[mark@marktwain]

Hi,
Anybody have a recommendation for solder type rca plugs to build interconnects with? I really don't want to spend more than say around $5.00 per plug less would be better. Are the daytons which parts express sells http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-1265 or the connex from parts connexion http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/connectors.html any good?
Thanks,
Mark

[Scott F.]

Hiya Mark,

I just got the chance to do the search for the plugs. Unfortunately, I didn't find the exact ones I was looking for but these are pretty close.



http://www.surplussales.com/connectors/RCA-1.html

The key to these is low mass. If these are the same ones, they are stamped copper and tinned. These don't get much lower in mass than this (other than Eichmans).

If you decide to order some, let me know and count me in for 30 of them (I'll send you some eBucks). Even though they say they are right angle, (I think) all we would have to do is bend the ground bad straight. We'll also have to figure out some sort of rigid sleeve for the RCA. Maybe a hollowed out piece of wood similar to a DIY fountain pen shaft from Woodcraft maybe? Then we could epoxy it to the RCA.

[_scotty_]

Try the radio Shack plastic RCA's 8/pkg. at about $3, they are made from
polystyrene.  Very low mass.
Scotty

[commsysman]

There are a million of them out there; Radio Schlock sells some that are cheap, and some that are better.

The two main issues are -

A) They should be gold-plated, to insure that they do not oxidize and produce dielectric effects, affecting signal quality, over time.

B) Some of the insulating materials can soften and physically distort the shape or spacing of the connector due to soldering heat. Teflon is of course the best for several reasons, but there are many less expensive plastics that hold up well. Try some before you buy in quantity, and see how well they withstand heat.

Another thing; use alcohol and a small acid brush to remove all traces of soldering flux from them when finished; it comes of easiest when still warm and soft.

A couple of layers of heat-shrink tubing is good for color-coding and stiffening the cable-connector junction to minimize flexing and wire fraying over time.