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!
-- Ian