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How to upgrade a nondetachable power cord?

Hi
My Conrad Johnson amplifier has a captive power cord.
I have bought a VH audio diy kit to make a new power cord. So, What do you recommend?
- Cut the original amp cable and put a female connector and then plug the new cord
or
- Open the amplifier and attach the new cord inside the amplifier. This would take a big hole to do it.
Please give some advice
Thanks
ALAN
128x128alanbrain
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hi Allan.If your apprehensive about cutting a hole in the chassis. The only alternative is to cut the existing cord close to the chassis and solder the female receptacle to it,use a heat shrink to make it look a little more professional....kind of defeats the purpose though. Sounds like you have an older CJ. I installed one on a MV 52 some years ago. Best of luck
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I've done it both ways. Hard wiring the cable is by far the easier route but installing the IEC receptacle does allow more future flexability. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
machine
71 posts
 
probably best way to cut hole for novice is dremel tool.if you are not good with hand tools,you might want to have someone else do this.unit must be protected from debris,light air blast cleaned.does any one know where to buy high quality iec solder-in recp.i have replaced a few,but recp. where scavanged from other equip.thanks,bill.
bdgregory
1,720 posts
 
Cutting the hole for an IEC is tricky and tedious - Albert or others may have better methods than I, but below is what I've done. If your back panel is extremely heavy, the nibbler may not work and you'll need a "plan b".

- You need a cutter - I bought a nibbler from Radioshack. After removing the old cord, decide how to place the IEC and draw an outline of the hole. You'll need to make a template for this unless your IEC comes with one.
- If the IEC hole is positioned over the existing hole, begin nibbling from inside the hole, and work out to your line - but not past it. You'll need to drill a hole if it's not there.
- Finish off the hole edges with a file. A dremel moto-tool may work better than a hand file, but I do it by hand because the last thing you need is metal shavings on your circuit. It's very tedious, and you'll want to try for fit as you go. The IEC has about 1-2mm trim tab which doesn't leave much room for error.
- Once your IEC fits, and tightly is good - place it and drill the fastening holes (unless it's a snap in model), fasten it, and wire it up.
- When you're done - make sure you get ALL of the metal cuttings out of the unit that may have gotten away. I use an air compressor to air it out.

alanbrain's avatar
alanbrain OP
69 posts
 
Hi
Thanks for the advices.
My amp is a CJ MV50, and the original power cord is very simple. I think the upgrade will be worth.
Im thinking, the hole is now too dificcult and I will prefer to not harm the amp(for now). Because this new power cord will remain in the amp for some time. Then maybe I will try for the IEC.
So, the option is the female. But Do you think maybe the short original cable that goes from amp to female will reduce the overall effect of the upgrade?
or the upgrade will have his effect anyway?
Please let me know.Today I will make the upgrade.
Thanks
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