dumb question - heat shrink?

[lilcapn]

i've ordered some raw cable and connectors from markertek to make some mic cables; mine are crappy and pre-made are too darn expensive, plus i want to learn how to do this.

anyway, i always read about people using heat shrink to make cables, but the guy on the phone there told me i wouldn't need it. i do not have any kind of heat gun that i assume you need to use with the stuff anyway, but do i need this?

thanks!

 

[Havoc]

If you use connectors like XLR, jacks, cinch, you mostly don't need it. Most connectors also can do without heat shrink, unless you want a bit of extra strenght or have removed too much of the isolation of your cable. In some connectors, you would not even have the space to use it.

That said, it is a handy thing to have around in a couple of diameters. Best is indeed to use a heat gun, but it can be done with the side of a soldering iron, not with the tip. Use the large broad side and move quickly up and down until it shrinks. This is not ideal, but better than a lighter or gas stove. If you really have to use a lighter (out in the middle of nowhere), use the blue base of the flame, not the tip.

Another use of clear transparent heat shrink tube is labeling: put a label on your cable and protect the label with a piece of clear heat shrink. Or use different colors for different cables.

 

[Freudian Slip]

shrink sleeve is most handy with 1/4 inch / trs cables because it secures the cable to the connector but, on a mic / xlr cable I really can't see the benifit other than it might cut down on sharp angle flexing of the cable right at the back of the plug. Any way I love the stuff for 1/4 inch, it's great.


F.S.

PS I always use a torch, lighter, or simpley through the end in the fire place for a moment..... Joking of course but, I use a mini tourch or a lighter moving it quickly back and forth from end to end (of the shrink sleeve) while rotating the cable. the lighter can get pretty hot and burn the fingers though.

 

[sjoko2]

All my XLR cables:
JT&T teflon (non-shrink) tubing on the ground
1/8" 3M heat shrink tubing over the positive and negative (pulled over the pin and weld)
1/4" 3M heat shrink over the whole, just over the ends of the above.

Instead of a heatgun you can use a good hairdryer, a heatlamp, or a paint stripper.

 

[Freudian Slip]

Wow sjoko2!! I'm impressed!!
Sounds like a lot of work but, that setup would be bullit proof as far as shorts go..


I try to never leave any exposed wire.


F.S.

 

[sjoko2]

Its not that much more work at all, and the cables last forever, so its really worth the extra time and money.

 

[Freudian Slip]

sjoko2: If you haven't got one of these babys they are the cats pajamas. I picked one up about six or seven years ago and it is just awsome. no more cords, heats in seconds, killer on location.

They cost a few bucks but you will never go back to electric again.

http://www.masterappliance.com/selfign.html


Good Day

F.S.