An aux cable is a handy little connector that allows you to play music or audio from your phone, tablet or other device through an external speaker or sound system. It’s a simple, yet effective way to enhance your listening experience.
However, not everyone knows how to wire an aux cable or connect it properly. This journal article will provide a detailed guide on how to wire a 2 wire aux cable, including a wiring diagram and frequently asked questions.
Wiring a 2 Wire Aux Cable
A 2 wire aux cable, also known as a stereo cable, has two separate wires inside – one for the left channel, and one for the right channel. The wires are usually color-coded – the left channel wire is typically white or light-colored, and the right channel wire is usually red or darker-colored.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wire a 2 wire aux cable:
Tools Needed: | Soldering iron, solder, wire stripper, heat shrink tubing, electrical tape |
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Materials Needed: | 2 wire aux cable, 3.5mm stereo jack, heat shrink tubing, electrical tape |
Step 1: Prepare the Cable
Strip back the outer insulation from the end of the cable, using a wire stripper. You should have about half an inch of exposed wire. Separate the two wires apart from each other.
Step 2: Prepare the Stereo Jack
Disassemble the stereo jack by unscrewing the metal casing. Slide the casing over the cable and out of the way. Solder the left channel wire to the left channel pin, and the right channel wire to the right channel pin. Use heat shrink tubing to insulate the connections, and slide the tubing over the soldered connections.
Step 3: Reassemble the Stereo Jack
Slide the metal casing back over the heat shrink tubing and screw it back into place. Use electrical tape to wrap around the metal casing and the cable, securing them together.
Step 4: Test the Cable
Plug the cable into your device and the sound system, and test the connection by playing some audio. If the sound quality is good, congratulations – you have successfully wired your 2 wire aux cable!
FAQs
What is the difference between a mono and stereo cable?
A mono cable uses only one wire and is used for mono sound systems. A stereo cable has two separate wires for left and right channels, and is used for stereo sound systems.
Can I use a 2 wire aux cable with a 3 wire stereo jack?
Yes, you can. Simply ignore the extra wire and only connect the left and right channels.
What if the wires are not color-coded?
If the wires are not color-coded, you can use a multimeter to determine which wire is which. The left channel wire will produce a lower voltage reading than the right channel wire.
What if I don’t have a soldering iron?
If you don’t have a soldering iron, you can use a wire connector to join the wires together. However, soldering is recommended for a stronger and more reliable connection.
What if the sound quality is poor?
If the sound quality is poor, check to make sure the connections are secure and the wires are not touching each other. You may also need to adjust the balance or EQ settings on your device or sound system.
Wiring a 2 wire aux cable is a simple yet effective way to enjoy high-quality audio from your phone, tablet or other device. By following this guide, you can wire your own aux cable and enjoy crystal clear sound from your music or podcasts.