Poor prep on mini RGB
We get a few calls on issues with connectors failing on mini RGB cable. We did have a problem with a batch of connectors with a date code of 0907 that the insulator on the bottom of the pin was allowing the center conductor to slip through and short out.
Now with that said, most of the connectors that we got back from the "recall" looked like they were not prepped correctly so we had our machine shop cut them in half so we could get a better look inside and see what was going on.
Unless you are an experienced technician I would procede with caution because these images are horrifing!
Oh wait... These were prepped by experienced technicians... hehe
If you have questions, contact Mike Kidwell - Sales Support Trainer - 800-222-2142
| This one shows the actual problem of the dielectric getting pushed through the insulator and shorting out on the pin. |  |
||
These are some of
the connectors that Please note on the bottom two connectors, the center conductor is crushed and the bottom one has the center conductor completely folded. |
 |
||
This cable is disected from the middle connector in the first picture above. |
 |
||
Please note the braid wrapped around the cable due to poor prepping habits. |
 |
||
This is a proper prep. With a proper 1/4" - 1/4" prep there is not any braid showing. |
 |
||
The folowing is the proper prepping steps to follow. I added a ruler for those who do not understand what 1/4" - 1/4" prep means. Step 1: Use our Cable Pro PS59/6/RGB Strippers |
 |
||
Step 2: is mostly technique, only spin stripper once or twice in each direction. RGB cable requires more care when prepping because the fine strands of the braid will wrap around the center conductor very easily. |
 |
||
Step 3: When pulling the braid back verify that there are no strands wrapped around the center conductor and that the foil is pulled back so not to cause a short. |
 |
||
| Step 4: Make sure that the center pin is fully seated, as you can see it comes out a little more than a quarter of an inch. |  |
||
| Step 5: Insert into compression tool |  |
||
| Step 6: Squeeze down until fully compressed. |  |
||
A perfect termination. Yes, I tested for shorts and opens, I even tried to pull it off by pulling on the cable and retested with no shorts or opens... |
 |
||