Comments on Profile Post by luckybaer

  1. ilikebananafudge_
    ilikebananafudge_
    Nah, cables are a great place to start soldering. That's what I did a couple of years ago. Everyone starts somewhere :)
    Jan 3, 2023
  2. ext1
    ext1
    This is how we all start. The first step towards anything. Go for it!!
    Jan 3, 2023
    Joshvar, Jinxy245, luckybaer and 2 others like this.
  3. RestoredSparda
    RestoredSparda
    Agreed. Cables are one of the best ways to start soldering.
    Jan 3, 2023
  4. JayC
    JayC
    its not too hard, you might want to redo the first one or get a new connector for it by the time you get to the last one but you definitely learn from it. Also, most connectors have covers that go over the soldered bit so you dont see the uglyness ;)
    Jan 3, 2023
    Kernel Kurtz and luckybaer like this.
  5. penguins
    penguins
    What Jupiter said - we all have to start somewhere.

    If you're really worried about it, read some basic instructions or watch a few videos. Then do a few practice runs with cheap cables lying around and cheap connectors. Or take a cheap existing cable, listen to it once, then try to reassemble the cable via soldering, listen again, and see if it sounds different in a bad way.
    Jan 3, 2023
    Joshvar and luckybaer like this.
  6. Vansen
    Vansen
    Cables are a good place to start, but they are one of the hardest things to solder well, especially as conductors get smaller. If you can solder a cable well, you won't have an issue with any through hole soldering.
    Jan 3, 2023
    Joshvar, Cspirou and luckybaer like this.
  7. Vansen
    Vansen
    Don't buy cheap connectors to practice with - many of them have low melting points and will be a struggle. If you are fine with lead, start with a lead based eutectic solder, which melts at a much lower point. Lead free is far more difficult than leaded, especially with small cables.
    Jan 3, 2023
  8. Vansen
    Vansen
    Also, learn to use flux properly. It will be your best friend. MG Chemicals 835-PX2 Flux Pen Soldering is my favorite and makes solder stick to whatever I want. A little goes a LONG way.
    Jan 3, 2023
  9. Vansen
    Vansen
    Always make sure you solder in an area with good ventilation, too. The fumes from flux are not good over long exposures. Be careful with handling leaded solder and make sure to keep it away from children.
    Jan 3, 2023
    Joshvar and luckybaer like this.
  10. Vansen
    Vansen
    Finally, make sure you learn how to tin your tip and learn how to always keep the tip in good condition and tinned. It should be a bright silver color. If you start seeing dark brown or black spots, your solder will not stick or flow as intended.
    Jan 3, 2023
    Joshvar and luckybaer like this.
  11. sfoclt
    sfoclt
    Jan 3, 2023
  12. fraggler
    fraggler
    Definitely a recommended pursuit! Most here have covered great info. Also check the cable building thread for more help. I have a bunch of spare materials if you PM me with interest.
    Jan 3, 2023
  13. Thad E Ginathom
    Thad E Ginathom
    Yep. Not nuts: do it.

    I'm not much cop at electrical soldering, but I've done cables, and it is so much easier than stuff on boards where fine traces can just burn away!

    (hey, re-soldered a fine cable inside my mouse the other day: quite proud of that!)
    Jan 4, 2023
  14. DigMe
    DigMe
    I’ve used the screw connecters in the past when making my own. Seemed like a good solution and sounded good but not sure if it’s considered inferior.
    Jan 4, 2023
    Joshvar likes this.
  15. Cspirou
    Cspirou
    I’m pretty sure they have crimp RCA connectors. I agree with @Vansen too, it’s probably the hardest thing to solder as all that extra copper sucks up the heat.
    Jan 4, 2023
    Vansen likes this.