Needed: Mini Coax RCA Connector & Tools Recommendations

[az1324]

Just picked up some mini-coax to use for component distribution. Can anyone recommend some RCA connectors and appropriate tool for terminations?

Was looking at these: http://valley-ent.com/catalog/compression-...ctor-p-500.html
http://valley-ent.com/catalog/dynaflex-spl...ion-p-1403.html

 

[upstatemike]

Just picked up some mini-coax to use for component distribution. Can anyone recommend some RCA connectors and appropriate tool for terminations?

Was looking at these: http://valley-ent.com/catalog/compression-...ctor-p-500.html
http://valley-ent.com/catalog/dynaflex-spl...ion-p-1403.html

I have never used mini Coax but will be interested to see what you find out. Also curious how practical it is to make your own interconnect cables? I always have problems getting the right lengths but most custom solutions I have seen use cable that is too stiff and hard to work with in tight areas. I also often use cables that have to remain visible so black wire is a non-starter... Is mini coax available in colors other than black?

 

[az1324]

Yes it is available in many colors but the one I am using in particular is a bundle of 5 and the outer casing is black but its for in wall so no problem.

 

[Monk]

Just picked up some mini-coax to use for component distribution. Can anyone recommend some RCA connectors and appropriate tool for terminations?

Was looking at these: http://valley-ent.com/catalog/compression-...ctor-p-500.html
http://valley-ent.com/catalog/dynaflex-spl...ion-p-1403.html

I really like that style of connector - have never used the small ones but the tool looks similar in function to mine - (Ideal 30-703) - used for larger cables.
http://ideal.datacomtools.com/idealcatalog...Crimp-tools.htm
Looks like the tool shown @ your link has bits screwed into the handel for the smaller ends..

 

[personalt]

I use these guys
http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index.asp?Pa...&ProdID=662

One thing to watch out for is what size you need. I bought a differnt size from them and they didn't fit right. The guys from tech tool supply asked me to return the wrong ones(my fault for ordering wrong size) with a little section of wire and he measured it with a caliper and told me the write tool to order.

I can say I really like tech tool supply.

I use this coompression tool with it..
http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index.asp?Pa...&ProdID=738
works real well

 

[sic0048]

That Holland compression tool doesn't look bad, but I generally suggest the Paladin 1555 which is a universal compression tool. It adjusts to any size connector and will do F style, RCA, BNC, as well as straight and right angle connectors. Bascially it is the only compression tool you'll ever need to buy, and it is made by one of the more respected wire tool companies. So the quality is excellent.

For compression connectors, I generally use the RCA connectors made by F-Conn. Again, a very well respected company and well made connectors. I've used both the 1 part connectors and the 2 part connectors.

Here is a post that I made that shows how the two part connectors work. Since then I've used the 1 part connectors (also by F-Conn) and they are certainly easier to use. You just slip the wire into the connector and crimp it. You don't have to assemble the connector parts like you do with the 2 part connectors.

 

[az1324]

Thanks for the info. My mini coax is 30awg though. Any connectors for that?

 

[sic0048]

Not familiar with this particular company but here is one.

 

[DrunkenLizard]

I picked up some of these

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-RCA-Male-Gold-Mini-...93%3A1|294%3A50

and some of these

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gilbert-RCA-Mini-Coax-...p3286.m20.l1116

I'll try both tonight and report how they worked.

EDIT: just noticed that the first ones I listed were the ones you were asking about, I tried some the other day but think I terminated the cable wrong on one end I'll chop it off and try again.

 

[az1324]

Ok. The problem is my cable is 30AWG. Holland makes connectors for 30AWG but haven't found anyone who carries them yet. The ebay ones are for 23AWG.

 

[opie]

Ok. The problem is my cable is 30AWG. Holland makes connectors for 30AWG but haven't found anyone who carries them yet. The ebay ones are for 23AWG.

My first question would be are you stuck with the 30AWG cable you have? That's fairly light for distribution unless your runs are really short?

 

[beelzerob]

I second the Paladin nomination. I bought the little toolkit for like $80, and it has a cutter, stripper, crimper and like 10 fittings. I've used it all over for RG59 and 6QS, and it works great. Loves it.

For termination, I'm pretty much going with all f-connector, and then just screwing on whatever adapter I need from there. For instance, f-connector onto RCA keystones for the wallplate. Works great to me.