[sdiy] minijacks, 3.5mm, and 1/8" jacks questions

[Grant Richter]

The old 1/8" connectors were 125 thousandths exactly. That is not a nice
number in the metric system. 3.5mm is 137 thousandths but I think is a
misnomer because they are smaller than 125 thousandths. You will have
trouble inserting old ARP cords into new jacks because they are slightly
bigger.

Switchcraft has now reduced the size of their plugs to fit the current
standard. Xicom is a huge manufacturer of electronics and there jacks seem
to be adequately sturdy. They also use an actual spring in contrast to
relying on the spring tension of the contact metal itself. Based on the more
positive contact, it is possible to believe that design may have better
longevity than the leaf spring design.

Oxidation is always a problem over 20 year periods. I have had to replace
badly oxidized or corroded jacks made by Switchcraft. There is no perfect
solution, and paying higher prices does not guarantee longevity. The
exception is gold plating of connectors which is known to improve current
handling and slow oxidation. There is still airborne contamination even in
smoke free studios (car exhaust, skin squams, pollen, mold) which will
eventually coat even gold plated connectors and cause connection problems.

The best solution is regular cleaning and keeping equipment away from high
humidity and dust.

> 
> I'm wondering - what is "standard" or common among synth manufacturers for
> minijacks?  Is 3.5mm the standard now, and is that used on old arp's,
> roland system 100, and kenton?
> 
> Also, is there any tips to buying plugs and jacks?  stick to switchcraft?
> anyone have any luck getting consistant results, or have a mouser part
> number for jacks and plugs that seems to work well and interfaces with
> other old analogs?
> 
> thanks a bunch,
> Phil
> 
> 
> 
>