|
|
Post by Chris on Jul 11, 2014 4:05:19 GMT
Following on from Daves thread and excellent link I'm considering making an interconnect as a first time DIY project. It would be a 3.5mm to 2 phono lead to run between my bluetooth receiver and my amp.
Ive hands the size of shovels though so will that be a problem? Is very fine soldering reqd? What are good connections to use - I'm thinking neutrik or Switchcraft? Gold or silver?
Ive just no idea where to start here but my big bonus is the guys in the tech dept at work would happily help if I get stuck.
All in all it seems pretty easy but a big bit fiddly - does that about sum it up?
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Jul 11, 2014 4:15:00 GMT
Hopefully Barry be around latter he has made some excellent interconnects that are cheap to make and no foo
|
|
|
|
Post by brian2957 on Jul 11, 2014 5:14:31 GMT
Neutrik plugs are relatively cheap and very good to work with . For cable Klotz MC5000 and AC110 are both robust and very good to work with . Studiospares have both these cables and many others to choose from . I would stick with Gold for the moment as silver plugs tend to be more expensive. Oh and don't skimp on the 3.5mm plug as the cheaper ones are both fiddly and very easy to break , so buy the best you can . Have a look at makes like Switchcraft and Furutech .
|
|
|
|
Post by pinkie on Jul 11, 2014 5:47:57 GMT
Not that tricky. My hands may be smaller than shovels, but they are not that steady, and with only one working eye I am only accurate to the nearest half brick, and that's before presbyopia set in on the good eye, but I can do it. A scary alien headset helps (I posted a picture back on aos, but won't repeat it as a few people bought up their dinners )  Mind the easier solution is to buy the ones my mate canibalises for me from eBay for under a fiver. I have just bought 2 sets in anticipation of getting an amp with rca's up and running again. They will be going head to head with CageyH's finest French home brew next month, so the expectation is I will have the soldering iron and scary headset out in September. Or Kevin will be ordering from eBay...  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 7:20:58 GMT
It's relatively easy. A "helping hand" is useful. I have one with a magnifying glass which helps. Apart from that, it's not tricky as long as you don't try lead free solder on a rhodium plug for your first attempt.
I found the Klotz MC5000 easier to work than the AC110.
As for who buys new leads, I think it will be Pinkie.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jul 11, 2014 8:24:33 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 11, 2014 9:37:04 GMT
Good soldering iron, preferably temperature controlled.
Good solder, preferably 60/40 which you can find on eBay, not the lead-free crap.
You can buy pure silver wire for not a lot, either sleeved or use with your own sleeving.
There are lots of different braid outers if you want a neat finish.
Plugs are an issue - use poor ones and all your good work will be for nothing. Beware copies - if you want Neutriks, make sure they are Neutriks and not a Chinese clone.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 10:42:53 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by kennybunkport on Jul 11, 2014 11:31:35 GMT
Requirements to make your own interconnects:
1. Good basic soldering skills.
2. An iron or gun big enough to heat the connector and get the solder flowing quickly before melting dielectric or insulation. Connectors can sink a lot of heat.
3. A few basic hand tools.
4. Good cable.
5. Good connectors. I personally like Switchcraft stuff, but there are many good brands out there.
6. A little patience and a little practice.
This is my first post on TAS. Just found it yesterday.
|
|
|
|
Post by brian2957 on Jul 11, 2014 11:36:28 GMT
Welcome Kenny . Is Bunkport a Scottish name ? If it's not it should be  |
|
|
|
Post by kennybunkport on Jul 11, 2014 12:36:21 GMT
Welcome Kenny . Is Bunkport a Scottish name ? If it's not it should be Don't know. My family has lived in Maine for generations.  |
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jul 11, 2014 13:13:31 GMT
Plugs are an issue - use poor ones and all your good work will be for nothing. Beware copies - if you want Neutriks, make sure they are Neutriks and not a Chinese clone. Speedy Steve said I should have Neutriks when he redid my Exposure speaker leads. He has a *man's* soldering iron They are good, solid and work. Seem to sound right too |
|
Barry
Rank: Trio
Posts: 195 
|
Post by Barry on Jul 11, 2014 18:02:01 GMT
Hopefully Barry be around latter he has made some excellent interconnects that are cheap to make and no foo Thanks for those kind remarks John. If I recall, the cables in question were some I made up for a 'bake off' we attended in London. I described the details of their construction here: theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?4358-Entry-level-cable-group-test-AOS-event-31-10-2009/page6 (post 53) Apart from that I would concur with others here, who correctly state that it is desirable to use a thermostatically controlled iron, 60/40 tin lead solder, good quality cable and good quality connectors. As I have already said, I like to use flexible cable, which is why I tend to prefer microphone cable: such as those made by Klotz, Proel, Van Damme, Gotham or Neumann. I am also happy to use other coaxial cable, such as RG58, RG59, RG223 and RG174, as well as URL-70 and others. Regards |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jul 11, 2014 18:13:25 GMT
Just to be clear on this, it's better to wind the power up on the soldering station for best results?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dr Bunsen Honeydew on Jul 11, 2014 18:16:42 GMT
Get a decent soldering station and learn how to solder by lots and lots of practice, and then you can build lots of things.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jul 11, 2014 18:27:58 GMT
|
|
Barry
Rank: Trio
Posts: 195
|
Post by Barry on Jul 11, 2014 18:33:44 GMT
Looks fine to me - though I don't have any experience of the Maplin solder station (I use a Weller), I would buy it with confidence.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jul 11, 2014 18:40:37 GMT
Looks fine to me - though I don't have any experience of the Maplin solder station (I use a Weller), I would buy it with confidence. I did use a Weller station but it went pop about a month ago, mind you it is of 1980's vintage and has had a hard life. It was also a set wattage unit (55w IIRC) so the flexibility of the Maplin item will be most welcome |
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jul 11, 2014 18:58:19 GMT
Many thanks for the replies folks,much appreciated.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 19:52:39 GMT
Antex do some good work stations they aint cheap tho, ive used em for years..
|
|
