DIY cables: XLR to RCA

Owen Bartley · 09-16-2005, 10:21 PM

Alright, from my BFD question thread, I have decided that I can in fact use one, and now the next step is custom cables.

I've pretty much decided to go XLR to RCA over 1/4" to RCA, just for the novelty and I think XLRs look cool. If anyone has a legit reason to go otherwise, I'd switch. I plan on using connectors from Zaolla because I really like the way they look. I'll basically be replicating one of each of these:

With the RCA to male XLR being short (receiver to BFD) and the female XLR to RCA being long (BFD to sub).

So, this brings me to my first question. Where do I source my cable? I think RG6 quad shield is the appropriate type, is there a certain brand to look for? I'd prefer something fairly flexible, like mic cables or guitar patch cord, but I'm not sure if that's possible. I thought RG6 was easy to pick up at Home Depot or similar stores, and I would like to pick it up locally if possible (Toronto). Any tips?

Next question is the finish. I was thinking a layer of white techflex under a layer of clear techflex. But I've also seen some smoother nylon sleeving in black that looks great. Has anyone seen that in white anywhere? Also, is there anywhere to pick those things up at a local retail store?

Last question for now is will I need a specific stripper for a job like this, or can I get away without one?

That was a lot longer than I intended. But I'll reward any answers with a fully detailed thread of the build process.

Leo Kerr · 09-17-2005, 08:36 AM

cables involving XLR connectors are rarely coaxial. Generally they're more a 'twisted pair' type thing, where you've got, say, 2 18ga signal lines and a seperate ground wire.

Going away from coax will also make a 'proper' cable stripper unnecissary, as you will merely need something to cut the outter jacket, and then a conventional wire-stripper to strip back the signal leads.

Do be aware, of course, that you need to combine the proper pins (that is, short them) at the XLR end - unless, in this particular instance, you need one of the three pins unconnected.

Leo

ThomasW · 09-17-2005, 10:50 AM

Generally these are mic cables and certainly can be shielded with a twisted pair inside the shield.

You can't use 3 leads unless you want to create a 'telescoping' ground setup with a drain wire. But you certainly can use and benefit from a standard shielded coax. I think quadshield is just a bit over the top considering how stiff and difficult it is to work with. RG-58AU is low buck and makes VERY good cables

Owen Bartley · 09-18-2005, 10:42 PM

Thomas, is there a subject on this board you CAN'T give good advice about?

Thank you both for the tips. I really didn't know where to start, so I had planned to follow the advice from this page. I guess the coax version would be something like this one:

And the twisted pair would be this one:

So I guess I'm going to look into the RG-58AU and some twisted pair cable, and see what I can come up with. I think I like the twisted pair for lack of need for a stripper, but I'll check into both.

John Wes · 09-21-2005, 09:29 AM

Owen, you don't need a fancy stripper for coax if your going to solder the tips. Just use a sharpe knife or an exacto knife and work carefully to not cut yourself.

If you end up going the coax route, find something flexable. Not that it matters over anything else but it's more convienient imho...

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Owen Bartley · 09-21-2005, 12:08 PM

Thanks John, actually I picked up some 3-conductor 18 gauge wire at Home Depot last night. It is very flexible, with a black, rubbery outer layer, and it says it's waterproof. It cost me about $6.00 CDN for 5 metres, so if it doesn't work, it won't be a tragedy, but I'm liking the feel of it. Right now though I'm not sure if I'll have enough room to do the double layer of techflex I wanted, since I don't know the measurement of the hole in the RCA jacket. I guess it's time to order the RCA's and see, then I'll order the techflex after when I'm sure I have some room (or can safely drill out the hole a bit). I should order some white heatshrink too just in case.

ThomasW · 09-21-2005, 02:50 PM

Well you certainly have a different set of priorities. You spend money on XLR's which are only cosmetic in this instance, TechFlex which is only cosmetic, buy fancy machined RCA plugs, then buy wire intended for use with a doorbell or thermostat?

Owen Bartley · 09-21-2005, 06:31 PM

Thomas, maybe I have identified the wire wrongly. It certainly seems heavy for doorbell use. It seems pretty close to what is on the pictures of the factory cables in my first post, and any mic cable I've seen before. Either way, the choice was much less about priorities than just about me not knowing what I'm doing. I didn't intend to go with 99.9% silver wire or anything, I just wanted to make something reasonable.

I thought what I had found was along the lines of what I needed, but here are some pics to clarify:

Writing: "CAROL 18/3 90C (UL) WATER RESISTANT SJOOW CSA (-40C) FT-2 P-7K-123033 MSHA MADE IN USA 300V"

(those are stranded, not solid, sorry for the poor focus)

If I'm way off base here then I can change to something else I just thought this would do the job nicely.

ThomasW · 09-21-2005, 11:31 PM

That's AC power cord wire.

If you're going to do this properly you need to get some shield coaxial cable.

Ben Ch · 09-21-2005, 11:39 PM

SJOOW is cabling for extension cords (the OOW stands for outdoor-oil-wet, as in environment)

I make all my extension cords for my power tools and test rigs that I use on my job out of this or out of SJTW.

I believe a trade name is cab-tar.

Owen Bartley · 09-22-2005, 07:10 AM

OK, Thanks guys, I'll go back to the coax plan. I'll see if I can find some RG-58AU.

Edit: Just making sure - I want solid core, right?