Icom: IC-2730a Ctl Head to radio RJ plugs

[videobruce]

Are these RJ12 or RJ 25? (not the RJ45 Mic jacks)

 

[KF0NYL]

The IC-2730 control cable uses a 6 pin RJ12 connector.

 

[videobruce]

Isn't the 25 a more common jack/plug, they both are 6 pin?? Are the jacks/plugs the same? Are those for the old 'POTS' non-business phones?

All I found on these is this;
"RJ12 connectors have six positions and six contacts (6P6C), while RJ25 connectors have six positions and three contacts (6P3C)."

 

[KF0NYL]

RJ12 connectors are for solid copper wires while the RJ25 connectors are for stranded copper wires. Most of your 6 conductor wires are going to be solid copper so stick with the RJ12 connectors.

 

[videobruce]

Solid or stranded isn't the issue. Confused, are you saying either will work for this application? Aren't the plugs slightly different sizes?

 

[KF0NYL]

From what I could find, the RJ12 and RJ25 are the same size. The only difference is that the RJ12 is for solid copper wires and the RJ25 is for stranded copper wires. And it will matter which one you use depending on the type of cable you use. Most phone and Cat5/6 cables are solid wire.

 

[videobruce]

I'm looking for a pre-made cable, I would assume stranded for flexibility..

 

[mmckenna]

No, the RJ type number does not designate if it's for solid or stranded cable.

An easier way to find these is to use the Position/Conductor numbering:
RJ-14 6 position/4 conductor (2 analog phone lines)
RJ-25 6 position/6 conductor (3 analog phone lines)

Take a close look at the end and you should be able to see the individual conductors of the cable to get the conductor count.

You should be able to find those pre-made in what ever configuration you want if you search the internet. You can 'roll your own' pretty easy, the parts/tools are not expensive. Just pay attention to polarity. I made my own back when I had a Yaesu FT-7800 using an old silver satin line cord and the proper connector.

 

[KF0NYL]

Here is one website that states the difference between RJ12 and RJ25
Differences between RJ Series Connectors for Grow Light Applications - uPowerTek.

RJ12 and RJ25​

Both are almost the same and the only difference is the wire type used:

RJ12 is used with solid wire.

RJ25 for use with stranded wire.

And another website that explains the same. Modular Connectors

See the LocoNet article for more information on the RJ connector series.

The RJ12/RJ25 are used to make a throttle network cable. The difference is in the wire type used:

• RJ12 is used with solid wire
• RJ25 for use with stranded wire

Using the incorrect type for the wire being crimped onto will result in problems later. The "stabs" on each pin are designed for a specific wire type.

Again; RJ12 and RJ25 both use all 6 pinouts. RJ12 is for solid wire and RJ25 is for stranded wire. Otherwise the overall dimensions and number of pins are the same.

I have made plenty of cables for my model railroads and extension cable for different radios. It is much easier to find solid wire cable than it is stranded wire cable. And from personal experience, a RJ12 connector does not work well with stranded wire. Yes I tried it and had connection issues since the RJ12 connector will not crimp down on stranded wire correctly.

Now this is all a moot point if the OP is going to buy a premade cable. It won't matter which connector or type of cable is use as long as the manufacturer made the cables correctly.

 

[videobruce]

Ford vs Chevy discussion.

RJ12 is the other plug/jack, not RJ14.
I have a 12' Icom cord (it's way too long) but I can't tell which plug it's using. Nothing to compare it to. I will call Icom and ask them.

 

[PreferredCustomer]

Are these RJ12 or RJ 25? (not the RJ45 Mic jacks

(The cables are the same) https://www.icomjapan.com/lineup/options/OPC-1156/?open=2#detail_content

Replacement Separation Cable for ICOM ID-4100A, ID-5100A, IC-R1500 | eBay

 

[KF0NYL]

I would be totally shocked if Icom does not use the standard RJ12 connectors for the control head cable. I have made custom length control cables for the Icom ID-5100 and IC-7100 using solid wire cables and RJ12 connectors. I don't see why the IC-2730A would be any different.

The standards for all transceivers is either RJ12 6 pin/ 6 conductor cable or RJ45 8 pin/8 conductor cable. Icom, Yaesu, and TYT use the RJ12 6 pin connectors with solid wire cable for the control cable.

A cable made with stranded wire conductors and RJ25 connectors or a cable with solid wire conductors and RJ12 connectors will work. The ONLY difference between the Rj12 and RJ25 is that the RJ12 is for solid wire and the RJ25 is for stranded wire.

 

[k6cpo]

A control cable made from solid wire would make for a very stiff cable. It would be like using household Romex for a control cable.

 

[KF0NYL]

A control cable made from solid wire would make for a very stiff cable. It would be like using household Romex for a control cable.

No it won't. Most 4 or 6 conductor phone cables along with pretty much all Cat5/6 cables are made using solid wire conductors and they sure aren't stiff.

24 gauge wire is pretty much the standard for phone and Cat5/6 cables and are pretty flexible. Phone and Cat5/6 cables are no where near as stiff as 16 gauge and larger solid wire.