The DNC-1041 Underwater Multi-Signal Combo Cable combines eight Cat5e conductors arranged as four twisted pairs with a separate 75-ohm 3G-SDI coaxial channel in one 250 ft (76 m) marine cable assembly.
The four twisted pairs can be wired as standard Cat5e 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.
Flexible multi-signal architecture
Use all four twisted pairs for standard Ethernet, or create a custom pinout that divides the eight conductors among several compatible power, data, and control functions. A separate coaxial channel remains available for 3G-SDI video.
Key Features
- Eight configurable conductors: Four Cat5e twisted pairs are available for Ethernet or project-specific signal allocation.
- Separate 3G-SDI channel: Dedicated 75-ohm coaxial line supports real-time video up to 1080p60.
- Standard Ethernet option: Use the four pairs as a conventional Cat5e network connection.
- Compatible PoE applications: The Cat5e section can carry network data and power when the complete system is correctly designed for PoE.
- Custom wiring option: Assign individual pairs to compatible low-voltage power, data, serial communication, remote control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor signals.
- Open-ended integration: Accessible conductors allow technicians and system integrators to create a project-specific pinout.
- Long-distance deployment: 250 ft (76 m) cable length for underwater-to-surface installations.
- 75 m depth rating: Designed for underwater operation down to 75 m (246 ft).
- Marine construction: PVC jacket with nickel-plated marine-grade brass connector components.
- Custom options: Other lengths and connector configurations may be available upon request.
Two Independent Signal Sections
The DNC-1041 contains two separate signal sections inside one underwater cable:
- Four twisted pairs / eight conductors: Available for standard Cat5e Ethernet or a custom combination of compatible electrical functions.
- One 75-ohm coaxial channel: Dedicated to 3G-SDI video transmission up to 1080p60.
In a standard network installation, all four twisted pairs can be wired as Cat5e Ethernet for data, camera control, telemetry, and compatible PoE. In a custom installation, the open conductors can be assigned according to the requirements of the connected underwater equipment.
Custom Eight-Conductor Configuration
The eight Cat5e conductors do not have to be used exclusively for Ethernet. A system integrator may assign individual twisted pairs to different compatible functions. For example, one pair may carry low-voltage DC power, another pair may carry data, and the remaining pairs may be used for remote control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor signals.
| Cable Section | Example Assignment |
|---|---|
| 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 designed for the connected equipment, voltage, current, signal type, transmission distance, grounding method, connector ratings, and operating environment.
Open-Ended Cable and Bulkhead Integration
The open-ended cable configuration provides access to the individual conductors so the assembly can be terminated for a project-specific pinout. This is useful when an underwater system requires several different electrical functions but standard Ethernet wiring is not required.
A compatible open-ended bulkhead connector, such as the DNC-2039 Cat5e and 3G-SDI bulkhead connector , provides access to the conductors inside the underwater housing or pressure enclosure. The internal wires can then be connected to a camera, controller, sensor, power circuit, serial interface, trigger input, or other compatible electronics.
Typical System Configurations
Standard Ethernet and SDI
- Four twisted pairs wired as Cat5e Ethernet
- Optional compatible PoE for network data and device power
- Separate coaxial channel for 3G-SDI video
Custom Power, Data, Control, and SDI
- Selected twisted pair or pairs assigned to compatible low-voltage power
- Selected pair assigned to data or serial communication
- Remaining pairs assigned to control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor signals
- Separate coaxial channel assigned to 3G-SDI video
Technical Specifications
| Model | DNC-1041 |
|---|---|
| Cable type | Underwater multi-signal Cat5e and 3G-SDI combo cable |
| Cable length | 250 ft (76 m) |
| Depth rating | 75 m (246 ft) |
| Twisted-pair section | Four Cat5e twisted pairs / eight conductors |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Outer diameter | 11 mm |
| Outer jacket | PVC |
| Connector material | Nickel-plated marine-grade brass |
| Maximum stated pulling tension | 400 N |
| Termination | Open-ended configuration for custom pinout and system integration |
| Compatible bulkhead | DNC-2039 or another approved compatible connector |
| Custom lengths | Available upon request |
Applications
- Underwater camera systems: SDI live video with Ethernet, power, data, or control functions.
- ROVs and underwater robotics: Multiple electrical functions routed between a vehicle and surface station.
- Marine inspection: Live video, equipment control, telemetry, and auxiliary signals for hull, dock, tank, and offshore inspection.
- Research equipment: Connections for underwater cameras, sensors, triggers, instruments, and control electronics.
- Aquaculture and aquarium monitoring: Video, data, control, and compatible power distribution through one cable.
- Broadcast and live production: 3G-SDI video with separate conductors available for camera control or auxiliary functions.
- Custom subsea electronics: Project-specific wiring when a standard Ethernet-only cable is too restrictive.
PoE and Custom Power Considerations
The four twisted pairs can be used in a compatible Power over Ethernet system when wired according to the required Ethernet and PoE standards. They may also be assigned to a custom low-voltage power circuit when the complete system is engineered for that purpose.
Actual performance depends on:
- Source voltage and available current
- Power consumption of the underwater device
- Cable length and conductor resistance
- Connector and bulkhead contact resistance
- Voltage drop under maximum load
- Grounding, polarity, and return-path design
- Compatibility between power and adjacent signal circuits
Calculate the complete power budget and verify the voltage at the underwater device before deployment. Do not assume that every PoE, PoE+, PoE++, or custom power device will operate over the full cable length without system-level testing.
Compatibility and Ordering Information
Before ordering, confirm:
- The required connector style and gender at both ends
- The bulkhead thread and available installation space
- Whether the four pairs will carry Ethernet or custom signals
- The required conductor-to-pin assignment
- Voltage, current, polarity, grounding, and expected voltage drop
- Data, control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor interface requirements
- The SDI equipment and required video format
- The required operating depth and cable length
Contact Dive And See with your equipment list, wiring diagram, required pinout, operating depth, and cable length when requesting a custom assembly.
Related Product Categories
- Underwater Ethernet cables
- Underwater multi-signal combo cables
- Underwater SDI cables
- Underwater bulkhead connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all eight conductors have to be used for Ethernet?
No. The Cat5e section contains eight conductors arranged as four twisted pairs. They can be wired as standard Ethernet or assigned to other compatible functions such as low-voltage power, data, serial communication, remote control, trigger, telemetry, or sensor signals.
Can the cable carry Ethernet and custom signals at the same time?
A custom design may use selected pairs for communication and other pairs for auxiliary functions. Reassigning pairs may prevent the connection from operating as standard Ethernet or PoE, so the final pinout must be designed and tested for the intended equipment.
Does custom pair allocation affect the SDI channel?
The 3G-SDI signal uses a separate 75-ohm coaxial channel. The eight Cat5e conductors and the SDI coaxial channel are separate sections within the same cable assembly.
Can the DNC-1041 carry power to an underwater device?
The twisted pairs can be used for compatible PoE or a properly engineered custom low-voltage power circuit. The system designer must verify current, voltage drop, polarity, conductor allocation, connector ratings, and device requirements before applying power.
What video signal does the coaxial channel support?
The stated maximum format is 3G-SDI 1080p60. The camera, connectors, bulkhead, monitor, recorder, and all other equipment must support the selected SDI format.
Is the DNC-1041 a complete underwater camera system?
No. The DNC-1041 is a cable assembly. Cameras, bulkheads, surface network equipment, power supplies, monitors, recorders, and other components are sold separately unless specifically included in the selected configuration.
Can Dive And See provide a custom pinout?
Custom lengths, connector configurations, and conductor assignments may be available. Provide the required voltage, current, signals, pinout, operating depth, and connected equipment when requesting a custom cable.
Important Installation Notes
- Inspect the jacket, connectors, O-rings, sealing surfaces, and strain relief before every deployment.
- Fully tighten compatible waterproof connector coupling nuts by hand. Do not use pliers unless required by the connector instructions.
- When pairs are repurposed, do not identify or connect the cable as standard Ethernet or PoE unless the final wiring still meets the applicable requirements.
- Never connect a custom-wired cable to standard Ethernet equipment until the complete pinout has been verified.
- Verify voltage, current, voltage drop, polarity, grounding, insulation, connector ratings, pair assignment, and signal compatibility before applying power.
- Evaluate possible interference and crosstalk when power, data, and control signals share the four-pair section.
- Provide proper strain relief at the underwater equipment and surface station.
- Do not exceed the specified bend radius or pulling-tension limit.
- Do not use the cable to lift equipment unless the complete assembly has been specifically approved for that mechanical load.
- Test every signal, the power circuit, the SDI video path, and all waterproof connections before submerging the equipment.
Custom wiring notice: Submit the required pinout, voltage, current, signal types, connector configuration, cable length, and operating depth before ordering a custom DNC-1041 assembly.
