DIY Digital coax

[steveinaz]

After alot of research on digital in general and cable theory for digital transmission, I've decided to build a DIY digital cable using the following:

1. 5ft, Belden Part# 1694A RG-6 coaxial cable
2. 2ea, Amphenol BNC connectors, Part# 31-70000

I'm going with an appoximately 1.5 meter length based on general consensus and info that this length seems to be optimal for digital coax, to reduce impeadence mis-match reflections. The Belden 1694A is top-rated, and specifications are the best to be found for 75ohm RG-6 cable. It has a copper, solid core center conductor (I don't like silver). The Amphenol connectors are the best in the biz, period.

Everything will be crimped (no solder).

I'll post pics/instructions when the parts arrive in case anyone else wants to give it a go...

Cost: $15.50

[anonymouse]

This will work perfectly. Digital devices have error correction as well, so even if you use poor quality cable, I doubt you will be able to tell a difference. But I'm sure your project will look cool and give you a sense of satisfaction having built it yourself.

[Polkersince85]

Sounds like a worth while project. Let us know how it works out. I'm in a DIY mood myself. Current project is a pair of speaker cables using 10ga wire and the copper shielding from a roll of RG-62 coax. I bought a 800' roll of coax for 6.00. Got to find something to do with it.

[steveinaz]

I got the materials and built the cable this morning. They sent Canare BNC's instead of Amphenol (boo), I prefer amphenol.

The Belden cable is sturdy; foil and braid sheilding, 18awg solid core center conductor. I had to wrestle with it a little as it's a touch fatter than RG6; but finally got it terminated (I had to adjust the stripping tool dozens of times to get it right). The collets on the Canare BNC are a little oversized as well, but the crimper worked with the RG-6 die in. Probably requires the Canare crimp/strip kit---but I'm not spending $300 on tools to build a $15 cable.

I'll put it in the system tonight and let it run all week.

[jm1]

Any comments on the cable?

[steveinaz]

I'm a little late reporting back. Built the cable, tested against a DH Labs D-75.
The D-75 is a little smoother, the Belden more analytical.