OT: Short TOSLink cables needed

[IraSeigel]

I'm looking for some 12" (1 foot) optical cables (TOSLink, ADAT, Lightpipe, etc) for use in my SAC racks. I'd rather not use the 1 meter cables I have plenty of, or even .5 meter ones. If anyone knows of a company that makes SHORT cables, could you let me know here?

Thanks,
Ira

[Pedro Itriago]

Why not make them yourself???

[IraSeigel]

Why not make them yourself???

I have no idea how to make optical patch cables. Where are the parts? Instructions? I'm great with a soldering iron, but fiber?

Thanks,
Ira

[Bud Johnson]

Here Ya go
From
http://www.minidisc.org/tos2mini/toshack.html

Ignore the mini plug and swap the original square plug to the shorter cable.


I have no idea how to make optical patch cables. Where are the parts? Instructions? I'm great with a soldering iron, but fiber?

Thanks,
Ira

[Pedro Itriago]

I have no idea how to make optical patch cables. Where are the parts? Instructions? I'm great with a soldering iron, but fiber?

Thanks,
Ira

You need three things. I'll give you the links to a particular store, but you might find them somewhere else.

- Optical cable (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/24-7220), which can be made of glass or plastic, specially for such an small run.

- Toslink plugs (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/27-4955)

- A cutting tool (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/24-7225) to make sure that the ends of the optical cable onto which you'll attach the Toslink plugs are as smooth as possible.

Here's (http://www.lifatec.com/Lifusa_patchcords.htm) another place where you can find optical cable & connectors. You can find short toslink cables as well.

Here's a little description I found from here (http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-cables/digital-audio-optical-toslink-cables/c10000-c11000-c11003-p1.html)


How to choose a Toslink Cable:
-> A well assembled Toslink Optical cable is not hard to make, as long as it is not too long. Use a good size core of proper quality POF cable, cut, polish and terminate. As long as all this is done well, it should work very well. Long lengths and Connector choices are where it gets interesting.
For long lengths, and that means somewhere between 10-20 feet, you have to upgrade the POF "conductor" to higher grade acrylics or even glass fibers.
-> Connectors in this case are not electrical and should only be considered on their physical characteristics. Light, plastic, small connectors are often best with older components with worn Toslink connectors. The less weight in a worn connector, the less likely to be jossled loose enough to skew off of center. Light, flexible cable is the best match for this scenario. The scenario for a heavier connector is when a receiver is on the same stand as the center speaker - so that vibration can effect the toslink connector, then a heavy, solid connector is desirable. In any case, a good, quality made connector will more precisely fit, so will reduce your risk of digital errors.

[IraSeigel]

Here's (http://www.lifatec.com/Lifusa_patchcords.htm) another place where you can find optical cable & connectors. You can find short toslink cables as well.

Here's a little description I found from here (http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-cables/digital-audio-optical-toslink-cables/c10000-c11000-c11003-p1.html)

I love you, man. Been looking for 2 weeks for a place that'll do custom orders. This is great. And pretty inexpensive, too. Just talked to them, and they'll do the lengths and connectors I need.

Your second link - for Ram Electronics - is a place that I had contacted. They asked their distributors, but couldn't find any short lengths for me. Thanks. Ira

[IraSeigel]

I'm trying to tidy up cable runs around here, and short Lightpipe cables will help. I have several 1 meter cables going about six inches, with the excess getting in the way.

Good links. Thanks.

Mark

Group buy, anyone?? :D

[William Bushnell]

Hosa has a six pack of 12" optical patch cables. I am using them wirh my digifaces with no problems.

Part #: OPT-601

JJRShop has them for $50.00

http://www.jrrshop.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=0&keywords=opt-601
____________
William Bushnell

[tartan]

Several 1.5 ft choices are here, including real glass, if you want to spend that much.

http://www.parts-express.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&SO=2&CATID=40&ObjectGroup_ID=151

[Trackzilla]

and on the other hand...long ones":

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-056&ctab=1#Tabs

might be a solution for some of us who are looking for a way to have a few inputs or outputs at FOH...wonder just how rugged these are anyway, they do look suspiciously like the ones on monoprice with the 'fancy metal ends'

[MMP]

Or $30.00 at eighth street:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=22525&category=Studio



Hosa has a six pack of 12" optical patch cables. I am using them wirh my digifaces with no problems.

Part #: OPT-601

JJRShop has them for $50.00

http://www.jrrshop.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=0&keywords=opt-601
____________
William Bushnell

[IraSeigel]

Yes, I got the 6-pack from 8th Street, too, plus a couple of Hosa's "premium" 3-footers. They're very nice cables with a secure feeling to the connection.

Also, the Lifatec cables that Pedro referred to (post #6) I had a problem with. The connector didn't fit into one of my units (I think the ADA8000, but it could have been a Fireface). I had to grind down one side of the connector with a Dremel tool. I've had no similar issues with the Hosa.

[tartan]

and on the other hand...long ones":

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-056&ctab=1#Tabs

might be a solution for some of us who are looking for a way to have a few inputs or outputs at FOH...wonder just how rugged these are anyway, they do look suspiciously like the ones on monoprice with the 'fancy metal ends'

Has anyone here used 50, 75, or 100ft optical cables successfully between a Raydat and ADA8000?

[Iain Westland]

anybody shopping at 8th street in the near future? I could do with one of those 6 ways but they dont like to ship international:mad:

Iain

[IraSeigel]

anybody shopping at 8th street in the near future? I could do with one of those 6 ways but they dont like to ship international:mad:

Iain

You mean one of the 6 pack of Toslink cables? OPT-601, I believe.

Perhaps someone living on the East Coast could help you out. I will, if no one else will, but since I live on the West Coast, it would take quite a bit longer to get to you.

Ira

[Iain Westland]

thanks Ira, got sent a link from another forum for these

http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/dynamic/eshop_products.set/ref/1434/fisual-digital-optical-cable-pro-install-series/display.html

so ordered 6 as shippings free

thanks for the offer!!!!

SAC community wins again

Iain

[IraSeigel]

thanks Ira, got sent a link from another forum ...

Iain

ANOTHER FORUM??!!:eek: You mean, (sniff) you have another life (sniff) - not just us? We're not enough for you? Is that it? (sniff)

[Iain Westland]

its not that i dont love you, it just they ... well they are different

[tartan]

and on the other hand...long ones":

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-056&ctab=1#Tabs

might be a solution for some of us who are looking for a way to have a few inputs or outputs at FOH...wonder just how rugged these are anyway, they do look suspiciously like the ones on monoprice with the 'fancy metal ends'

HDTVsupply.com is quite proud of those cables...
http://www.hdtvsupply.com/propdiaucaon.html

[Trackzilla]

Wow, they practically tout them as a cure for cancer, end to the housing problem, and bringer of world peace...

Glad I own some now, I've never before had 'the absolute best available'...umm...anything. :D

[gdougherty]

HDTVsupply.com is quite proud of those cables...
http://www.hdtvsupply.com/propdiaucaon.html

The Gold plated ferrule must "enrich" the optical signal as it passes by.

[tartan]

Well, I'm now using the 1.5ft versions. I only wish there was a more physically secure interconnect. I can just see having to re-cable these things after every trip down the highway.

Didn't someone mention using a dab of silicone to hold toslink connectors in place?

[gdougherty]

Well, I'm now using the 1.5ft versions. I only wish there was a more physically secure interconnect. I can just see having to re-cable these things after every trip down the highway.

Didn't someone mention using a dab of silicone to hold toslink connectors in place?
Should work, just make sure it's not going to get anywhere down inside the jack to block the optical path.

[tartan]

Should work, just make sure it's not going to get anywhere down inside the jack to block the optical path.
Yep -- I think I'll give it a shot.