RCA cables are commonly used in many audio applications. If you need to install a stereo in your car or at home, you can build the required length of cables yourself, so you don't have any leftovers and keep a cleaner look. Also by building your own cables you will get a nice saving.
Steps
Step 1. Turn on the soldering iron
Turn on the soldering iron before starting, so it has warmed up sufficiently when it is time to solder. Make sure the tip of the soldering iron does not come into contact with any object, and keep it at an angle so you don't accidentally touch it.
Step 2. Cut the audio cable to the desired length
Step 3. Remove 2 cm of the outer jacket of the cable
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If the cable is too large for the stripping pliers, use a utility knife blade or a pair of scissors.
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Apply light pressure with the blade and twist the cable until it cuts around the entire circumference. Be careful not to cut the copper inside.
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Step 4. Many cables have 4 conductors
In this case, pair the same colors by twisting the two threads together.
Step 5. Apply solder to the cables
Apply a small amount of solder to the ends of the cables to make it easier to solder them to the RCA connector.
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Heat the wire with the tip of the soldering iron and then apply the solder. The heat will melt the solder wire, which will cover the copper evenly.
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Step 6. Insert the heat shrink
If you are preparing several cables for a stereo system, use heat shrink tubing of two different colors for the left and right channels.
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Cut a piece of sheath about 2.5cm long. Slide it over the cable, keeping the ends to be soldered uncovered.
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Tighten the sheath with a hot air gun.
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Step 7. Disassemble the RCA connector keeping all the pieces well in order
Step 8. Insert the outer shell of the connector onto the cable
It must be inserted first, in order to close it once the welding has been completed.
Step 9. Solder the cable to the connector pole
Find the U-piece connected to the center contact of the connector. Insert the end of the cable into this piece and heat with the soldering iron. The solder already present on the cable will melt, securing the cable to the connector. If necessary, add a little more solder to secure the connection.
Step 10. Connect the ground wire to the connector
Find the perforated tab that extends along the connector. Insert the other wire into the hole and heat with the soldering iron. As with the other cable, apply more solder as needed.
Step 11. Screw the outer shell of the connector back on
Advice
- The base for the ground wire and the signal wire may vary from one connector to another.
- If possible, use a quality soldering iron. The best soldering irons reach a higher temperature than cheap ones. The process will be simpler and the result better.
