In article ,
Arny Krueger wrote:
Connections are frequently repaired over again, due to inadequate
strain relief on the center conductor that appears in large diameter
coaxial cable.

Happens with small coax and non-coaxial cables, as well.

I repair a lot of audio cables, and perhaps the most common is the thin
wire used for personal mics, which near always 'goes' just above the
connector. Sleeve it and it goes at the top of the sleeving. The cable is
often near impossible to replace completely as the mic is usually sealed,
so in practice it's best not to sleeve the connector cord grip at all, as
this involves shortening the cable more at the next repair.

--
*A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

In article ,
Arny Krueger wrote:
Wow. I like the bit about taking all standard dies, but is there a
standard?

I've seen dies that worked with different makes and models of crimpers. I
guess that would constitute a standard...

I tend to buy them as the need arises, and out of a collection of perhaps
a dozen or so, non could have the dies interchanged between them.

Perhaps it's a bit like the days of having accessories for your electric
drill. Fine in theory, but a real PITA to keep changing them.

--
*Half the people in the world are below average.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

In article ,
Arny Krueger wrote:
Wow. I like the bit about taking all standard dies, but is there a
standard?

I've seen dies that worked with different makes and models of crimpers. I
guess that would constitute a standard...

I tend to buy them as the need arises, and out of a collection of perhaps
a dozen or so, non could have the dies interchanged between them.

Perhaps it's a bit like the days of having accessories for your electric
drill. Fine in theory, but a real PITA to keep changing them.

--
*Half the people in the world are below average.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

"Ian Molton" wrote in message

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 07:01:38 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:


Heating disturbs the wire's plastic insulation, which provides a
significant amount of strength and resistance to sharp bends.

Oh please, the last shred of insulation at the end of the wire
provides near zero additional strength, and besides:

1) The cable itself ought to be clamped before entering the strain
relief.

Agreed.

2) If you're melting the insulation you have either crap wire or no
soldering skill whatsoever.

Agreed.

I have *NEVER EVER* had the actual solder joint or copper wire near it
fail in any of the hundreds of leads I've made over the years.

I've surely had it happen with soldered leads assembled by others.

the only failures I have ever had have been fracturing of the wire *after
exiting the strain relief*,

I've seen that happen, too.

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

"Ian Molton" wrote in message

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 07:01:38 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:


Heating disturbs the wire's plastic insulation, which provides a
significant amount of strength and resistance to sharp bends.

Oh please, the last shred of insulation at the end of the wire
provides near zero additional strength, and besides:

1) The cable itself ought to be clamped before entering the strain
relief.

Agreed.

2) If you're melting the insulation you have either crap wire or no
soldering skill whatsoever.

Agreed.

I have *NEVER EVER* had the actual solder joint or copper wire near it
fail in any of the hundreds of leads I've made over the years.

I've surely had it happen with soldered leads assembled by others.

the only failures I have ever had have been fracturing of the wire *after
exiting the strain relief*,

I've seen that happen, too.

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 21:06:23 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

Yeah but the cable fracturing between the clamp and joint should just never happen unless the clamp has been frigged or the wire yanked out of it.

--
Spyros lair: http://www.mnementh.co.uk/ |||| Maintainer: arm26 linux

Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are tasty and good with ketchup.

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 21:06:23 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

Yeah but the cable fracturing between the clamp and joint should just never happen unless the clamp has been frigged or the wire yanked out of it.

--
Spyros lair: http://www.mnementh.co.uk/ |||| Maintainer: arm26 linux

Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are tasty and good with ketchup.

"Ian Molton" wrote in message

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 21:06:23 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the
occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

Yeah but the cable fracturing between the clamp and joint should just
never happen unless the clamp has been frigged or the wire yanked out
of it.

I've seen lots of things that "should just never happen", including this. In
fact, I saw it in a relatively new mic cable about a year ago.

"Ian Molton" wrote in message

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 21:06:23 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the
occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

Yeah but the cable fracturing between the clamp and joint should just
never happen unless the clamp has been frigged or the wire yanked out
of it.

I've seen lots of things that "should just never happen", including this. In
fact, I saw it in a relatively new mic cable about a year ago.

"Ian Molton" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 21:06:23 -0500
"Arny Krueger" wrote:

and even then only after a good long service life. (ok so the
occasional
one had a dry joint too, no-ones
perfect)

Work with enough cables long enough and you get to see *everything*.

Yeah but the cable fracturing between the clamp and joint should just
never happen unless the clamp has been frigged or the wire yanked out of it.

--
Spyros lair: http://www.mnementh.co.uk/ |||| Maintainer: arm26 linux

Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are tasty and good with
ketchup.


With heavier Teflon coated conductors of 12 gauge & thicker this can occur
if the user severely bends the cable close to the plug. Some clamps are
quite ineffective in this respect.

Mike