| Author |
Message |
Mike Miller
Guest
|
 Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:13 am Post subject:
Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Jason Lavoie
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:13 am Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
On Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:19:09 GMT, "Mike Miller"
<MikeAndBarbsHouse@NO.SPAM.mchsi.com> wrote:
| Quote: | I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
I'm always in favor of throwing the connectors in the garbage and |
replacing them with Neutrik connectors
Jason |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
George Gleason
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:13 am Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
Mike Miller wrote:
| Quote: | I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
My Radial came with what looks like fish tank clear plastic hose over |
the shrink all the way back to the start of the fan
George |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kurt Albershardt
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:54 am Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
George Gleason wrote:
| Quote: |
My Radial came with what looks like fish tank clear plastic hose over
the shrink all the way back to the start of the fan
|
Basically, that's what it is--but in .187"/.150" or thereabouts rather than the typical .250" for air hose.
Cheap, fairly durable, and lets you see the pair colors underneath. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lord Valve
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:28 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
Mike Miller wrote:
| Quote: | I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
|
Here's the best way to make a bulletproof termination on a Switchcraft 280/297:
Replace the plastic insulating sleeve with a piece of 3/8" HST
that's a bit shorter. Make sure that it won't protrude from the
back of the plugshell. After you've soldered the wire to the
insert and crimped the back part of the ground contact over
the cable, fill the empty space between the tip contact and the
ground contact/strain relief with hot glue. (Use the dark yellow
sticks - they work best.) *Immediately* slide the piece of HST
over the insert. It'll begin to shrink right away from the heat
of the molten glue. Hit it with your heat gun and shrink it down
tight; some of the hot glue should smoosh out the front and
back ends of the HST. Allow it to cool completely and then
pull the excess glue off with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Nothing else is needed - I've seen multicore terminated
this way that lasted ten years in pro service. What you *don't*
want to do is put HST over the outside of the plug, or (especially)
allow any to protrude from the shell. HST sticking out of the shell
provides a fulcrum point for the cable to flex against, and the
insulation will crack there as a result. Also, *ignore* any advice
to use Neutrik 1/4" for this application - the Switchcraft crimp
system is superior to the Neutrik chuck strain relief when used
with small-diameter cable, especially foil-sheilded types. The
chuck system has a hard time closing down that small, and
the serrations in the chuck jaws tend to abrade the cable's
insulation, causing it to tear.
Lord Valve
Expert |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Pooh Bear
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:09 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
Lord Valve wrote:
| Quote: | Mike Miller wrote:
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
Here's the best way to make a bulletproof termination on a Switchcraft 280/297:
Replace the plastic insulating sleeve with a piece of 3/8" HST
that's a bit shorter. Make sure that it won't protrude from the
back of the plugshell. After you've soldered the wire to the
insert and crimped the back part of the ground contact over
the cable, fill the empty space between the tip contact and the
ground contact/strain relief with hot glue. (Use the dark yellow
sticks - they work best.) *Immediately* slide the piece of HST
over the insert. It'll begin to shrink right away from the heat
of the molten glue. Hit it with your heat gun and shrink it down
tight; some of the hot glue should smoosh out the front and
back ends of the HST. Allow it to cool completely and then
pull the excess glue off with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Nothing else is needed - I've seen multicore terminated
this way that lasted ten years in pro service. What you *don't*
want to do is put HST over the outside of the plug, or (especially)
allow any to protrude from the shell. HST sticking out of the shell
provides a fulcrum point for the cable to flex against, and the
insulation will crack there as a result.
|
Totally agreed. Things always fail at the 'weak spot' and that would create one. My
phone charger comes to mind ( right next to the power jack ). And no, I don't pull
it out by the cord !
Anyone concerned about the small diameter of the indivual cores might consider
'jacketing' it with some *flexible* silicone rubber type tubing though. Stuff like
Hellermann sleeving perhaps ?
| Quote: | Also, *ignore* any advice
to use Neutrik 1/4" for this application - the Switchcraft crimp
system is superior to the Neutrik chuck strain relief when used
with small-diameter cable, especially foil-sheilded types. The
chuck system has a hard time closing down that small, and
the serrations in the chuck jaws tend to abrade the cable's
insulation, causing it to tear.
|
Interesting point.
Another approach is to terminate the multicore with a big multipin and run tails
individually from the mating connector. That preserves the multicore at least !
Or fit a multipin on your console and wire internally. That's what I did 30+ yrs
back !
Graham |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rob Beech
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:09 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
| Quote: | LV...any pointers in securing XLR plugs in the same way (on a standard
16:4 multi)
having constant trouble with the ends on it.
What kind of trouble ?
Graham
|
cable breaking on the pins. maybe its just poor quality cable. never have
problems with dry joints or breaking off there. the cable always seems to
break just after the pin. and i think its probably down to the strain relief
or lack of decent one.
Rob |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Chad Wahls
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:10 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
"Lord Valve" <detritus@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:41B95EBF.CD53A46D@ix.netcom.com...
| Quote: |
Mike Miller wrote:
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs
of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers?
(Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
Here's the best way to make a bulletproof termination on a Switchcraft
280/297:
Replace the plastic insulating sleeve with a piece of 3/8" HST
that's a bit shorter. Make sure that it won't protrude from the
back of the plugshell. After you've soldered the wire to the
insert and crimped the back part of the ground contact over
the cable, fill the empty space between the tip contact and the
ground contact/strain relief with hot glue. (Use the dark yellow
sticks - they work best.) *Immediately* slide the piece of HST
over the insert. It'll begin to shrink right away from the heat
of the molten glue. Hit it with your heat gun and shrink it down
tight; some of the hot glue should smoosh out the front and
back ends of the HST. Allow it to cool completely and then
pull the excess glue off with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Nothing else is needed - I've seen multicore terminated
this way that lasted ten years in pro service. What you *don't*
want to do is put HST over the outside of the plug, or (especially)
allow any to protrude from the shell. HST sticking out of the shell
provides a fulcrum point for the cable to flex against, and the
insulation will crack there as a result. Also, *ignore* any advice
to use Neutrik 1/4" for this application - the Switchcraft crimp
system is superior to the Neutrik chuck strain relief when used
with small-diameter cable, especially foil-sheilded types. The
chuck system has a hard time closing down that small, and
the serrations in the chuck jaws tend to abrade the cable's
insulation, causing it to tear.
Lord Valve
Expert
Amen Valve!!! I also cut off the leg of the 297 that angles in (ring) and |
make it level with the tip connection. It's easier to solder and trim out
wire length. This also prevents the ring from shorting against the sheild,
although that's what the glue is for :) Although it is one more step it
will shave time in the long run.
Chad |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Pooh Bear
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:10 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
Rob Beech wrote:
| Quote: |
Here's the best way to make a bulletproof termination on a Switchcraft
280/297:
Lord Valve
Expert
LV...any pointers in securing XLR plugs in the same way (on a standard
16:4 multi)
having constant trouble with the ends on it.
|
What kind of trouble ?
Graham |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Pooh Bear
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:10 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
Jason Lavoie wrote:
| Quote: | On Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:19:09 GMT, "Mike Miller"
MikeAndBarbsHouse@NO.SPAM.mchsi.com> wrote:
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
I'm always in favor of throwing the connectors in the garbage and
replacing them with Neutrik connectors
|
Neutrik 1/4" 'phone jacks' are nice but your answer doesn't really address the
issue of strain relief of the tiny individual cables on a snake !
Graham |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rob Beech
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:10 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
| Quote: |
Here's the best way to make a bulletproof termination on a Switchcraft
280/297:
Lord Valve
Expert
LV...any pointers in securing XLR plugs in the same way (on a standard
16:4 multi) |
having constant trouble with the ends on it. Wondered if it was possible to
use a similar approach. which XLR plugs would work and how would i go about
a similar process to the jack plugs.
Thanks in Advance
Rob
> |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mike
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:55 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
| Quote: | LV...any pointers in securing XLR plugs in the same way
(on a standard 16:4 multi) having constant trouble with
the ends on it.
What kind of trouble ?
Graham
cable breaking on the pins. maybe its just poor quality cable.
never have problems with dry joints or breaking off there.
the cable always seems to break just after the pin. and i think
its probably down to the strain relief or lack of decent one.
|
It's not a matter of a strain relief. It's a matter of clamping the
cable in the connector so that the stress is transfered to the body of the
connector and not on the individual wires.
In my case, I like the Neutrik connectors. The individual pairs get
heat shrink from over their complete length. Then add another piece of heat
shrink 6 inches long at the end where the connector goes on. The double
heat shrink on the end is enough for the Neutrik chuck to hold effectively
and acts like a strain relief as it can't bend as sharp as the single layer
of heat shrink.
Mike Borkhuis |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jason Lavoie
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:15 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
On Fri, 10 Dec 2004 12:31:55 +0000, Pooh Bear
<rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Jason Lavoie wrote:
On Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:19:09 GMT, "Mike Miller"
MikeAndBarbsHouse@NO.SPAM.mchsi.com> wrote:
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed pairs of
Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink from an
electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off with the thick,
very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for do-it-yourselfers? (Or
offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
I'm always in favor of throwing the connectors in the garbage and
replacing them with Neutrik connectors
Neutrik 1/4" 'phone jacks' are nice but your answer doesn't really address the
issue of strain relief of the tiny individual cables on a snake !
Graham
|
there's not a whole lot you can do except be careful with them. but at
least if you have Neutrik connectors on there you can be more sure
that the connection isn't going to fail very often.
Jason |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Arny Krueger
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:50 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
"Pooh Bear" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:41B9973A.85066C29@hotmail.com
| Quote: | Jason Lavoie wrote:
On Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:19:09 GMT, "Mike Miller"
MikeAndBarbsHouse@NO.SPAM.mchsi.com> wrote:
I'm building some new multipair cables that are terminated with 1/4"
Switchcraft connectors. (On to the thin little individual jacketed
pairs of Gepco snake cable.)
I'm looking for a better method of providing strain relief at the
connection. Last time, I used some 1/2" 2:1 flexible heat shrink
from an electronics supply store. But I think I'd be better off
with the thick, very flexible, rubber-like stuff on commercial
guitar cords.
Anyone know of a source for this kind of stuff for
do-it-yourselfers? (Or offer other suggestions for strain relief.)
Thanks,
Mike Miller
I'm always in favor of throwing the connectors in the garbage and
replacing them with Neutrik connectors
Neutrik 1/4" 'phone jacks' are nice but your answer doesn't really
address the issue of strain relief of the tiny individual cables on a
snake !
|
Agreed. Last I had this problem I shrink-tubed each tiny individual wire,
crimped the shrink wrap inside the TRS plugs, and also put several inches of
large shrink tube over the whole mess of wires at the cable end. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Arny Krueger
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:
Re: Strain relief for 1/4" connectors |
|
|
"Mike" <no_mail@no_spam.com> wrote in message
news:sFjud.46981$Uf.27954@twister.nyroc.rr.com
| Quote: | LV...any pointers in securing XLR plugs in the same way
(on a standard 16:4 multi) having constant trouble with
the ends on it.
What kind of trouble ?
Graham
cable breaking on the pins. maybe its just poor quality cable.
never have problems with dry joints or breaking off there.
the cable always seems to break just after the pin. and i think
its probably down to the strain relief or lack of decent one.
It's not a matter of a strain relief. It's a matter of clamping
the cable in the connector so that the stress is transfered to the
body of the connector and not on the individual wires.
|
....and all these years I thought that WAS strain relief!
| Quote: | In my case, I like the Neutrik connectors. The individual pairs
get heat shrink from over their complete length. Then add another
piece of heat shrink 6 inches long at the end where the connector
goes on. The double heat shrink on the end is enough for the Neutrik
chuck to hold effectively and acts like a strain relief as it can't
bend as sharp as the single layer of heat shrink.
|
I've found that slightly overize shrink tubing can shrink down to something
a bit thicker than usual, if carefully heated. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in