Making Cables

[EWS]

I just picked up an ADC component patch-bay for my home setup and I am interested in making all custom length cables to get all of my I/O's working including some older SD devices DVD player/ 1/2" etc.
While I have made tons of audio cables this is my first venture into making coax with bnc and a few rca ends. Does anyone have any cable suggestions as far as what would work best without breaking the bank. The longest run will be only about 10 ft. I want to get my Decklink cards component I/O's patched and I have an SDI monitor as well. I have looked at standard rg-59 or rg 6 but would rather have something smaller overall diameter maybe like rg-179U.This seems to be the smallest diameter 75ohm cable I see out there. The tricky part to me seems like matching the bnc and ferrule and the correct die to crimp. If you have built your own cables before I would like to hear about your experiences and suggestions.
I'll be looking to pick up a crimp tool and cable stripper as well.
Any help or thoughts will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Richard Crowley]

Connectors must match the style of cable that you want to use. An crimp tools must match the connector and the cable style. If you want to use RG-179 then you must use RG-179 connectors and RG-179 crimp tools.

Remember that smaller diameter cable like RG-179 has higher loss. Coax cable styles like RG-59 and RG-6 are much more popular and connectors and crimp tools are much less expensive.

Unless I had very short runs and a severe space problem, I would much rather use RG-59. I even use RG-59 for unbalanced audio cables with crimp-on RCA plugs.

 

[EWS]

Thanks Richard,
After more research you are indeed correct about the tools being more expensive for other that rg 59 or rg6.
Did a lot of searching and may have found a pretty good deal on pre-made Canare LV- 61S, and if I can come up with lengths close to what I need I will probably pick some up. This way I can keep moving. Although I do enjoy the DIY aspect of this stuff.
Thanks
EWS