Ordering Custom RF Cables from OnlineCables: Minimums, Lead Times, and Special Requests

OnlineCables (Applied Interconnect Inc.) lets you design and order custom RF coaxial cable assemblies directly on its website, with a stated $150 minimum order and standard delivery typically 2–4 working days ARO. You can configure assemblies online using your own part numbers and logos and save the drawings; for anything not listed on the site, the company directs you to call 408-749-9900 to discuss specials. These details suit buyers who need small-to-moderate quantities of custom or semi-custom RF assemblies and want a fast standard turnaround, but who should confirm schedule and pricing directly before committing to a production run.

What You Can Order

The site covers a broad catalog from DC to 40 GHz, including:

• RF coaxial cable assemblies — semi-rigid, flexible coax, conformable coax, Heliax, VNA cables, circular and military types
• Connector options — SMA, SSMA, BNC, SMP, TNC, N, MMCX, MCX, SMB, SSMB, F, UHF, SMC, SSMC
• Related assemblies — RF delay lines, time delay and phase-matched cable assemblies, military harnesses (including M38999), fiber optic cable assemblies, and power cords
• Custom work — assemblies using Silicone, PTFE, ETFE, FEP, or Estane; connectors in stainless steel or other materials; waveguide adapters, filters, and power distribution assemblies

The site also states that all cable assemblies are RoHS compliant.

Ordering Details at a Glance

How the Online Design and Order Flow Works

1. Start from the cable assembly section of the site (RF Cables: semi-rigid, flexible coax, conformable coax, VNA cables, Heliax, circular, military, custom harnesses).
2. Configure the assembly — the site states you can design cable assemblies "in seconds" using your own part numbers and logos.
3. Save the drawing — configured drawings can be saved, which is useful for repeat orders or internal approval.
4. Place the order, keeping the $150 minimum in mind.
5. Expect shipment typically 2–4 working days ARO for standard items.

Verification: Before ordering, confirm the connector/cable combination and any phase-matching or delay-line requirements match your drawing, since custom configurations are built to your specification.

When to Call Instead of Ordering Online

Call 408-749-9900 if:

• The assembly or connector you need isn't listed on the site ("If you cannot find it on the web we do specials")
• You need lead-free assemblies
• You need custom connectors in stainless steel or other materials, waveguide adapters, filters, or power distribution assemblies
• You want to confirm pricing, quantity breaks, or schedule for a larger order — the site gives the minimum and typical lead time but no published price list

Quality and Compliance Context

The company states it is ISO-9001:2015 certified (cage # 0X997) and certified to J-STD-001, with commercial workmanship to IPC/WHMA-A-620. It also states registration under US/Canada Joint Certification for Military Critical Technical Data and ITAR requirements, and lists prime military contractor work (e.g., AMRAAM, F-35, APG-79, HARM, Global Hawk, GPS flight hardware). These claims are relevant if your project requires documented quality systems or military-grade traceability — ask for certificates when quoting.

Practical Takeaways

• Budget for at least $150 per order; small prototype quantities below that threshold aren't orderable as stated.
• Plan around 2–4 working days ARO for standard assemblies, and add time for specials or custom connectors arranged by phone.
• Use the online configurator and saved drawings for repeatability, but route non-catalog or lead-free requirements through the phone line.
• Confirm price, quantity, and schedule directly — the site publishes minimums and lead times but no pricing.