PLAN B analog blog

On Feb 12, 2009, at 4:10 PM, sascha victoria wrote:

> This may be a dumb question but is there a difference between 1/8  
> and 3.5mm jacks?


I've just been going through this for a couple modules I'm designing  
for the Buchla. The Buchla system uses Switchcraft open frame "Tini- 
Jax" model 41 jacks: http://www.switchcraft.com/products/ 
jack-103.html , and ST740 cable assemblies from the ".141 Custom  
Overmold" line: http://www.switchcraft.com/products/capc-18.html

These 1/8" plugs are really .141" in diameter (3.5814mm). 3.5mm plugs  
are a true 3.5mm which is 0.13779528". This means that 3.5mm plugs  
mostly work in 1/8" jacks, but can be a little loose; going the other  
direction is not so good.

The only problems with using Switchcraft Tini-Jax jacks are cost and  
minimum orders. I thought I had found the perfect cheap jack from  
Mouser, until I got a sample. Mouser part number 161-3552 looks a lot  
like the new Plan-B jack, but the force required to mate with a .141"  
Switchcraft plug is way too high. I'm becoming resigned to using  
expensive Switchcraft jacks, but still looking for a cheaper  
alternative.

- C

Chris Muir
cbm@well.com	
http://www.xfade.com