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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: mmmatt on April 19, 2004, 01:33:55 PM

Title: can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: mmmatt on April 19, 2004, 01:33:55 PM

Hello... I have a 10' optical cable, and I would like to cut it off to make 1@ 2' and 1@8'.  I've heard that this can be done, but I have never seen any ends that fit over raw cable... anybody ever done this?

Matt

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: mmmatt on April 20, 2004, 05:08:53 PM

WOOO HOOOO!!!! I stumped you all (scratching my chin / evil laugh)
   I actually got a responce from doug oade (the ultimate unstumpable default info guy)  He said I can get the connectors at any electronics store, and to just make sure I cut at a near perfect 90deg angle with either a razor blade or a special cable cutter.  then peal the insulation back and put on the connector.  I'll look around for a connector, but so far radio shack is a no go.  Thanks moke for not makin' me feel unloved!  +T back atcha!

Matt

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: fozzy on April 20, 2004, 07:03:54 PM

we splice fiberoptic cables at work all the time for data.  we have a little jig w/ a cutter on it and some special glue stuff.  I dunno how these cables compare to our optical cables and choose not to google it, but i imagine i can be done w/ a razor blade and proper connectors.  I have made some pretty sloppy ones here and never had a problem.  YMMV.   :)  

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: JAH on April 21, 2004, 04:44:38 PM

For this...if you don't know the answer...you prolly can't do it.  That being said...Optical cutting/polishing and connector mating has a certain skill to it (nothing too involved but requires some knowledge and easier w/ the right tools)...ya cut it square, make sure no pits/digs/scratches...sand/polish if there is...then install connector.  I've never done any of this but have sen optical cable work done here at work by the IT folks (that and I stayed in a Holiday Inn).  RATSHAK may have a DIY kit...also there are manufacturing kits to be had on line....look around.  try to make a jitter test prior and after to see if you got it right (else just try the cable out).

GFL
peace
jah

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: ChrisV on April 21, 2004, 04:48:19 PM

Yeah, I dunno if I would trust myself in trying this....figure it is tricky with the fiberoptics.  

But good luck on yours, let us know how it goes :)

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: jpschust on April 21, 2004, 07:15:28 PM

matt ive got a 1m monster opti cable ill sell you cheap.  i think they are 40 new, so like half of that

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: mmmatt on April 21, 2004, 10:39:44 PM

Quote from: ChetAtkinsDiet on April 21, 2004, 07:15:28 PM

matt ive got a 1m monster opti cable ill sell you cheap.  i think they are 40 new, so like half of that

I'm on a mission man!!!  I'm going to butcher mine!   er... a.. screw it!  Pay pal ok?

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: jpschust on April 21, 2004, 10:47:00 PM

yah paypal is fine, jpschust@indiana.edu.  i cant mail it till friday (till my new one gets here)

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: mmmatt on April 22, 2004, 12:23:54 AM

Thanks Man!!!  +T

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: jpschust on April 22, 2004, 01:48:17 AM

no problem

Title: Re:can I shorten my optical cable?
Post by: 1st set only on April 22, 2004, 08:09:44 AM

bummer I would have liked to see this happen!