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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:07:25 pm

Title: Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:07:25 pm

Can i use speaker wire to wire up my CP. I can't seem to find any place here that sells wire in the sizes of 18-22 gauge. Anybody know any cheap places online to get this wire? Thanks.

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: JustMichael on September 02, 2004, 06:30:48 pm

Quote from: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:07:25 pm

Can i use speaker wire to wire up my CP. I can't seem to find any place here that sells wire in the sizes of 18-22 gauge. Anybody know any cheap places online to get this wire? Thanks.

Yes you can.  You can use whatever wire you have on hand.  I used the wires from some "bad" cat5 cable.  I would recommend using whatever wire you have on hand.  I would also strongly recommend using some quick disconnects on the end of the wires that connect to the controls.

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:57:02 pm

Thanks. Does it matter if i use the sliver or the copper side. Can i mix them up?

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: whammoed on September 02, 2004, 07:08:18 pm

Quote from: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:57:02 pm

Thanks. Does it matter if i use the sliver or the copper side. Can i mix them up?

Doesen't matter...the silver side is just the same copper wire that has been "tinned"

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: _Iz- on September 02, 2004, 07:08:38 pm

Quote from: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 06:57:02 pm

Thanks. Does it matter if i use the sliver or the copper side. Can i mix them up?

Yes, it doesn't matter. Mix and match to your heart's content. I used speaker wire to wire my panel. I used the gold for grounds and silver for inputs.

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: greywolf22 on September 02, 2004, 08:20:53 pm

Yes, as everyone has said you can use speaker wire (or whatever you have on hand)...I just picked up a big spool of 18 gauge wire at Radio Shack...only because I've already used everything I had on hand  :)

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: Stormy151 on September 02, 2004, 08:24:10 pm

Sure.  Speaker wire should work for a CP, it's not high current or voltages.

Happ sells spools of wire.  Radio Shack, Fry's Electronics, Incredible Universe, you might check if there are any local electronics supply stores in your area.  Note I said "electronic" and not "electrical".

Maybe a local TV repair shop can sell you some, or at least tell you where to get it.

EDIT- Also, be sure you are getting "stranded" and not "solid" conductor wire.  Especially if the harness will have to flex anywhere, like when you open the CP.

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: tapnout on September 02, 2004, 08:40:51 pm

Cool thanks everyone.

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: Thenasty on September 03, 2004, 12:04:11 am

if you have fiber optic cable lying around, use that too. Wonder how you would hook it up tho ?

Title: Re:Can i use speaker wire?
Post by: brained on September 03, 2004, 02:08:23 pm

CAT 5 wire is the best, you rip that cable and you have multiple colors, Cat 5 has 8 colors to choose

Here's a little tip, if you go with cat5, use different for colors for each player. It'll save you a whole lot of time. :)