I would like to use Dallas One Wire digital temperature sensors (model DS18B20) with Cat5E cabling to monitor temperatures in various locations in the house. To minimize total length of cable I was planning for each room to use a separate run of cable with 3-6 sensors sharing the same ground, Vin, and signal wires on that cable. The sensors are three legged. What recommendations do you guys have in terms of reliable methods for connecting each three legged sensor to a common cable and then connecting each cable up to the Arduino in the control room?
Am I best off running one cable to all sensor locations in a single room and then using an insulated splice with a short wire run soldered to each sensor or would it be better to run the cable to the first sensor and then use a mechanical connection like a screw terminal (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=090-842) to wire in the sensor and continue the wiring along to the next sensor or is a twist on wire nut a better choice? Thanks for any input.