mjfe2
Joined: 11/10/09
Posts: 504
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
#987479 - 15/05/12 07:37 AM
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I've been having problems with an SPDIF connection that uses a hifi phono cable (dropouts
etc.) so I decided to make my own from some foil-screened twin cable I found lying around
(Canford FST-F). I've bought Neutrik RCA connectors, so all the components are quality.
Is there anything I need to be careful with when making this cable and what do I do with
the second unused core?
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Hugh Robjohns
SOS Technical Editor
Joined: 25/07/03
Posts: 18540
Loc: Worcestershire
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: mjfe2]
#987493 - 15/05/12 08:20 AM
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There are two choices.
1. Wire it to the centre pin along with the primary
core
2. Wire it to the sleeve along with the screen.
Either is
absolutely fine... but personally, I'd go for option 1.
Hugh
--------------------
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound
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Exalted Wombat
Joined: 06/02/10
Posts: 4320
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: mjfe2]
#987498 - 15/05/12 08:38 AM
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Though a SPDIF cable really ought to be 75 ohm coax, in practice the proverbial "piece of
wet string" generally works fine! I'm not sure your cable will be any closer to the
correct spec. than a cheap hi-fi cable, and a standard soldered phono connector, when it
won't be subjected to physical stress, does the job just as well as a fancy one.
What exactly is the "etc." part of "drop-outs etc."? You may have a damaged cable. But
could you have a clocking issue?
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mjfe2
Joined: 11/10/09
Posts: 504
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: Exalted Wombat]
#987509 - 15/05/12 08:54 AM
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Quote Exalted Wombat:
Though a
SPDIF cable really ought to be 75 ohm coax, in practice the proverbial "piece of wet
string" generally works fine! I'm not sure your cable will be any closer to the correct
spec. than a cheap hi-fi cable, and a standard soldered phono connector, when it won't be
subjected to physical stress, does the job just as well as a fancy one.
What
exactly is the "etc." part of "drop-outs etc."? You may have a damaged cable. But could
you have a clocking issue?
Not really sure why I added the 'etc'! Basically, I use the cable to connect my CD
player to my Fireface and very occasionally the sound just drops out until I fiddle with
the cable.
The one I'm making is to connect two things in a rack case that I'll
be using on location. Once plugged in it won't be moved, but seeing as I'll be in and out
plugging in XLRs and stuff I can't guarantee I won't knock it by accident!
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Exalted Wombat
Joined: 06/02/10
Posts: 4320
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: mjfe2]
#987528 - 15/05/12 09:58 AM
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Quote mjfe2:
Not really sure why
I added the 'etc'! Basically, I use the cable to connect my CD player to my Fireface and
very occasionally the sound just drops out until I fiddle with the cable.
Just swap in another standard hi-fi cable
that ISN'T broken then!
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James Perrett
Joined: 10/09/01
Posts: 9709
Loc: The wilds of Hampshire
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: Exalted Wombat]
#987530 - 15/05/12 10:07 AM
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Better still, buy a video cable (the ones with yellow phono connectors). They're not
expensive. James.
-------------------- JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net
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Hugh Robjohns
SOS Technical Editor
Joined: 25/07/03
Posts: 18540
Loc: Worcestershire
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Re: How to solder twin cable to RCA connectors
[Re: Exalted Wombat]
#987552 - 15/05/12 11:04 AM
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Although by making his own cables it can be made to the exact required length...  hugh
-------------------- Technical Editor, Sound On Sound
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