Patch Cords?

[Bob Zimmer]

At 03:21 AM 7/4/96 -0400, you wrote:
>  ... Some text deleted ...
>
>Type       Characteristics
>
>1/4"         Shielded. Great Quality, $4.00 per cable,  $0.70 per jack.  
>1/8"         Shielded. Wear out, break easily, $3.00 per cable, $0.50 per
>jack.
>PIN          Unshielded,(I want shielded) $1.70 per cable, $0.60 per jack
>BANANA   Unshielded, ("), $1.70 per cable, $0.60 per jack
>RCA         Shielded, Unknown lifetime?, $0.75 per cable, $0.25 perjack
>
>Costs above are estimated  in quantities of 50 pcs. each item, because you
>might build your synth over a long time span.
>
> Based on the above estimates, for each modular patch system for 200
>connectors and 100 cables the cost is:
>1/4"          $540
>1/8"           $400
>PIN           $290
>BANANA    $290
>RCA          $100
>

I agree with JH that RCA would be a bad way to go.  I've seen too many poor
contact to even think of using them!

The modular that I'm working on is going with Banana Jacks.  I've found a
source for the Stackable Cables (Multiple cables can be plugged into a
single jack) of Circuit Specialists (800-528-1417) with slightly lower
prices than what you have listed. Cables with two stackable plugs are:

  Length                1-9     10-99   100+
  10" Black or Red      2.25    1.48    1.27
  20" Black or Red      2.39    1.59    1.37
  30" Black or Red      2.59    1.65    1.45
  40" Black or Red      2.79    1.79    1.59

With this approach, I can cut down on the number of panel jacks because of
the stackable plugs, therefore reducing the panel size.  Also, they come in
many colors.  I found Allied Electronics to be the best source so far with
prices of:

   Qty 1-24     .51
   Qty 25-99    .44
   Over 100     .35

Also, they have around 8 or 10 colors available which can color code signal
types!

As to the others, I think you can get better prices on 1/4" (I've seen
surplus plugs going for less than .50 each).  If you make your own (not
hard!), you could probably get the cost down to $1.50 each or so. As to
1/8", I don't think that you'd find many on DIY that would recommend them
due to how easy they are to pull out.  Can't speak on pin as I've never used
them.

Do what's best for you, but with RCA's, I think that you may spend more time
cleaning (audiophiles tend to use gold plated - $$$) and tightening than
making sounds! (;^)

  >=== Bob Zimmer -- Philadelphia PA ===<
  >=== bzimmer at voicenet.com          ===<