[sdiy] Using D-Sub connectors as patching elements

[Andre Majorel]

On 2012-02-20 20:21 +0000, Dave Kendall wrote:

> How robust are, for example 9-pin D-Sub connectors for repeated
> connections, compared to say a 3.5mm mini-jack, or a 1/4" jack in a
> patching environment?

No actual experience but I've looked at them with a polyphonic
modular in mind. Even the expensive Cannon ones are rated for
very few cycles, something like 250.

Modular jacks (RJ45) are even worse.

Round DIN connnectors are not even spec'd. Always a good sign.
;-)

> Does anyone have any experience of heavy D-sub patching use to
> share, or alternatively any suggestions for a practical 8-way
> connector system for patchbay-style free patching?

I think I would give 8-way DINs a try, expecting to have to
replace broken female contacts from time to time. At least
they're round so the panel cut-out is easy to make.

A simple test jig :

  1 kHz --o J1.1     J2.1 o-+
                            |
        +-o J1.2     J2.2 o-+
        |
        +-o J1.3     J2.3 o-+
                            |
        +-o J1.4     J2.4 o-+
        |
        +-o J1.5     J2.5 o-+
                            |
        +-o J1.6     J2.6 o-+
        |
        +-o J1.7     J2.7 o-+
                            |
Speaker --o J1.8     J2.8 o-+

Repeatedly plug and unplug a patch cord between J1 and J2 until
signal stops passing and you'll get an idea of the failure rate.

-- 
André Majorel http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/