Building 1/4" and XLR cables

[Renascent]

Hey guys
Could anyone point me to a website or link of somewhere I can get to reading on the basics of wiring/soldering 1/4" and XLR cables? I'd like to start building them as something to do, and so I know the quality of the cables I have. Plus, I can make them whatever length I want to save clutter. Thanks!
Scott

 

[mshilarious]

Here was a kinda funny thread on the topic, I posted some pics of me soldering, and this discussion ensued:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=141485

So there's the camp of solder not touching iron, and the camp of solder touching iron Everyone liked flux, although there was no good explanation of the dreaded 'cold joint'.

Anyway, for TRS, you can make a mechanical connection first, which I recommend. You're on your own for XLR

 

[Tim Brown]

Here was a kinda funny thread on the topic, I posted some pics of me soldering, and this discussion ensued:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=141485

So there's the camp of solder not touching iron, and the camp of solder touching iron Everyone liked flux, although there was no good explanation of the dreaded 'cold joint'.

Anyway, for TRS, you can make a mechanical connection first, which I recommend. You're on your own for XLR

A Cold joint is when you get that solder started to flow, but don't really have enough heat to heat all the parts long enough so that the Solder really flows onto everything making a good secure solder joint. These will appear to have a dull grey look to them, rather than the bright shiny look of a good solder job.
Haven't you ever seen a really shoddy solder job, and thought " man that looks like crap!" Chances are, it was a cold joint.


Tim

 

[mshilarious]

A Cold joint is when you get that solder started to flow, but don't really have enough heat to heat all the parts long enough so that the Solder really flows onto everything making a good secure solder joint. These will appear to have a dull grey look to them, rather than the bright shiny look of a good solder job.
Haven't you ever seen a really shoddy solder job, and thought " man that looks like crap!" Chances are, it was a cold joint.

Right. I meant as far as reconciling that with the technique of using gobs of flux to get the solder to flow off the iron. To get solder to flow into the rather thick ground wire takes some heat, flux or not.

It was an interesting thread anyway . . .

 

[Renascent]

I appriciate the link to the thread
Where did you buy your wire/connectors/solder at?
For 1/4" it's much more simple I'm assuming, than with XLR? I don't think I'll be making XLR, not till I've mastered 1/4" at least
Also, is there anywhere I could find pics of 1/4" bein done? Thanks again
Scott

 

[mshilarious]

I appriciate the link to the thread
Where did you buy your wire/connectors/solder at?
For 1/4" it's much more simple I'm assuming, than with XLR? I don't think I'll be making XLR, not till I've mastered 1/4" at least
Also, is there anywhere I could find pics of 1/4" bein done? Thanks again
Scott

TRS, just wind the wires through the holes on the leads, then solder. I do the ground wire first, since there usually isn't a hole for that. Then when you're done soldering, crimp around the wire.

I dunno why XLRs don't have a hole like TRS does. They easily could, and it would make the process much faster.

I get my stuff from Parts Express, and I always use Neutrik connectors.

 

[easychair]

I dunno why XLRs don't have a hole like TRS does. They easily could, and it would make the process much faster.
.

One of the great annoying mysteries. I always wonder if it's because circular pin-based connectors have been used for speaker connections, including XLR series. The cups can handle AWG14 wire.

Still doesn't really explain the lack of a hole.

 

[Renascent]

Thanks much. Sounds good