How to make an interconnect Step by Step With Pics

[brschmid]

Quote:

Originally posted by fool Doesn't seem like original link to the Canare star quad is working, here's the new one: http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp...&search=0&off= Thanks for the tutorial! -fool

to the plug? which plug did you get that isn't working?

 

[brschmid]

Quote:

Originally posted by amol Do you mean i could use it for making a Mini -> RCA interconnect without shielding it? and using the bare wires , after stripping open the grey cover?

as long as the wires remain twisted and you don't remove the covering over the indivual wires you should be ok.

 

[Demolition]

Quote:

Originally posted by brschmid to the plug? which plug did you get that isn't working?

I think that he's referring to the Switchcraft right angle mini. The cable entry hole is supposed to be 6.35mm (0.25 in.) according to the specs, but the example that he bought has a hole that's only 4.3mm. Not even Mini Star Quad (~5mm including jacket) can be jammed into it.

I received several of the straight mini plugs with smaller-than-specced cable holes. The right angle mini shares the same metal sleeve as the straight plugs. To fit jacketed Star Quad, you have to drill out the hole with a 1/4" bit.

D.

 

[g_hause]

Quote:

for what?

I'm thinking about going for broke and making a mini > Rca using Homegrown Diva briad (4 wire).
I don't know what I should use to cover the wire. Heatshrink + Techflex? just heatshrink? Thoughts?
thanks
g

 

[Megaptera]

Quote:

I'm thinking about going for broke and making a mini > Rca using Homegrown Diva briad (4 wire). I don't know what I should use to cover the wire. Heatshrink + Techflex? just heatshrink? Thoughts? thanks

I just made a 1' RCA-RCA using HGA Diva braid and gold standard plugs. I didn't bother putting any shielding or techflex on it and it looks and sounds just fine. If I put anything on it, I would just put techflex -- I don't see a need for heatshrinking the entire thing, since the heatshrink on the ends will keep the braid together.

 

[brschmid]

yeah, just use techflex to cover it.

 

[fool]

Quote:

Originally posted by brschmid to the plug? which plug did you get that isn't working?

I tried the link for the 'canare star quad' cable in your original post. So I posted the updated cable link.

Also...for sizes...mini-->mini should use 1/8 inch techflex and mini--> rca should use 1/4inch techflex? Is that what you used brschmid?

Thanks.

-fool

 

[brschmid]

i will change the link, thanks.

i used 3/8" techflex to cover the starquad.

 

[brschmid]

ok, i fixed my links, most of them were bad.

 

[cam]

Sorry if this is totally obvious, but I am unsure of whether the same process (and materials used) could yield me a nice guitar cord. If not, what would I need to modify (besides changing plugs to 1/4" of course)?

Thanks,
Cam

EDIT: added plug size bit...

 

[brschmid]

that is it, just use a different plug

 

[Dane]

Tip:

I had a problem getting the techflex stuff in my area. It turned out that a computer store specialized in "case modding" (you know glowing CPU fans and that kind of stuff) had a kit with various sizes of techflex-like material and also different colors. The pieces wasn't that long, maybe a meter, but it's fine for small cables.

Great thread by the way, brschmid

 

[brschmid]

no problem, it is just a place to start, you know

 

[Phil Ramsay]

Has anyone tried using braided silver in TechFlex as a short headphone cable replacement on PORTABLE headphones?

I'm considering using Home Grown Audio silver braid as a rather short (about 2.5 foot) replacement cable for my Grado SR225 headphones.

I use the headphones most of the day at work, plugged into an iPod on a belt clip. The stock Grado cord (long and heavy with 1/4" jack) wasn't working out for this application, so I currently have it shortened up to little a stub with a 1/4" jack, and a homemade 'Grado' 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor. In practice though, they rarely get used with a longer cord, and the weight and bulk of the in-line 1/4" plug and jack is kind of irritating.

I was getting ready to make some silver braid interconnects, and got the idea of doing my trusty Grado's similarly.

I'd replace everything below the Grado 'Y' connection with silver braid shouded in TechFlex, and terminated with a 1/8" Switchcraft right angle plug, to minimize torque at the headphone jack on the iPod, or amp when I use one.

I'm concerned though, that braided solid silver wire might be too stiff, and could fatigue and break in an application where movement is the norm.

I've 'mocked up' a short piece of silver braid in TechFlex, and it seems a little stiff, but not terrible...

What do you think? Anyone tried anything like this?

Is this advised, or not?

Phil

 

[brschmid]

go for it! it shouldn't be too stiff.

The zu cable i have for my AKG's is a little stiff, but when i use them, i am moving around usually and it isn't too annoying.