DIY Cable Questions and Comments Thread
Oct 28, 2013 at 11:04 PM Post #736 of 10,535
   
That cable will do perfectly. Everyone has different methods. I posted mine using that exact same cable a few weeks ago, here it is again.
I use a razor, xacto knife or other sharp blade to cut off the outer black PVC insulation. Then you find the copper shielding. Loosen the ends by pushing them in and out a bit, then you can just put it to slide it off. You'll be left with the twisted wires covered in a paper-like wrapping with little cloth strands inside. I prefer to leave it on. 
 
I then take a small piece of electrical tape and put it over each end to hold the paper wrapping in place. I try to make it a small piece that goes around only once, and I stretch it while I do. That way it doesn't add much to the overall diameter of the cable for when I go to sleeve it. 
 
http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?category=6  is a good source of paracord. You can also get it off normal sites like Amazon (usually from sellers like the supply captain) and also at hobby shops like hobby lobby. The 550 at supplycaptain is just the right diameter to fit over the cabling. Measure out enough to cover plus about 1 foot extra. Make sure to flame the ends so they don't fray. A lighter or small torch is handy. I like the small torch for precision personally but it isn't important. 
 
Now it's time to sleeve. Begin by sliding one end into the paracord. You'll probably be able to push it in 4 inches before it stops. Then you'll use the "worm" method to inches it along. This involves holding both sides, then using your thumb and index finger to push the cable a little deeper into the paracord. Then you pull the cable side of the paracord tight on the cable. You keep doing that over and over. With a little practice it'll become very easy. Turn on a show/anime/movie whatever and start sleeving. I like to stop and pull the already sleeved part a tight by running my fingers along it.Takes about 30 minutes for about 6ft. I don't fully tightening the paracord to the cable because I want a little slack, just a little. Cut off the access paracord remember to flame to avoid fray.. I try to cut so that I only have about 1 inch of unsleeved cable on each end. 
 
Hard part is done, now it's just about paying attention and proper labeling. 
 
There are 4 wires. Label 2 wires for ground and two for your signal. Since they are all a different color, just make sure to write it down on a post-it and you won't have to label. 
1 wire for left signal, 1 for right signal, and two for ground. 
Use your wirestrippers to take about 4mm or 1/8th inch off the end of each wire depends on the connector you plan on using. The connectors usually have good instructions for what works best for them. I usually start working on one side before the other. Tin the tips of the stripped wires with a little bit of solder. That will make it easier to solder to the connector when the time comes as it will heat faster. Go ahead and solder the wires in their proper places, making note of what wires went where. I then like to clean my connector by removing any flux residue. Look at your solder to see what is best. Some are water-soluble while others require something like rubbing alcohol. Sometimes scraping a little with the razor can help remove excess flux left-over. Remember to let it fully try before closing/using. If you are using Neutrik-style connectors, I like to put the paracord in the clamp and place a piece of heatshrink over it to make sure it holds. Slide the connector shell over from the back and screw it in. If you want heatshrink over the connector, go ahead. You're done with that side. 
 
***Now before starting the opposite side, make you put on the cable whatever needs to be there before soldering. This means you need to place the connector shell on there, a piece of heatshrink, and anything else that won't be able to be put on once soldered. No matter how many cables we make, this happens occasionally. 
 
Repeat the same steps of tinning the wire, soldering, cleaning. ***Before placing the heatshrink or connector shell, take a multimeter and make sure the connections are correct and working. You can also plug it in and listen to an left/right channel audio check to make sure everything is correct. Once everything is dry and done, close it up. 
 
You're done. Enjoy the cable and the experience you've gained. 
 
Again, this is just how I do it. There are many other ways and methods. Find what works for you.  Surely I've left out some minor details in my rush to write this so please forgive me and feel free to correct/add. 
 
 
As I just explained, the wires are just colored for easy identification. You can use any of them for anything. Some people just like to use certain colors to stick to a standard so others can easily recognize what wires are going where. 

This is exactly what I was looking for, I really appreciate your time and effort in helping me. I'm sure I'll have questions along the way tho
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 12:03 AM Post #737 of 10,535
This is exactly what I was looking for, I really appreciate your time and effort in helping me. I'm sure I'll have questions along the way tho


You're welcome. Hopefully we can help with your future questions. Good luck with the build.
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 3:52 PM Post #741 of 10,535
ok so here's a question, I got my Mogami 2893 and my neutrik 3.5 right angle/straight & some paracord 550. So how do I know what size heatshrink to get?


That's an important question. Here are my suggestions.

Most common is 2:1 ratio, sometimes called 50%. This means it was stretched twice as big as it's starting size. Or in other words, it will shrink down to half its current size.

I prefer 3:1 as it has a wide variety of uses like shrinking over the Neutrik plug down to the cable for a tight fit. 2:1 will sit loose on the cable in the same scenario.

However, I like to have a cheaper variety pack of 2:1 for unplanned scenarios. Having a few colors in that variety pack is also nice for labeling wires or channels.

The sizes that I use the most are 3/8" and 1/4". The first fits perfectly over the shell of a neutrik connector and if 3:1 will sit snuggly on the cable. The 1/4 is good for being on the sleeved cable and over the soldered connection area.

I usually keep a little 3/8" adhesive 3:1 on hand for when I really want a solid hold between connector and cable. Most don't like adhesive and I can see why. It takes a little practice and is more permanent than the non-adhesive.

So if you can find a 3:1 variety pack, that's a solid choice to see what works for you best. I've seen them online at multiple places.
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 4:08 PM Post #742 of 10,535
That's an important question. Here are my suggestions.

Most common is 2:1 ratio, sometimes called 50%. This means it was stretched twice as big as it's starting size. Or in other words, it will shrink down to half its current size.

I prefer 3:1 as it has a wide variety of uses like shrinking over the Neutrik plug down to the cable for a tight fit. 2:1 will sit loose on the cable in the same scenario.

However, I like to have a cheaper variety pack of 2:1 for unplanned scenarios. Having a few colors in that variety pack is also nice for labeling wires or channels.

The sizes that I use the most are 3/8" and 1/4". The first fits perfectly over the shell of a neutrik connector and if 3:1 will sit snuggly on the cable. The 1/4 is good for being on the sleeved cable and over the soldered connection area.

I usually keep a little 3/8" adhesive 3:1 on hand for when I really want a solid hold between connector and cable. Most don't like adhesive and I can see why. It takes a little practice and is more permanent than the non-adhesive.

So if you can find a 3:1 variety pack, that's a solid choice to see what works for you best. I've seen them online at multiple places.



where have you been my whole life? thank you again for a very helpful and detailed answer. now I used to get heatshrink for my computer needs from performancepc.com. Do you have any recommendations where to shop?
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 4:41 PM Post #743 of 10,535
I personally only really use 3:1 because I have found for 99% of applications when it comes to cabling 2:1 just won't cut it.  also I am not a fan of adhesive stuff but that just might be me.  anyway I have found the best place to get heat shrink is ebay.  The seller Flexrllc is very good.  He has every color size and length you will ever need for a good price.  also he has adhesive and non as well as 2:1 and 3:1.  For sizes I suggest you get both 1/4" and 3/8"
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 5:10 PM Post #745 of 10,535
The seller frexrllc on ebay
 
Oct 29, 2013 at 5:32 PM Post #746 of 10,535
  Has anyone ever used this cable? I just stumbled across it on google and it looks pretty sweet. I can't find it on any US sites though. And it's too bad there's only 3 conductors.
http://www.van-damme.com/14.html

Looks like decent specs, silver plated copper with PE dielectric, not very expensive at less than $1 a foot. There are people on ebay shipping it to the U.S. 
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top