I would like to use solid core 2.5mm mains cable (6242Y) for speaker
cable runs in plastered wall, but I am concerned with how practical it
will be to terminate.

At the speaker end, I hope that I can simply pinch the cable core with
the speaker's binding post. At the other end will be a wall plate with
binding posts (e.g. http://tinyurl.com/a3uay ) for the amplifier
connections. On the rear of this wall plate, I guess that I'll have to
solder the core to the hidden end of the binding post.

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

How have other people tackled the problem of terminating solid-core
wire?

Thanks!

wrote:
I would like to use solid core 2.5mm mains cable (6242Y) for speaker
cable runs in plastered wall, but I am concerned with how practical it
will be to terminate.

At the speaker end, I hope that I can simply pinch the cable core with
the speaker's binding post. At the other end will be a wall plate with
binding posts (e.g. http://tinyurl.com/a3uay ) for the amplifier
connections. On the rear of this wall plate, I guess that I'll have to
solder the core to the hidden end of the binding post.

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

How have other people tackled the problem of terminating solid-core
wire?

Thanks!


I may have missed something, but I have never had a problem soldering
solid core cable, as long as the cable is physically fixed by wrapping
it around the connector and you are not expecting the solder to provide
the physical strength then there should be no problem. I use the insides
of twin and earth for heater connections all the time. Just don't try
using a tiny soldering iron.

I would have thought you were better using binding posts at both ends,
then using more flexible connections to the speaker.

--
Nick

Thanks, Nick.

I _am_ intending to use binding posts at both ends. I just thought it
would be aesthetically neater at the amplifier end to have a wall
plate, with the binding posts protruding from the wall plate.

Perhaps, I need a bigger soldering iron (my electronics iron may not be
meaty enough to heat up heavy gauge copper).

I would still prefer to screw the cable to the back of the plate,
rather than solder it though.

wrote:
Thanks, Nick.

I _am_ intending to use binding posts at both ends. I just thought it
would be aesthetically neater at the amplifier end to have a wall
plate, with the binding posts protruding from the wall plate.

Yes, I was suggesting wall plates with binding posts at both ends. Maybe
something like a speakeron connector would be better?


Perhaps, I need a bigger soldering iron (my electronics iron may not be
meaty enough to heat up heavy gauge copper).

I guess so/

--
Nick

You could always use round white/or brown? junction boxes fitted with
threaded compression terminals with gaps for securing thick wires. Cheap.
Some are 4-, 5- or 6-way, with a screw cover and knock-out entries,
available in both 1.5mm2 or 2.5mm2 flavours.
Most electrics trade shops sell loads of these, usually for hiding above
ceilings and in lofts.

wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks, Nick.

I _am_ intending to use binding posts at both ends. I just thought it
would be aesthetically neater at the amplifier end to have a wall
plate, with the binding posts protruding from the wall plate.

Perhaps, I need a bigger soldering iron (my electronics iron may not be
meaty enough to heat up heavy gauge copper).

I would still prefer to screw the cable to the back of the plate,
rather than solder it though.

wrote in message
oups.com...

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

How about a mains flex outlet (aka spur unit)? Maplin have these, part
number HL83E at £3.99

Tim

wrote:

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy.

Yes it is, even with a 25W iron. Have you actually tried it?

--
Mark.
http://tranchant.plus.com/

In article .com,
writes
I would like to use solid core 2.5mm mains cable (6242Y) for speaker
cable runs in plastered wall, but I am concerned with how practical it
will be to terminate.

At the speaker end, I hope that I can simply pinch the cable core with
the speaker's binding post. At the other end will be a wall plate with
binding posts (e.g. http://tinyurl.com/a3uay ) for the amplifier
connections. On the rear of this wall plate, I guess that I'll have to
solder the core to the hidden end of the binding post.

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

How have other people tackled the problem of terminating solid-core
wire?

Thanks!

Use what!. Mains cable for speakers??. You need a dose of the russ
Andrews site and quick!!!!!
--
Tony Sayer

On Mon, 19 Sep 2005 10:39:03 +0100, tony sayer
wrote:

In article .com,
writes
I would like to use solid core 2.5mm mains cable (6242Y) for speaker
cable runs in plastered wall, but I am concerned with how practical it
will be to terminate.

At the speaker end, I hope that I can simply pinch the cable core with
the speaker's binding post. At the other end will be a wall plate with
binding posts (e.g. http://tinyurl.com/a3uay ) for the amplifier
connections. On the rear of this wall plate, I guess that I'll have to
solder the core to the hidden end of the binding post.

Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

How have other people tackled the problem of terminating solid-core
wire?

Thanks!

Use what!. Mains cable for speakers??. You need a dose of the russ
Andrews site and quick!!!!!

No, his suggestion is entirely sensible, whereas every RATA product is
liberally smeared with snake oil, which can get smelly after a couple
of years........................

--

Stewart Pinkerton | Music is Art - Audio is Engineering

In article .com,
wrote:
Soldering solid-core untinned copper is not easy. Can anyone suggest an
alternative solution (e.g. is there a wall plate available with binding
posts that have screw-down connections behind the wall plate) ?

Yes - what you need is a flex outlet plate. These are one gang plates with
a terminal block behind and a cord grip. The flex outlet may be central or
on one edge so the flex is parallel to the wall as it were. Depends on
make.

However, I'd prefer to have a plug and socket arrangement so the speakers
can be easily moved for cleaning, etc. You could obtain a blank plate to
match your fittings and fit it with a Speakon connector.

BTW, it's perfectly easy to solder 2.5mm copper - you just need a meaty
enough soldering iron.

But the common way to terminate such 2.5mm cables would be with those blue
insulated crimp terminals which are available for a variety of
applications with fork or spade etc ends. But these need a special tool
which costs about 20 quid. Avoid like the plague the cheap ones for a
couple of quid - they just don't do a proper job.

--
*How do they get the deer to cross at that yellow road sign?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.