Need help building cable

[MD1032]

I need help!

OK, so I'm going to use some CAT5 cable to make a small mini-mini interconnect. I picked up some overpriced mini plugs at radio shack, and I'm going to use my dad's Weber 8200 to do the soldering. I've never done anything with soldering and connectors before, so bear with me!

So, I have the CAT5 cut to size, and I cut off part of the of the outer casing, which I would like to leave on, instead of braiding them. I have the screw-on thingies and the insulating sleeves on, as you can see in the second pic. I'm using twisties to keep them down there.

The question is, what next? How do I safely strip the little wires? I already tried once with a pair of scissors and ended up cutting one of them off accidentally. I have a nice wire stripper, but it only goes down to about 20 AWG. Some help? Man...this stuff is too small!

 

[brschmid]

the little wires are 26AWG, so they are hard to strip, you have to be very carefull and use a knife or similar sharp object.

just strip them, then solder them up

 

[MD1032]

It worked! I was real careful with the scissors this time, cutting only about 2/3 of the way, then sticking my fingernail in there and pulling the casing off. One by one they're all stripped perfectly. I then twisted the 4 ground wires together and the two each of the right and left channels. Wow...that looks a lot more manageable! Maybe I can do this after all.

 

[Talonz]

Keep the pics coming, I'm really interested in this because I want to make my own interconnect very soon. How much did the ratshack minis cost?

 

[MD1032]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talonz Keep the pics coming, I'm really interested in this because I want to make my own interconnect very soon. How much did the ratshack minis cost?

Oh, they were way overpriced, as Radio Shack normally is. 4 bucks a piece. If I were you and had the money, I'd go online a pay a bit more (due to shipping) for the Switchcraft ones, which seem to be well regarded around here.

I'm really unsure about how to solder this stuff. I mean, it's like I need both a third AND fourth hand. One to hold the plug and one to hole the cable as I heat the cable and plug at the same time and solder them together. There's got to be an easier way to do this. I know a lot of people solder the hole closed first, and tin the wires, then just heat them and they bond. I don't know. Some more help? This part of the procedure is not explained in the guide.

 

[MD1032]

OK, I've finally, with difficulty, gotten the cables at exactly the right length I need them to be to fit in the plug perfectly. I basically give up at this point at how to go about this, so I'm going to ask my dad for help and suggestions, since he's done soldering stuff before.

Both ends are now clipped to size, and twisted. Quite manageable at this point, and no more worrying about blades messings things up, at least!

A couple closeups. As you can see, things line up pretty darn well!

 

[brschmid]

just solder it and you will be done

it should be easy to solder if the plug stays attached right now.

 

[Talonz]

Looks very nice. Is there any risk of the wires touching each other?

 

[MD1032]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talonz Looks very nice. Is there any risk of the wires touching each other?

Yes, which is why you put electrical tape in there just in case (once I'm done).

Wish me luck, this should be fun...heh heh.

 

[ilikemonkeys]

so, how do they sound?

I have some free time and may make some this afterneen.

 

[skyskraper]

wow. i cant believe those connectors are so pricey in the states! i got some the same in AU the other day. $4 aussie dollars for the PAIR.

the result looks good though. tell me how the cat 5 goes for you. it seems a lot of people on here rate it. and it costs next to nothing