Custom cable for Avalon M-Zero

[pi_co100]

I am looking for some help from this very knowledgeable community on how to make the cable that connects the Avalon StarGo to the Avalon M-zero mount. The reason for that is that in my current setup the cables supplied with the mount are too long and would like to make some shorter ones. A picture of the cable and the connectors in question is below (the connectors are the same at both ends). I have researched the internet and that appears to be a 4p4c connector (RJ22?) used for telephone headsets. 

I have looked around and from what I can see what I need is:

some connectors

https://uk.farnell.com/mh-connectors/mhrj224p4cf/plug-rj22-flat-4p4c/dp/3938220?st=4p4c

flat cable

https://uk.farnell.com/pro-power/gc5041/cable-fcc68-4core-black-per-m/dp/1461483?st=flat phone

the tool

https://uk.farnell.com/klein-tools/vdv226-011-sen/crimp-tool-ratchet-28-22awg-terminal/dp/2839565?st=cable for rj22

Is there anyone with experience on network cables to check the above is correct please. Many thanks!!!

Piero

[Dr_Ju_ju]

If they are RJ22 connectors, then what you have linked to will be fine,,,,,

[michael8554]

Look on the 'bay for a 4P4C cable of the required length.

DIY cables can be problematic. The crimping is either too soft, which gives poor contact to the wires, or too hard, so the gold contacts are sunk too far into the plastic.

Is it 100 minimum order ? You'll have enough to 'practice with. 

Michael 

Edited May 25, 2019 by michael8554

[Dr_Ju_ju]

Why would they be problematic ??  as long as you use good quality connectors\cable & tools, then they will be just as reliable as a machine made cable.

I've been making cables sets for many years, including those used in broadcasting studios, etc., failures, usually occur through normal wear & tear or accidental...

[pi_co100]

Many thanks. I need something like 10-20 cm long as I did see someone else  (https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/294691-from-horizon-to-horizon-and-beyond-with-the-avalon-m-zero/) moving the StarGo on the mount itself and it looked a very neat solution. The cables already made I can see one could buy are >1m so that is why I will have a go at diy. 

[teoria_del_big_bang]

How many cables do you need? 

It just seems an expensive route to take buying the crimper for one or two cables.

Steve

[pi_co100]

It is just two cables. But if they snap for whatever reason I guess I will know what to do...

[teoria_del_big_bang]

There are probably several on Ebay will make any length you want if you contact them.

These will do 30cm but will probably do your exact requirements if you contact them.

30cm 4p4c

Steve

 

[pi_co100]

Thanks - I will give it a go!

[teoria_del_big_bang]

I also made several of these types of cables myself, actually for a model railway layout, and paid under £10 for the crimper. Never had an issue and the cables got a fair bit of stick bending back and forth so yes you could go the DIY route and be able to make a new one at the drop of a hat.

If you do want to save a tenner or so on a crimper then PM me I am sure I can make some short cables up for you pretty easily.

Steve

[teoria_del_big_bang]

Just make sure you check closely where the wires go, normally will be one to one exactly or often the two pairs cross over.

Steve

[michael8554]

34 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

Why would they be problematic ??  as long as you use good quality connectors\cable & tools, then they will be just as reliable as a machine made cable.

For the reasons I stated !

As you say, a good qualty tool will crimp to the correct depth,  but the temptation is to buy a cheaper tool which may crimp too deep or too shallow. How do you decide how much to spend ? If in doubt buy a made up cable.

Michael