Need to repair video cable

[lbeck]

I know that the videophile recommendation is "replace - don't repair" cables. However, I have a situation where I have a 50 ft. composite cable (yellow/red/white) that is snaked through walls and the video line has an open on one end.

Left to my own devices, I will use a VOM to confirm where the break is, cut the cable upstream of the break, and solder the inner wire and shield to a cut portion from cable known to be good. Of course, I'll use electrical tape to insulate the + from -, but I'm wondering if there are any tricks to doing the job better or warnings about pitfalls.

Thanks,

Lee

[SafeWatch]

The other option is to get some solder-on RCA connectors and repair that way. Then just barrel connect them and tape them.

If you do it your way, you'll want to not only tape them, but probably use shrink wrap first.

Other than that - replace them.

Good luck!

[stereoguy]

The only real pitfall is that the wires you are probably dealing with are going to be very thin, and in my experience difficult to strip cleanly. However, I've problably gone about it wrong when I tried to play with that kind of cable. www.partsexpress.com has alot of cheap cable if you decide to replace it.

[fewalt]

Most video (yellow) cables are simply RG59. Replace both ends and you may fix your problem. Crimp on new f-connectors and then put on the rca jacks.
this will probably correct the problem, unless the cable is actually cut somewhere.

fred

[lbeck]

Thanks to all for your help. I agree that working with the small inner wire and the braided shield is difficult. I may try Safewatch's advice and try to solder on a new RCA plug. I've done that in the past but the job usually looks pretty messy when I'm through. Usually a big blob of solder where the shield is attached to the ground on the plug. Then it's difficult to get the rubber/plastic insulator over it to cover my poor soldering technique. All in all, though, it may be better than splicing on a few inches of wire with an end already attached.

[SafeWatch]

Soldering is tough - it's more of an art, than a skill.

If you're ending up with big blobs of solder on your joints, then you're not heating the wire/connector enough. Start by heating the joint a little with the iron - I usually use the bottom (not the end/tip) of the iron to heat it quickly, that is the hottest exposed point of the iron. Then after a few seconds of heating the joint, apply a bit of solder to the iron's tip <i>at the joint</i> - sort of between the joint and the tip of the iron. This will heat the solder quickly and since your joint is already hot, it will form around (and into) the joint. Once you have a drop or 2 of solder on the joint, move the solder away (you don't want to drip excess solder all over the place - besides, it's just a waste, you don't need much.) Allow the solder to completely cover the joint - use your iron if you have to. Once it's completely covered, remove the iron and let it harden.

The secret is to not put too much solder on the joint - if you have to, just drip a little on the joint, then heat the joint to let it form around the joint.

It's not difficult, but it does take some practice.

Good luck!