Calling the computer guys: Repairing a VGA cable end

[TubeeTuberton]

My local church has a cable end on their VGA for one of the projectors they need me to look at. I told them I would take a look at it and see if we can just replace the end. It would be much cheaper than replacing the whole cable which is around 300 ft. How hard is it to replace a VGA cable end and where and what kind of information do I need on that? For example, maybe a pin diagram of the end and corresponding cable. Thanks.

[razorbladeSD]

http://www.tkk.fi/Misc/Electronics/faq/vga2rgb/vga2bnc.gif

[stratman34]

Replacement ends are readily available online or in electronics repair stores. It shouldn't be a problem... IF you have a ultra-fine soldering tip and a heat adjustable iron.

Here is a bit more information on the pinout -http://pinouts.ru/Video/VGA15_pinout.shtml

And a shot of the type of soldiering required

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll248/stratman34/Random/Wire_Detail.jpg

[TubeeTuberton]

Where would be a good local place to buy just a VGA end? I imagine also that I should be able to look at the current plug and replace it wire for wire, with the help of the diagram correct? I am not looking to splice due to signal degradation so replacing the end is the only option besides a new cable. And as a note, I am very good with soldering and plenty capable in that aspect.

[cooljuk]

Yep, I've done many many many of these in my AV days. It will DEFINITELY be cheaper than replacing a 300ft cable, especially if it's burried in a wall or ceiling.

The trick is having quality cable and end connectors and being a master of the fine tip soldering iron. Try to use silver solder, it'll melt at a lower temp and flow better saving you from melted insulation or misaligned pins. Also have a nice clamp or dummy jack on some unused gear you can plug the end into while working on it.

If the cable looks like the picture above, and you are intimidated by the soldering, you can terminate the cable to multiple BNC jacks and buy a short BNC to VGA cable to adapt back. Not the ideal solution for quality or cost though.

[stratman34]

Where would be a good local place to buy just a VGA end? I imagine also that I should be able to look at the current plug and replace it wire for wire, with the help of the diagram correct? I am not looking to splice due to signal degradation so replacing the end is the only option besides a new cable. And as a note, I am very good with soldering and plenty capable in that aspect.

Yeah, wire for wire exactly the same pin positions old to new.

Umm... local? Dunno, I would be buying one at Fry's (which y'all don't have). Radio Shack doesn't show one on their site anymore. Any place that carries a large assortment of cabling and computer accessories should have it. It's called a DB15 connector, and most likely your cable has a male end. FWIW - when I googled up places around Bushnell, I kept getting results in Tampa, so you may have to drive a bit to get one.

[TubeeTuberton]

Ok. Finally got some time to look at the cable. This is the problem area. There are some obvious things wrong with it. As I stated earlier in this thread I am confident in my soldering skills and I have the necessary tools to do the repair. My next question is, how do I go about changing this out for a new connector, DB15 I am assuming. Sorry for the crappy phone pics.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2h7dru8.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2h4ywt2.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2nve9gh.jpg

[cooljuk]

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see much of a problem. Straighten those bent pins out and it will probably be fine. Pin 15 has no connection, so if it's missing that's probably intentional, not broken.

If you've got some broken leads inside the cable, you'll have to cut it off before the break and re-terminate.

[TubeeTuberton]

Sorry for not being clear and the pics don't help but, inside of the connector there are some pins coming completely loose. I tried to get pics of the base of each pin but, it turned out too dark.

[cooljuk]

Ah, ok. Couldn't tell that from the pics. If the connector is physically failing, you'll need to re-terminate the wire with a new DB15M connector.

If you're crafty, you can maybe keep the existing rubber molding around it... if not, or if it's bonded to the connector with glue, you'll need to buy a DB15M with a housing (metal is usually better) big enough to fit over the cable.

[TubeeTuberton]

Great. Thanks for advice. I'll update with results.