Shortening the cable on a Tacima 929

[admin_exported]

Hello all,

Was wondering if this could be done using a normal plug as i have way too much of a bunched up cable and want to shorten it by quite a margin. Would it affect the integrity / performance at all or anyone recommend a method that will maintain the integrity of it?

Many thanks

 

[Anonymous]

I would like to know the same thing ?

My opinion is that it is just 3 core screened cable with an earth drain wire connected only at the plug top end, and therefore should be OK to shorten (if wired to new plug top correctly). I don't think it is of a twisted conductor design which I believe needs to be of approximately 1m in length to work properly.

Now just have to wait for someone who knows what they are talking about to come along.

Cheers.

 

[Anonymous]

anyone?

 

[True Blue]

Must admit, never had mine apart but logically there are three ways to shorten the cable.

1. Coil the excess in a figure of eight arrangement and cable tie.

2. Open the Tacima (invalidating your warrenty) and disconnect the supply cable in there. Cut to correct length and fit. As the OP states the shielding "should" not have been connected to earth at this end. Take note on disassembly if it is though.

3. Remove the plug and shorten the cable there, again paying attention to whether the screening is earthed at this end (as it should be)/

Pretty sure 2 and 3 will invalidate the warranty, and definitely require a level of electrical knowledge. So 1 would be my choice.

If you do want to try 2 and 3, make sure you disconnect from the mains first!! and if in doubt consult a qualified electrician

 

[Anonymous]

Have already done 1, and the other options do sound a bit suspect (not something i would like to attempt to be honest) Its a shame that they dont offer different lengths of cables.

 

[John Duncan]

I'd cut the cable and stick a new MK plug on it...

 

[wireman]

JohnDuncan:I'd cut the cable and stick a new MK plug on it...
Yes, as a qualified electrician, I'd agree with you there. It's the filter in the extension block itself that makes the Tacima do what it does and sound the way it does. Shortening the cable should have no audible effect whatsoever, and using a decent MK plug at the wall end as JohnDuncan suggests can only improve the electrical connection there (MK are generally regarded as the best, audibly and electrically).

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks fellas! so one of these will be fine http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK0646.html

 

[John Duncan]

Well yes, but I'd get the silver-plated one for a tenner, they look cooler

 

[Dave_]

I agree,they look better in black

http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_16&products_id=36

 

[Anonymous]

looks good to me!

 

[True Blue]

Excellent plug, worthy upgrade, but remember, the effect of the Tacima is the sum of all the individual parts, ie the shielded cable AND the RFI filter in the block. Make sure when you cut the wires, first only cut into the outer sheathing and carefully comb the silver screening. This must then be twisted together with the earth wire and preferably have heat shrink applied, before fitting into the plug.

 

[Anonymous]

Where abouts is the silver screening? within each separate cable or the earth cable only?

 

[Anonymous]

Not to worry, have found out from another source. Thanks.

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Can you let us know?

I'm interested in doing the same thing.......

Cheers...

 

[Anonymous]

Its as true blue says, i think you end up with what is another cable inside (the shield braid) and have to twist this in with the ground cable and heat shrink it so there is no exposed cable when you fit it back to te earth pin. I have decided against trying it and will be floggin the two tacimas i have and getting customs made jobbies. Im upgrading currently so may as well push the boat out a bit further.

 

[True Blue]

TBH its not adifficult job, just a bit of patience required.

1. Turn off power and remove plug from wall unit. Disconnect any connected equipment

2. Disconnect the plug and measure your new length. Cut right through all cables.

3. Then strip the outer jacket about 4" (100mm) to expose the shielding. Carefully comb this and twist it together, put to the side so as not to get damaged by the next process.

4. Cut through the teflon inner jacket only about 3" (75mm) from the end to expose the L,N and earth conductors.

5. Then strip the pvc cable sheath on the earth cable about 2" (50mm) from the end. Now the earth conductor is exposed twist it and the twisted shielding together (plug end only).

6. Slide some earth (green and yellow) heatshrink over the earth and shielding cable, and apply gentle even heat.

7. Slide approx 6" (150mm) black heat shrink over the complete cable ready for later

8. Now expose the live, neutral and eart conductors about 1/4 - 1/2 inch is fine and wire into plug. Dont put cable clamp on yet.

9. Slide heatshrink from 7 above up the cable till it goes just past the cable clamp and shrink on, connect cable clamp and plug back cover.

10. Carry out continuity test and a short cct test between the iec connector and the plug pins and each other.

Now sit back and feel rather smug, enjoy your handywork.

Do not mess with electrics unless you are competent and know what you are doing. If in doubt consult a qualified electrician

 

[True Blue]

Sorry got carried away there no IEC connector!! its a mains block, just check for continuity between plug l,n,e and extension socket l,n,e. Then test ss on the plug between the e,n,l pins 🙂

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Thanks True Blue......

I'm the son of an Electronic Engineer, and used to work for him.........so this looks very easy to do.......just glad there are no hidden pitfalls to it........

Thanks.....

 

[True Blue]

No worries Pete, built a few cables in my time LOL. Lot higher voltages mostly. Am thinking of building myself a mains cable with a MK toughplug, wattgate 320 and CY shielded control cable from Maplin. See how that fares. Just something to do to save me getting bored.