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General HIFI => Cables => Topic started by: ozmillsy on September 02, 2010, 06:54:48 PM

Title: DIY (budget) RCA interconnects
Post by: ozmillsy on September 02, 2010, 06:54:48 PM
Solid core Copper DIY interconnects.

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1370915/Audio/Interconnects/IMGP1046.JPG)

The parts used:
* Antsig connectors from Bunnings ($7 per pair)
Click4pic-Antsig (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1370915/Audio/Interconnects/antsig_connectors.JPG)
* 1mm solid core copper cable from Bunnings ($0.65c/metre)
Click4pic-Solid Core Copper (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1370915/Audio/Interconnects/solid_core_copper_cable.JPG)
* 10mm Heatshrink from Jaycar ($2.95 x 2)
* Aluminium foil (free from the kitchen)
* Solder  (free from the garage, whatever I had lying around)
* Some electrical tape

Choices made during assembly...
* It is generally recommended to twist the 2 cables together down the run,  on this pair I chose not to (I left the wires straight).
* I wrapped the cables in aluminium foil to shield from electrical interference, the foil touches the connector on 1 end of each cable.
* After soldering, the 2 copper wires are in very close proximity on the connectors.  I used additional bits of small heatshrink and tape, to insulation them from each other.
* The springy ends of the connectors needed to be stretched in order to get them on.
Title: Re: DIY (budget) RCA interconnects
Post by: ozmillsy on September 02, 2010, 06:56:34 PM
Quote from: kajak12
well done it looks a lot better than my first pair

Quote from: Upfront
Not bad at all mate. How do they sound?

Title: Re: DIY (budget) RCA interconnects
Post by: ozmillsy on September 02, 2010, 06:56:47 PM
Quote from: Upfront
Not bad at all mate. How do they sound?
They're still in the system, and being enjoyed !  That says it all  :)

I have 2 more pairs in the planning stage.   I'm planning to do another pair of copper cables with better connectors,   and a silver pair.    Will post more pictures in due course.

Picked up some Teflon tape today, cheap stuff.  I plan to use it on the copper pair.   Q: does Teflon also insulate against EMI/RFI?   I'm guessing it doesnt......
Title: Re: DIY (budget) RCA interconnects
Post by: ozmillsy on September 02, 2010, 06:57:15 PM
Quote from: Upfront
Not at all mate. But if you twist the cables or brade them it will help. Can't wait for the next installment