DIY Cable Questions and Comments Thread

[Rozenberg]

Hey guys, I think I need help here.
 
So I got this kinda fancy silver cable from a friend, but the right channel is dead.
The problem is in the 2 pin connector and I don't know how to take it off.
My guess is they're glued inside the barrel, but is a heat gun enough to make them loose?
I currently don't have a heat gun so gotta buy it if necessary.
 

 
Alternatively, I could cut it right at the exit hole of the barrel, but buying new 2 pin from China would take 2 - 4 weeks...
EU kinda sucks for sourcing DIY IEM parts.

 

[rmoody]

How do I solder this thing:
 
http://www.norneaudio.com/litzheim/Furutech-Valab-Oyaide-Shure-Denon-diy-headphone-cable-connector/Norne-Audio-Eidolic-Astell-and-Kern-2-5mm-4-pole-trrs-balanced-ak240-ak120-ak380-ak100-diy-connector
 
The solder "pads" are tiny and round, any advice on getting this done?
My only thoughts are very small exposed wire, lots of flux, put a 90 degree bend in the wire and glob solder on.
Anyone used these?

 

[PETEREK]

How do I solder this thing:

http://www.norneaudio.com/litzheim/Furutech-Valab-Oyaide-Shure-Denon-diy-headphone-cable-connector/Norne-Audio-Eidolic-Astell-and-Kern-2-5mm-4-pole-trrs-balanced-ak240-ak120-ak380-ak100-diy-connector

The solder "pads" are tiny and round, any advice on getting this done?
My only thoughts are very small exposed wire, lots of flux, put a 90 degree bend in the wire and glob solder on.
Anyone used these?

I don't use Flux on these at all. Just tin the end of your wire and tin the soldering pad a little, then solder them together. They are small but definitely not impossible. Just make sure you line your helping hands up well.

 

[rmoody]

I don't use Flux on these at all. Just tin the end of your wire and tin the soldering pad a little, then solder them together. They are small but definitely not impossible. Just make sure you line your helping hands up well.

Thanks, I'll try that. I have a feeling I'll be cussing by the time these are done

 

[PETEREK]

I don't use Flux on these at all. Just tin the end of your wire and tin the soldering pad a little, then solder them together. They are small but definitely not impossible. Just make sure you line your helping hands up well.

Thanks, I'll try that. I have a feeling I'll be cussing by the time these are done

You'll be fine man, just make sure you don't bridge the second Ring with the Sleeve, that's the only tedious part.

 

[Chs177]

 
Thanks, I'll try that. I have a feeling I'll be cussing by the time these are done

Magnifying glasses like this one: l
http://www.ebay.com/itm/152028347481
are really helpful in such type of soldering.
Good luck!

 

[rmoody]

  Magnifying glasses like this one: l
http://www.ebay.com/itm/152028347481
are really helpful in such type of soldering.
Good luck!

HEY!? Did you just call me old? I have some of those Now, get off my lawn! Kidding, those are great to have, especially if you are my age where your eyes have stopped focusing on close objects.
 
Well, here it is, wasn't too bad. The tip was annoying because my third hands kept sliding around on me. I finally got a bit ill with it and put a dab of flux on that and the sleeve. Now to get some paracord over it and get the other end attached.
 

 

[Allanmarcus]

 

 
Thanks, I'll try that. I have a feeling I'll be cussing by the time these are done

Magnifying glasses like this one: l
http://www.ebay.com/itm/152028347481
are really helpful in such type of soldering.
Good luck!

I agree. I got these from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA
$9 with prime

 

[buke9]

Hate to say but I could use those also.

 

[Allanmarcus]

  Hate to say but I could use those also.

your age shouldn't matter to "need" the headband magnifier. Its extra light and eye protection are good enough reason to get it, even for a snot-nosed punk 20 year old
 
Note, I'm a snot-nopsed punk 50 something year old!

 

[rmoody]

 
I agree. I got these from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA
$9 with prime

Them are the exact ones I got!
 
Ok, cable is all done. Note to self, do the MrSpeakers connector first! Not having that crimp tool means I have to do some fanagling with the little brass dothingy to get it to fit. It's harder when you can't see where you need to file or squeeze with the pliars. I'll post some pics of the final assembly once I get them all finished. I think the hard part is done now that the 2.5mm TRRS is complete. I love the MrSpeakers connectors, just get the wire into the cup and a tiny amount of solder will do it.
 
I appreciate all the help!

 

[Allanmarcus]

 

 
I agree. I got these from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA
$9 with prime

Them are the exact ones I got!
 
Ok, cable is all done. Note to self, do the MrSpeakers connector first! Not having that crimp tool means I have to do some fanagling with the little brass dothingy to get it to fit. It's harder when you can't see where you need to file or squeeze with the pliars. I'll post some pics of the final assembly once I get them all finished. I think the hard part is done now that the 2.5mm TRRS is complete. I love the MrSpeakers connectors, just get the wire into the cup and a tiny amount of solder will do it.
 
I appreciate all the help!

I tried to find the recommended crimp tool (SA-HCT Hand Crimp Tool), but I cannot find it anywhere! I have a crimper on my wirestrippers and I'm making a new balanced MrSpeakers cable now with the Sommer SC-Peacock MKII wire I mentioned in an earlier post. I will be trying to crimp soon. For my first pair I used pliers. Ugly, but it worked. Such a great connector with a such an odd implementation. I awaiting some cable pants from amazon that I want to try for the Y split.
 
If anyone can figure out where to get spare crimps, please let me know.

 

[ZSamuels28]

What wire/adapters do people recommend for RCA? Mogami W2319 and Neutrik NYS373-2? Anything better or recommended?

 

[PETEREK]

What wire/adapters do people recommend for RCA? Mogami W2319 and Neutrik NYS373-2? Anything better or recommended?

It comes down to cost man. If you want something easy to use, Mogami W2893 is great for people just getting into cable building. If you want something fancier, look at any of the boutique shops that are known for making cables themselves, most will have a "DIY" section and sell certain wires of theirs by the foot. There are some good options on eBay (Lavricables?). I know @Whitigir swears by some of the silver he gets from someone on eBay. Again, it comes down to cost and also aesthetic preferences.

 

[ZSamuels28]

It comes down to cost man. If you want something easy to use, Mogami W2893 is great for people just getting into cable building. If you want something fancier, look at any of the boutique shops that are known for making cables themselves, most will have a "DIY" section and sell certain wires of theirs by the foot. There are some good options on eBay (Lavricables?). I know @Whitigir
 swears by some of the silver he gets from someone on eBay. Again, it comes down to cost and also aesthetic preferences.

But Mogami W2893 is 4 strand, don't I want something 1 strand?