Mil-Spec Cable

[veedub565]

Hi, bit of a shot in the dark here.

I have an old (1980's) military radio set, it has some nice proper mil-spec connectors and cables on it already. I need to make up a new control cable for it though. I don't want to spoil it by fitting a cheap RS-232 cable, it would work, but would be a bit out of place.

So where do I find decent mil-spec multicore cable ? the cable's that are on it already are quite thick, but really very tough and yet very flexible.

The connector is Amphenol 62LC-16F10-06SN-(771)
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/industrial-circular-connectors/3014478/

I'll spare you the trouble of deciphering the datasheet
62LC-16F = Shell style
10-06 = Layout (6 pin, size 20)
S = Contact (socket)
N = Keyway
771 = Modifier (Black Zinc Cobalt)

So wire size options for this connector are 20, 22, 24 AWG

I need it to be shielded, and I think, given the connector type,  having a drain will make it easier to connect up

[ConKbot]

Shove whatever multi-core cable you like into some NTFR neoprene heatsink and it will at least look the part. A lot of wire harnesses for this kind of thing will be built from individual wires (teflon insulated is common in mil/aero) in a separate shield braid, with sleeving over the whole assembly.  Given the variety of pin inserts available, trying to  procure rolls of cable with a correct number of wires and different wire gauge combinations would be a huge pain, vs a stock of wire, braid, and sleeve means a wire harness manufacturer can get low quantities done quickly without waiting for custom extruded cables.

[radar_macgyver]

IGUS sells short lengths of multicore cables that are available with PVC, PUR or TPE jackets, not sure about UK availability. The PUR jacket versions will be very flexible despite their thickness. With the backshell you have on there, cable termination will likely be a pain.

[veedub565]

Thanks, I did wonder if they custom made them from individual strands, braid, and then covered with some sort of sleeve. Makes sense like you say with the variety if configurations possible.

One of the things I wanted to retain was the flexibility of the cable.

The rubber grommet in the connector is only about 5mm internal diameter. A lot of commercially available 5 or 6 core cable seems bigger than that. The connector will take it, not sure the grommet will stretch much.

[veedub565]

will give IGUS a try

[geggi1]

If you inform us about how the original cable is constructed it would be simpler to give you a hand.
In case it is a multicore cable with same size conductors and common screen have a look at Olflex or Huber+Suner.
https://www.hubersuhner.com/en/products/low-and-high-voltage/signal-power-cables/multi-core-cables
https://no.farnell.com/lapp-kabel/281404/shld-flex-cable-4cond-2-5mm2/dp/2813523
The cables would be within the Mil-spec but maybe not at the correct black/green military colour.

[veedub565]

Thanks, I've been looking at LappKabel, pretty easy to get hold of their shielded olflex with the right number of cores,but no drain which will be a PITA to earth through the connector. It clamps on right where you'd want to solder a jumper wire. They do one with a foil shielding and a drain, but not so readily available and either wrong AWG or or number of cores available.

Alpha cables is another one, but nothing like the original cable.

The original cable in this instance is missing, I'm trying to make something up that would have been to original spec. The power cable to the unit is fitted, but no markings on it at all. makes sense that it would have been made from individual strands by the manufacturer of the radio and then wrapped.