[sdiy] switching jacks

[Dave Manley]

On 2/1/2011 11:21 PM, 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.

Similar jacks are used all over the ARP 2600 (42A 1/8") and they work just
fine.  There were reliability problems with some pcb mounted enclosed versions
that had plastic housings.  I believe soldering could deform the plastic
during assembly.  At some point they switched to all panel mounted jacks
with open-frames.

Switching jacks are also used on insert jacks on all types of equipment
(mixers, effects, etc).

-Dave (my day to make 2600 posts)