Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: John on April 05, 2015, 07:21:04 pm

Title: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: John on April 05, 2015, 07:21:04 pm
Hey, I know this is a dumb question, but how do I solder the shielded cable to the RCA plug? Both are what Doug sells. It doesn't look like anything screws apart for attaching the braid shield to. Do I just solder it to the outside barrel? I'm assuming I solder the conductor wire to the middle pin through the hole at the end, but the shielded part is puzzling me.


Thanks!
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: PRR on April 05, 2015, 10:22:05 pm
> what Doug sells

Which is what?

This?
(http://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/images/IMG_2290_small.jpg)

Yes, blot of solder in the tip. First scrub-up the outside to break any grime or tarnish. Then trim the braid to come over the "steps" of the shell, and solder.

A billion years ago, that back-end was flared. You could brush the un-braided braid all around like a Moe haircut, then lash it with a bit of fine wire, and solder. I guess that went out with fuzzy dice and power-pack hub-caps.

Not to diss Doug's fine part, but if your Radio Shack is still there (or you have a heap behind your hi-fi), what I've usually done is cut a pre-made RCA cord. The mass-produced terminations are usually fine, MUCH less work, and historically low-price (I still have a heap behind the hi-fi). This is of course totally un-original for a fuzzy-dice-era Fender.
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: billcreller on April 05, 2015, 10:31:13 pm
I never ever had a pair of fuzzy dice :sad:
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: John on April 06, 2015, 05:44:17 am
> what Doug sells

Which is what?

This?
(http://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/images/IMG_2290_small.jpg)

Yes, blot of solder in the tip. First scrub-up the outside to break any grime or tarnish. Then trim the braid to come over the "steps" of the shell, and solder.

A billion years ago, that back-end was flared. You could brush the un-braided braid all around like a Moe haircut, then lash it with a bit of fine wire, and solder. I guess that went out with fuzzy dice and power-pack hub-caps.

Not to diss Doug's fine part, but if your Radio Shack is still there (or you have a heap behind your hi-fi), what I've usually done is cut a pre-made RCA cord. The mass-produced terminations are usually fine, MUCH less work, and historically low-price (I still have a heap behind the hi-fi). This is of course totally un-original for a fuzzy-dice-era Fender.


Yep, that's the one. I may just trot into the RS in the mall and see what they have. Thanks!
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: EL34 on April 06, 2015, 12:33:12 pm

It easy

Just pull the shield back a bit and untangle it
Pull it over to one side
Twist it together so it forms a neater looking bundle
Then solder it to the outside of the RCA plug

Like this
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: Fresh_Start on April 06, 2015, 10:39:54 pm
A little sandpaper applied to the area where you want the shield soldered plus some old fashioned flux helps too. Don't be afraid to get that little bugger HOT before applying solder either. And don't let the cable or plug move until it cools down.

Sorry if that's too basic, but a cold solder joint there can give you a very bad headache.

Chip
Title: Re: Technique for wiring RCA plug to cable
Post by: John on April 07, 2015, 04:52:11 am
Hey buddy, there is nothing too basic for me!  :laugh:


This is my first time using an actual tank instead of the Belton Brick for reverb. In some ways I actually think it's simpler. Of course, we'll see what happens when it gets turned on the first time.