The DNC-2039 Underwater Multi-Signal Bulkhead Connector provides a sealed transition through an M16x1.5 housing port for four Cat5e twisted pairs and a separate 75-ohm 3G-SDI coaxial channel.
The eight Cat5e conductors can be wired as standard Ethernet for network data, control, and compatible Power over Ethernet applications. They can also be assigned to a custom combination of low-voltage power, data, serial communication, remote control, trigger, telemetry, and sensor signals. The separate coaxial channel carries real-time 3G-SDI video up to 1080p60.
Designed to pair with the DNC-1041 cable
The DNC-2039 bulkhead and DNC-1041 underwater multi-signal cable create a configurable underwater-to-surface connection for Ethernet or custom power, data, and control wiring plus a separate 3G-SDI video path.
Key Features
- Eight configurable conductors: Four twisted pairs of 24 AWG solid copper wire.
- Separate SDI coaxial channel: Dedicated 75-ohm path for 3G-SDI video up to 1080p60.
- Standard Ethernet option: Wire all four pairs as Cat5e Ethernet for network communication and compatible PoE systems.
- Custom wiring option: Assign individual pairs to compatible power, data, serial, control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor functions.
- Open internal leads: Accessible wires allow a technician to connect the bulkhead directly to project-specific electronics inside the housing.
- Standard M16x1.5 installation: The standard DNC-2039 fits an M16x1.5 threaded port or compatible 0.625-inch (16 mm) through-hole installation.
- Custom thread options: M16, M18, M24, and M28 bulkhead versions may be available with project-specific thread pitch and thread length.
- 160 m depth rating: Rated to 240 PSI / 160 m (525 ft).
- Built-in Water Block: Helps maintain housing vacuum and limits water migration if the external cable or connection is damaged.
- Marine construction: Hard-anodized marine aluminum body with gold-plated brass contacts.
- Protective cap included: Protects the external interface when disconnected.
Flexible Multi-Signal Architecture
The DNC-2039 contains two independent electrical sections:
- Four Cat5e twisted pairs / eight conductors for standard Ethernet or custom signal allocation.
- One separate 75-ohm coaxial channel for 3G-SDI video transmission.
In a standard network installation, all four twisted pairs can be wired as Cat5e Ethernet. In a custom installation, the open internal conductors can be assigned according to the requirements of the camera, controller, sensor, power circuit, or other equipment inside the housing.
Custom Eight-Conductor Configuration
The eight conductors do not have to be used exclusively for Ethernet. A system integrator may divide the four twisted pairs among several compatible electrical functions while retaining the separate coaxial channel for SDI video.
| Bulkhead Circuit | Example Function |
|---|---|
| Twisted Pair 1 | Low-voltage DC power |
| Twisted Pair 2 | Data or serial communication |
| Twisted Pair 3 | Remote control or trigger signal |
| Twisted Pair 4 | Telemetry, sensor, or auxiliary signal |
| Separate coaxial channel | 3G-SDI video up to 1080p60 |
This allocation is an example only. The final pinout must be engineered for the connected equipment, voltage, current, signal type, grounding, transmission distance, connector ratings, and operating environment.
Standard Ethernet Configuration
When all four pairs are wired according to Cat5e requirements, the DNC-2039 can support Ethernet communication for compatible underwater IP cameras, controllers, instruments, and other network devices. The same conductors may be used in a compatible PoE system when the complete cable, pinout, power source, and underwater device are correctly designed and tested for the required power level and cable length.
3G-SDI Video Channel
The separate 75-ohm coaxial channel supports SMPTE 424M 3G-SDI at stated bit rates of 2.970 Gbit/s and 2.970/1.001 Gbit/s, with video formats up to 1080p60. The connected camera, internal coax, external cable, monitor, recorder, and other components must all support the selected SDI format.
Built-In Water Block
The DNC-2039 includes an internal Water Block designed to help maintain vacuum integrity when the housing is used with an AirLock-type vacuum system. It also helps limit water migration into the housing if an external cable is cut or the external connector interface is damaged.
The Water Block is an additional protective feature and does not replace correct installation, O-ring inspection, connector tightening, strain relief, pressure testing, or routine maintenance.
Technical Specifications
| Model | DNC-2039 |
|---|---|
| Product type | Underwater multi-signal bulkhead connector |
| Standard housing interface | M16x1.5 thread or compatible 0.625-inch (16 mm) through-hole |
| Custom thread options | M16, M18, M24, and M28 versions may be available upon request |
| Thread configuration | Thread diameter, pitch, usable length, and short- or long-thread body must be confirmed before ordering |
| Twisted-pair section | Four Cat5e twisted pairs / eight conductors |
| Conductor type | 24 AWG solid copper |
| Standard wiring option | Cat5e Ethernet, network control, telemetry, and compatible PoE |
| Custom wiring option | Compatible power, data, serial, control, trigger, telemetry, sensor, or auxiliary signals |
| Internal termination | Open leads for custom pinout and equipment integration |
| SDI channel | Separate 75-ohm 3G-SDI coaxial channel |
| Maximum stated SDI format | 1080p60 |
| SDI standard | SMPTE 424M |
| Supported SDI bit rates | 2.970 Gbit/s and 2.970/1.001 Gbit/s |
| Depth rating | 240 PSI / 160 m (525 ft) |
| Body material | Marine aluminum with hard-anodized coating |
| Contacts | Gold-plated brass |
| Water protection | Built-in Water Block |
| Included accessory | Protective cap |
| Compatible cable | DNC-1041 underwater multi-signal Cat5e and 3G-SDI cable |
Applications
- Underwater camera housings: 3G-SDI live video with Ethernet, power, data, or camera-control functions.
- ROVs and underwater robotics: Sealed multi-signal transition for cameras, controllers, telemetry, and sensors.
- Marine inspection systems: Live video plus control and auxiliary circuits through one housing port.
- Research instruments: Custom wiring for subsea cameras, sensors, triggers, and monitoring equipment.
- IP camera systems: Ethernet and compatible PoE combined with a separate SDI path when required.
- Professional video systems: Remote camera control with a separate 1080p60 SDI feed.
- Custom subsea electronics: Project-specific power, communication, control, and video integration.
Compatibility
The DNC-2039 is designed to work with the DNC-1041 underwater multi-signal Cat5e and 3G-SDI cable .
Before ordering, confirm:
- The housing port diameter, thread pitch, thread length, and wall thickness
- The available internal clearance and bulkhead thread length
- Whether the four pairs will carry standard Ethernet or custom signals
- The required conductor-to-pin assignment
- Voltage, current, polarity, grounding, and expected voltage drop
- The SDI video format and connected equipment
- The external cable length and required operating depth
Available Thread Options
The standard DNC-2039 configuration uses an M16x1.5 thread. Custom bulkhead bodies may also be available for M16, M18, M24, and M28 housing ports.
Thread diameter alone is not enough to confirm compatibility. Each order must specify the exact thread pitch, usable thread length, housing wall thickness, internal clearance, and whether a short-thread or long-thread configuration is required. Security-nut configurations may be available for compatible through-hole installations.
| Thread Size | Availability |
|---|---|
| M16x1.5 | Standard DNC-2039 configuration |
| M16 custom version | Available upon request; exact pitch and length must be specified |
| M18 custom version | Available upon request; exact pitch and length must be specified |
| M24 custom version | Available upon request; exact pitch and length must be specified |
| M28 custom version | Available upon request; exact pitch and length must be specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all eight conductors have to be used for Ethernet?
No. The connector provides eight conductors arranged as four Cat5e twisted pairs. They can be wired as standard Ethernet or assigned to compatible low-voltage power, data, serial, remote control, trigger, telemetry, sensor, or auxiliary functions.
Can the connector carry custom signals and SDI simultaneously?
Yes. The custom functions use the four-pair section, while 3G-SDI uses a separate 75-ohm coaxial channel. All signals and the final pinout must be verified for compatibility before deployment.
Can it be used for standard Ethernet and PoE?
Yes, when all four pairs are wired according to the required Ethernet and PoE standards. Cable length, power budget, voltage drop, connector contact resistance, and device requirements must be evaluated and tested.
Is the standard DNC-2039 compatible with M16x1 ports?
No. The standard version is specified for M16x1.5. M16x1 and M16x1.5 have different thread pitches and are not interchangeable. A custom M16 version may be available when the exact pitch and required thread length are provided before ordering.
Can the connector be ordered with a different thread size?
Yes. Custom M16, M18, M24, and M28 versions may be available. Provide the exact thread diameter, pitch, usable length, housing wall thickness, and internal-clearance requirements for compatibility review.
What is the purpose of the open internal wires?
The open leads allow the installer to connect each conductor directly to the required camera, controller, sensor, power circuit, or other electronic interface inside the housing using a project-specific pinout.
What does the Water Block do?
The built-in Water Block helps maintain vacuum integrity and limits water migration toward the housing interior if the external cable or connection is damaged. It does not replace correct installation and pressure testing.
Important Installation Notes
- Confirm the exact thread diameter, pitch, usable length, and housing wall thickness before installation.
- Inspect the O-rings, threads, sealing surfaces, protective cap, and connector body before every deployment.
- Follow the specified installation torque and sealing procedure for the housing.
- When pairs are repurposed, do not identify or connect the assembly as standard Ethernet or PoE unless the final wiring meets the applicable requirements.
- Never connect custom-wired leads to standard Ethernet equipment until the complete pinout has been verified.
- Verify voltage, current, voltage drop, polarity, grounding, insulation, contact ratings, and signal compatibility before applying power.
- Evaluate interference and crosstalk when power, data, and control signals share the four-pair section.
- Provide suitable internal and external strain relief.
- Test every signal, the power circuit, SDI video, vacuum integrity, and waterproof sealing before underwater use.
Custom wiring notice: Submit the required pinout, voltage, current, signal types, housing port, internal connection, external cable, and operating depth before ordering a custom DNC-2039 configuration.
