How to make RCA: Solder (my version)

[Megalomaniac]

I thought it would be a good idea if we had multiple versions of making your own RCA for variety sake. mine is a little more blunt but imo its easy to follow..

How to Make your Own RCA: Solder

things you will need:

2 conductor cable(preferably shielded)
RCA ends
heatshrink tubing
heat gun
scissors
wire cutter/stripper
techflex braided loom
Soldering iron
Solder
Blade

Step 1: get your materials
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_1_Acc.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_1_Shrink.jpg

Step 2: Strip your wire (loom if necessary first), that 3rd wire is a shield, it will be twisted together and soldered with negative
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_2.jpg

Step 3: Get connector "lid" and heatshrink on there before hand if necessary
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_3.jpg

Step 4: Have connector read to be soldered
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_4.jpg

Step 5: Tin your connector and wires
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_5.jpg

Step 6: Solder wire(one conductor goes in center for positive) and the other conductor solder to the ground along with any shield
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_6.jpg

Step 7: Pull heatshrink forward to terminate end
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_7.jpg

Step 8: Heat heatshrink so it shrinks up
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_8.jpg

Step 9: Screw on lid
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_9.jpg

[Megalomaniac]

Step 10: Apply heatshrink on lid to "dress" it up some
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_10.jpg

Step 11: Heat Heat shrink
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_11.jpg

Step 12: Repeat on other end and you are done!
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_12.jpg

[t3sn4f2]

Step 5: Tin your connector and wires
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/MegalomaniacAudio/How_To_Make_RCA_Solder/Step_5.jpg

Here's a video on how to do this part properly. It's a very important step, especially in a car with all the vibrations.

http://www.solder.net/technical/tip19.asp

[Megalomaniac]

thank you. for that, my way does work for me fine havent had issues yet. but im glad to improve myself :) thanks again!

[AzGrower]

in the photo of step 6, it looks like your wires are damaged and exposed

[Megalomaniac]

in the photo of step 6, it looks like your wires are damaged and exposed

i didnt notice it when i was doing it. i guess i better go back and take better pictures and improve myself, i fail :(

[chad]

On those connectors I like to shoot the shield thru the hole on the strain relief and then attach in the pocket on the backside, it will sit flush and minimizes the chance for a short from pin to sleeve down the road.

In step 6, see how the red is overheated? Be careful and work quick, that has a potential for grounding out. That jacket is VERY heat sensitive.

Using the hole in the connector you can elimitnate this by having the ground on the other side thus having the whole outer kacket in the clasp area (looking for my pics but I'm afraid I did not take any of those connector types.)

Chad

[Megalomaniac]

no worries, i am trying. I am getting better and better to say the least. tanks or the advice

[t3sn4f2]

thank you. for that, my way does work for me fine havent had issues yet. but im glad to improve myself :) thanks again!

Anytime. I just found this out myself yesterday. Never knew there could be an issue with soldering onto gold.