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Power over Ethernet (PoE) basics and beyond

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257 points voxadam | 2 comments | 16 Oct 25 14:09 UTC | HN request time: 0.604s | source
1. le-mark ◴[22 Oct 25 11:43 UTC] No.45667614[source]▶
Can anyone comment on what VEX robotics kits do with POE? Their controller box connects to motors via cat5 (they call them “smart cables”)which carry’s power, pwm, and encoder data. I don’t think it’s carrying ethernet but could be? Any sources for more info would be appreciated!
replies(1): >>45673928 #
2. lawik ◴[22 Oct 25 19:24 UTC] No.45673928[source]▶
It seems to be RJ11 and they might be spec:ed slightly differently (thicker leads?) to power motors. I get the impression it is mainly to control what can be used in competitions.

This was what I found from skimming around: https://www.robotevents.com/V5RC/2018-2019/QA/35

I doubt it is Ethernet at all, so it wouldn't be Power-over-Ethernet. Just some useful connectors and wires making for an appropriate cable. Also seems like you can make your own perfectly fine. Or they might melt. I suppose try it.