50-Ft. Audio Cable

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

It's true that the casing (ground) doesn't readily adhere to solder. Eventually it will after some serious heating. Meanwhile, PVC could experience a meltdown, especially with the infamous stiff-and-hard-to-work-with Realistic audio cable (#278-513). Grounding wire helps, as does a gob of rosin core 60/40 solder.

Thus, I wouldn't use this plug for mission critical purposes. I'd take backup cables just in case. Nevertheless, when it does work, the plug is low profile vis-a-vis factory molded ones, essential for tight spaces.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of RadShack for a DIYer is the immediate availability of parts at a neighborhood franchise, albeit with some compromises. The click-and-wait alternative of online ordering, perhaps for a more durable product, is so horrendous, by the time parts arrive I found other solutions, shelved the project, or forgot what I was doing. Spontaneity is the Shack's most favored asset. Hence, I recommend this product with the stipulation that it beats waiting a month for UPS Ground.

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

I'm writing this because of the other negative reviews. I was reluctant to buy this because of them. I bought it at a retail store. It seems perfectly fine to me. Sure it holds the curl a bit but I could straighten it enough by hand, no need to heat. I didn't have any trouble stripping the conductors. The braid required several cuts with diagonal cutting pliers. The foil peeled off easy enough. The cable is feels soft and flexible enough - I thought from the other reviews that it would be really stiff. It basically feels like ethernet/network cable. I don't do miles of audio runs or anything. I'm using it for a CNC machining project and it solved my noise problems.

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

I've done dozens of short notice CCTV installs in businesses with this. Shoot +12vdc up 1 wire get video back on the other. Use the braid for both returns. It does require "de-curling"; wrap it tightly around a 5 gallon paint jug and heat it with a hair dryer until soft then pull it straight as you unwrap it.

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

This cord seems to be quieter than the RCA cord I replaced it with. It is so difficult to use. Took me like 3 or 4 months before I finally got it to work because it was so frustrating. The conductors are very fragile and was getting on my nerve.

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

The shielding is very good. When used properly, I would expect this cable would provide excellent protection from spurious noise and hum.

The cable is a bit stiff and it is difficult to remove the curl induced by the spool. It will not lay flat when installed unless you take time to manually remove the curl.

The temperature rating of the insulation is poor and it will quickly melt when soldering. I would caution those not good at soldering from using this cable.

In summary, the electrical properties are good; the physical properties are poor. Consequently, it is also a bit pricey.

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

Inside find two conductors, stiff stuff. A foil sheild that unrolls FROM THE INNER END OF THE ROLL, a woven braid. Shove the braid back, pick and stretch a hole in it and fold the inner wires into "U", pull out then unwrap or cut off foil.
This is easy to do with steady hands, sharp X-acto knife, I am much better with magnifier. Some may have eagle eyes, my vision needs magifier. Use a good iron to solder to shiny clean surfaces.
Prepare things right, and don't hurry, no sweat!

Comments about RadioShack 50-Ft. Audio Cable:

It's apparent Radio Shack changed suppliers, as this product is significantly inferior to its predecessor.

The previous version of this product had a spiral wrapped shield that was easy to unwrap to expose the conductors. The conductors themselves were relatively easy to strip and prepare.

This new cable has a braided shield that is difficult to unbraid to expose the conductors. Adding to the difficulty is the foil inner shield, which must be laboriously unwrapped as well. The worst feature, however, is that stripping the inner conductors is nearly impossible, as they will simply slide out of the cable. The result is that a lot of tedious work is required to prepare a cable.

I returned this to the store and got a refund. I won't buy this product again.