data cable is bad by using a temporary run of a data cable out in the room to thermostat, to see if solves your problem.

BTW, we removed the heat strip as we see no reason to use roof A/C for heat and it opened up the front of the evaporator coil for cleaning. Heat rises so we use floor heaters. The only way to cool is with roof air, so we 'save' them for cooling.

Relays on roof electronics board control heat, motor & compressor and could be the source of the problem with a loose wire connection, etc.

Re: routing Data Cable

Reply #3 –
I connected a 4 wire from the unit to the thermostat. Works fine. I am certain I have the RJ11 connectors on the original cable configured correctly so I'm thinking its must be the data cable. I can't imagine how it could go bad but...

Barry, that's my question. I could run a cable from the thermostat up into the cabinet floor and back to the frig. I guess I could get through the frig somehow but how to get from the wall to the A/C. I'll do some studying and figure something out. I'll also terminate that data cable again in case my certainty is misplaced. Thanks.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: routing Data Cable

Reply #4 –
John, I am more thinking that the drop ceiling has lots of empty space around or through the air duct. Finding a cable route will take some drilling, fishing, to get to kitchen cabinet. No need to go back to fridge. You could remove front grill from duct and look inside for guidance. Drill, poke a stiff metal rod as a fishing tool. See possibilities roof air to ceiling light to kitchen cabinet, etc.

Re: routing Data Cable

Reply #5 –
Another opinion on the use of the roof heat strips. I find them very useful. We are currently in Colorado and will be here in one spot for about 5 weeks. Highs have been as much as 50s but lows have been in the teens. We have been using the heat strips. No need to move to fill propane and on average, quieter than the furnace. We are paying for the electric, might as well use it.  We have been comfortable down to below zero for extended stays.

DWMYH

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15