[SML] Fixing DMX Cables

[Don Taco]

I like the ring of that. I'm going to start saying, "Stuart's Motto," whenever I can, as if everyone should know it. Thanks for this!




----- Original Message -----
From: Stuart Wheaton via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
To: Ross via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Stuart Wheaton <sdwheaton at fuse.net>
Sent: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:34:37 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [SML] Fixing DMX Cables

Kristi,

I respectfully disagree, and calling soldering a DMX cable "Fixing 
electrical equipment" as if it is a 3 phase 480 volt distro is laughable.

Everyone starts somewhere, and fixing a damaged signal level cable is 
about as benign as you can get.  it is easy to test, and if you do it 
wrong, the worst case issue is that it won't work. It has very little 
chance of damaging any commercially made gear out there, since they are 
almost always opto-isolated, the voltages are in the 3.3-5 volt range, 
and your kitchen stove creates a bigger burn hazard than the needed 
soldering iron.

Ross, this is theatre tech 101, you CAN do it, it is safe, it is pretty 
easy and yes, it will probably take you 2 or 3 tries before you get good 
enough at it that you have a useable repair.  But since you have a 
failed cable now, you have nothing to lose.  Open it up and look at the 
way the connections were made, note which wire went to which pin on the 
plug, then chop that cable right before the melted part, get a new 
connector, and give it a shot! If anyone you know has done it before ask 
them to teach you, otherwise the university of youTube is your friend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1gZ7zbvsM

Just keep the solder out of your mouth, wear eye protection, and don't 
pick the soldering iron up by the hot end.

You are in a position to learn a new and valuable skill, and Stuart's 
Motto is any skill you don't have is a skill you cannot sell.

Stuart


On 3/28/2024 10:04 AM, Kristi R-C wrote:
Stuart - if someone is not comfortable fixing electrical equipment, they 
SHOULD find someone who is. That’s not something we want un-trained 
folks to do.

Ross - If it’s only the outer cover, you may be able to simply put a 
couple of wraps of black electrical tape around it and return to 
service. If the inner wires are also melted, I’d find someone to cut off 
that damaged section and re-solder that end onto the shortened cable, OR 
replace the cable. Remind people who are installing lights that no 
cables should rest on the light body.

Kristi R-C

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, 07:22:13 AM CDT, Stuart Wheaton via 
Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:


Yes. To find that person, go get a mirror.
Fixing or making DMX cables is a basic and essential skill, the tools
and parts are cheap, the task is easy.

Stuart

On 3/28/2024 7:57 AM, Ross via Stagecraft wrote:
 >
 > In the hunt for grimlenes in the lighting system, I found that some
 > DMX cables got to close to the fixture & the outer coating melted a
 > little.  (Having replaced said cables the grimelines have gone away).
 >
 > These cables are roughly 10'.  Is it worth the hasel to find some one
 > to fix them?
 >
 >
 > Ross
 >
 >


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