Q. re: sync cable repair

Having noticed my sync cable (which connects from my camera's flash port to a yongnuo transmitter) had failed a few times on a shoot, I decided to attempt an operation.

So I cut open the wire, noted 3 components (red, white, yellow) and after shortening the cable for my own convenience, I started twisting the components together one by one (red with red, etc.). Now when I got to the yellow, I realized that it just pulled from the housing--which probably accounted for the failures earlier.

Thinking that the fun experiment was over, I still connected 2 out of the 3 component wires (the red and the white), and noticed that the cable seems to be working just fine.

Question: is there any theoretical possibility of damage by not having that third component wire (yellow) completed ?

Also--does anyone know where I can get another one of these so I can have backups ? The wire is a sync cable, male on both ends, that connects a canon body to a yongnuo transmitter (602, I think ?).

thanks !

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #15685033
Having noticed my sync cable (which connects from my camera's flash port to a yongnuo transmitter) had failed a few times on a shoot, I decided to attempt an operation.

So I cut open the wire, noted 3 components (red, white, yellow) and after shortening the cable for my own convenience, I started twisting the components together one by one (red with red, etc.). Now when I got to the yellow, I realized that it just pulled from the housing--which probably accounted for the failures earlier.

Thinking that the fun experiment was over, I still connected 2 out of the 3 component wires (the red and the white), and noticed that the cable seems to be working just fine.

Question: is there any theoretical possibility of damage by not having that third component wire (yellow) completed ?

Also--does anyone know where I can get another one of these so I can have backups ? The wire is a sync cable, male on both ends, that connects a canon body to a yongnuo transmitter (602, I think ?).

thanks !

Personally

As cheap as synch cables are, i would not mess with it and throw it away. I know guys that have made repairs and the next thing you know, the have a damaged flash unit or camera. Any patch on wiring will cause some resistance on the circuit. Weather its enough to cause problems remains to be seen,, but really,, why chance a flash or camera for a $10.00 cable-- toss it and get a new one.

I did the repair for a few reasons: 1) to make the cable shorter than it was ( I can't find ones as short as I'd like 2) because I could use a cable for an upcoming wedding and finding one online and getting it shipped on time is unlikely 3) it was fun.

I haven't tried it on my main camera, and the only thing that can really be affected, I suspect, is the yongnuo transmitter.

But I take your point; and hopefully someone will share a link so that I can grab a few new ones.

www.flashzebra.com fast service, stands by his products

^ Thanks. They do in fact sell a relatively short cable of the variety I'm looking for.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #15685105
^ Thanks. They do in fact sell a relatively short cable of the variety I'm looking for.

They sell every cable you would ever need, or can make them.

Most sync cables are junk. Just avoid them. And once you get used to Robert (TMR) special cables, you won't use regular mini cord cables either.

There are only two conductors in a PC connector. It simply closes a circuit. Not sure why your cord has three, but one of them is just along for the ride.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15685091
www.flashzebra.com fast service, stands by his products

Flashzebra is great. But never buy a cord with a standard PC connector. Always get the Nikon Screwlock type (yes, it will fit your Canon camera and/or flash). Then your reliability problems will be over. This is the page you want:
http://flashzebra.com/​screwlock_pc/index.sht​ml

Too many commercial flash synch cables seem to be made by carefully locating the very thinnest wire on the planet, wrapping it in really poor sheathing, putting totally useless strain relief on each end then charging silly money for them. Far too many, even some well-known brands, fall into the use-once-and-throw-away category. Yes, synch cables fail and shouldn't be regarded as a "forever" purchase but some offerings are just pathetic

As Curtis N just said, that third strand is probably just along for the ride - no earthly reason I know of other than someone bought a few miles of 3 strand cable and had to use it up somehow.

About 45 years ago, I made several from heavier (microphone) cable and Rowi plugs and they are still working perfectly. It's a simple make/break connection with nothing to go wrong other than maintaining polarity so no worries on what you've already done. I've never had need to buy replacement cables personally after making those but the weight of opinion here is very heavily in favour of Flashzebra so I'd certainly look there first of all (if I ever needed any ever again and if I was in the USA )