Uploaded January 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Jumper leads are handy for connecting components on a breadboard, but when you need to send power or data signals from an Arduino or Raspberry Pi to components across a distance of anything more than 20cm, you need to consider a different solution.
In this video, I show the RJ45 connectors and breakout boards I use to enable you to send any arbitrary data or power connections using a standard ethernet patch cable. A Cat5 cable like that shown has 4 twisted pairs, which means there are 8 wires available - perfect for wiring an RFID reader, say, which requires 7 connections for Gnd, VCC, MISO, MOSI, SCK, SS, and Reset.
RJ45 Connector Jacks:
ebay.co.uk/itm/30-Pcs-Unshielded-RJ45-8P8C-Network-Modular-PCB-Connector-Jacks-Black-BTSZUK/281855492874
Breakout Boards (to provide pin headers with breadboard spacing):
ebay.co.uk/p/10x-Small-PCB-Rj45-8p8c-to-Screwless-Terminal-Connector-and-Breakout-Board-Kit/880263525
Jumper leads are handy for connecting components on a breadboard, but when you need to send power or data signals from an Arduino or Raspberry Pi to components across a distance of anything more than 20cm, you need to consider a different solution.
In this video, I show the RJ45 connectors and breakout boards I use to enable you to send any arbitrary data or power connections using a standard ethernet patch cable. A Cat5 cable like that shown has 4 twisted pairs, which means there are 8 wires available - perfect for wiring an RFID reader, say, which requires 7 connections for Gnd, VCC, MISO, MOSI, SCK, SS, and Reset.
RJ45 Connector Jacks:
ebay.co.uk/itm/30-Pcs-Unshielded-RJ45-8P8C-Network-Modular-PCB-Connector-Jacks-Black-BTSZUK/281855492874
Breakout Boards (to provide pin headers with breadboard spacing):
ebay.co.uk/p/10x-Small-PCB-Rj45-8p8c-to-Screwless-Terminal-Connector-and-Breakout-Board-Kit/880263525
