[sdiy] switching jacks

[Oren Leavitt]

On 2/2/2011 1:21 AM, David G. Dixon wrote:
> Hey Team,
>
> I'm using switching jacks for the first time on a module (Switchcraft 12A
> 1/4" NC Tip, open-frame), and I'm wondering how reliable they are.  I
> accidentally bent one of them a little bit while installing it, and the NC
> connection opened.  It was very difficult to get it to stay connected again,
> as it's nearly impossible to bend the two parts independently, and I'm not
> sure that it's going to be very reliable in service.  Plus, over time, I'm
> wondering if they will all flex a little bit and eventually come
> disconnected, or only connect intermittently.
>
> Does anyone else have problems with these sorts of jacks, or are they
> basically OK?  I'm regretting not buying the enclosed type, as I suspect
> their connection is a little bit more robust.
>


Hi David,

The Switchcraft 12A /et al/ are very reliable - I see lots of 'em in 
service on 50+ year old gear.

The open-frame jacks have a firmer grip on the plug than the enclosed 
variety (112A).

The firm grip of the open-frame jacks is nice in places where you don't 
want plugs falling out - say a power amp input or a long cable run.

The lighter (but reliable) grip of the enclosed type are nice in areas 
where you're frequently changing plugs around like mix panels or 
patching a synth.

- Oren