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Author Topic: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable  (Read 25236 times)

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Offline ArchivalAudio

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DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« on: February 05, 2009, 10:57:02 PM »
DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie Mil Spec Silver XLR cable

My first DIY-XLR Custom Right Angle (both ends) cable

I know it's been done before - but here is my facilitation of some DIY silvers.

I am ready to make myself some other interconnects for my personal use.
I want to clearly state here that I have no intention of making and selling these, they are for my personal "home" use only.... no need to fear yet another cable maker on the TS scene.  ;)

I have plans for some nice long XLR's and some XLR TRS combos, as well as some RCA to TS.
Even to make a custom cable for my 1950's Calrad DM-16H.L Dynamic - that my dad bought brand new way back when, and my Shure SLIM-X Crystal mic...
I got 200' of mil-spec braided silver 2 conductor with a braided shield, 22AWG
it's very nice I also got a mini spool (100') of TechFlex Clean Cut 1/8" aka 3mm from Markertek (CM188)
I opted for the clean cut because it was thicker  then the  FlexoPet.
Also big thenx to Lil' Kim Jong-Il for sending me a small sample of the FlexoPet and the CleanCut- It really helped me to decide!

I wanted each end of the XLR  (both M & F) to be a custom chopped Right Angle.
I previously had a near disaster on the F-end XLR when I used JB weld and it got in to the release buttons.
I learned from that experience and cut them to the top of the plastic ring, including the "strain releif" collar, which helps keep the connector plug in proper position. Then I ground a grrove for the wire to exit at a right angle using my dremel.
I ended up using a small bit of silicone oil on the  F-end on the buttons - then filled them with hot-melt glue about 3/4 of the way, before I used  some Quick Steel to finish the.  The quick Steel is a bit rougher than I would like, but I also just hand smoothed them , with water like the instructions state.

connectors:
Neutrik Black with Gold contacts:
NC3MXX-B -(XLR-M)
NC3FXX-B (XLR-F)

You may notice a blue cast (or blue highlights) to some of the photos- this is because aside from the full spectrum Compact Florescent  (CF) bulbs I have light ing my room I had on my string of blue (UV) LED -x-mas lights on! ;)

peace
-- Ian

on to the Photos, there are a bunch of them and hopefully they are self explanatory:

NC3MXX-B -(XLR-M)

NC3FXX-B (XLR-F)


Chopped and grooved connectors:


Mini-Spool 100' of CleanCut:


Mil Spec silverWire inserted through the TechFlex CleanCut:


Shrink tube cut to size:


XLR's wires ready and tinned:


Close up of XLR ready to soldier in with the alligator clip and magnifier holder:


Soldiered XLR-M ends:


Soldiered XLR-F ends:


Hot melt ready 1:


Hot melt 2:


Quick Steel ready:


Finished:


Done & in my FurTooly:


I hope the pictorial was entertaining!   ;D

-- Ian


« Last Edit: February 05, 2009, 11:12:15 PM by ArchivalAudio »
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Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2009, 02:38:49 AM »
I see that a bunch of folks have looked at this thread
but it must be too boring
as there have been no comments

maybe its a "just been there, done that" pictorial

« Last Edit: February 10, 2009, 02:40:36 AM by ArchivalAudio »
~ Archival Audio ~
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Offline hippiemafia

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2009, 03:32:14 AM »
why did u use the new style of xlr's? ever thought of doubling up on 22ga wires? That's what I did when I made my last pair with the silver 22ga. you gotta admit 22ga is tiny.

Offline timP

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2009, 01:55:26 PM »
nope,

I love them.


been eying up a set of mogami 20' I have laying around, thinking of trying do this, saying to myself: "Can't be that hard, can it?"
and yr pictures proves that while it does take some effort and tools, it is very doable


good project for a rainy day

thanks
?>FR2LE

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2009, 01:15:14 AM »
why did u use the new style of xlr's? ever thought of doubling up on 22ga wires? That's what I did when I made my last pair with the silver 22ga. you gotta admit 22ga is tiny.


The new style Neutriks, - because I read a post on cable making (possibly by NicksPicks) that mentioned how easy they were to chop since the ends are all plastic _ I used them before and I like them ther are not very expensive so why not?  is there a reason you think I should use the old style ones?
well I believe that is is the same Mil Spec wire that my other cable I had made for me were made from
I think the silvers conductivity is pleanty to carry a clean signal - but what do I know

the cable I made is only 18" long

thanx for the input
peace
-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
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Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2009, 01:19:13 AM »
nope,

I love them.


been eying up a set of mogami 20' I have laying around, thinking of trying do this, saying to myself: "Can't be that hard, can it?"
and yr pictures proves that while it does take some effort and tools, it is very doable


good project for a rainy day

thanks

Thanx
it's easy - I finally "upgraded" my soldering iron to a super low end Weller  WLC 100 - which has a heat control is only 40 watts, and I got a super fine pencil point for, and it is much easier to solder with my old rat shack cheapo iron

Its not hard you just need to think of the steps - like anything
I figured pictures are worth a thousand words - or something like that

peace
-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
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Offline newplanet7

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2009, 07:25:12 PM »
They look great mang!
why did u use the new style of xlr's? ever thought of doubling up on 22ga wires? That's what I did when I made my last pair with the silver 22ga. you gotta admit 22ga is tiny.

???
22 awg is fine.
I have a 22awg pair and 24awg pair both 20 footers.
I use the 24 all the time.
I believe nick uses 24 also.
« Last Edit: February 11, 2009, 07:27:07 PM by newplanet7 »
MILAB VM-44 Classic~> Silver T's~> Busman PMD660
News From Phish: Will tour as opening act for Widespread Panic for Summer
hahaha never happen, PHiSH is waaaaayyyy better the WSP

They both ain't got nothing on MMW... Money spent wisely if you ask me...


FYI, it is a kick ass recording of a bunch of pretend-a-hippies talking.

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2009, 09:12:54 PM »
They look great mang!
why did u use the new style of xlr's? ever thought of doubling up on 22ga wires? That's what I did when I made my last pair with the silver 22ga. you gotta admit 22ga is tiny.

???
22 awg is fine.
I have a 22awg pair and 24awg pair both 20 footers.
I use the 24 all the time.
I believe nick uses 24 also.


cool thanx  ;D
and that is what I though exactly

-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
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Offline balou2

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2009, 11:10:30 PM »
Hey Ian.
FWIW, I never get tired of looking at DIY threads.
Thanks for taking the time to post!
Mike
Socks are overrated.

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2009, 01:10:48 PM »
Hey Ian.
FWIW, I never get tired of looking at DIY threads.
Thanks for taking the time to post!
Mike
Mike
thanx so much
I am glad to hear that the pics are being viewed.
:)
-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
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Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2009, 04:55:27 PM »
yup, 24awg is my desired thickness.
22, and the cable is very stiff.

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2009, 04:56:20 PM »
nice work on those ICs, btw.
just be sure that any of the epoxy materials you use (the clay stuff) is *non conductive*

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #12 on: February 13, 2009, 07:02:00 PM »
nice work on those ICs, btw.
just be sure that any of the epoxy materials you use (the clay stuff) is *non conductive*

thanx!

Yeah I was a bit worried about the conductivity of epoxy
which is also why - I first filled the connections with non - conductive hot melt glue then just toped off the ends with the quick steel

-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2009, 10:15:29 AM »
another nice way to "cap" them is to use that rubber "grip dip" stuff.  you can cut it, trim it...etc once it dries, and it looks nice..has good texture to "grab".

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: DIY- Custom Right Angle Shortie MIL Spec Silver XLR cable
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2009, 09:42:39 PM »
another nice way to "cap" them is to use that rubber "grip dip" stuff.  you can cut it, trim it...etc once it dries, and it looks nice..has good texture to "grab".
Nick
that is a fantastic idea, I like that rubber grip dip stuff...
thanx again for your positive comments!

-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995

https://www.facebook.com/ArchivalAudio/

Main Mics: Milab VM-44 Links • Milab DC-196's (Matched  Pair)  • MBHO KA500 or KA300 •
PreAmps:  BaybNbox  • Naiant LittleBox • Naiant [Milab VM44] TinyBox • Naiant PIPsqueak
Recorders: MixPre 10T •  Tascam DR-100 mkIII • Sony A-10 • Sony M-10 

macMini 3Ghz i7 16GB Ram 500GB SSD • MOTU UltraLite
Naiant MSH-2's •   TOA K1's • Beyer TG 153c's •  AT 853 (4.7kmod darktrain) • Countryman B3's (1 k mod)  + other assorted mics

 

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