[Harp-L] Re: Installing switchcraft connectors

[Greg Heumann <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Christopher -

People pay me (and others on this list) to do these mods. There is an  
art to these connectors, all of which won't easily fit in a message.

If you're putting the male into a mic, you don't need any of the  
washers - and it is a rare mic that has a hole shallow enough to  
allow you to get a nut and solder lug on the inside. And there is  
that knurled portion at the base of the threads  which is designed  
for press-fitting in some applications. To install the connector in a  
mic you need to drill and tap the hole for the proper threads, so  
you'll have to turn that knurled portion off with a lathe or a  
dremel. The thread size is slightly weird - 3/8-32. So you won't find  
the tap you need at your local hardware store. Then you need a way to  
hold the mic while you drill the hole. Odd angles and round surfaces  
- very tricky - can't just clamp it in a vise. Then you need a way to  
attach the ground element of the shell to the inside of the mic. Plan  
on drilling yet another small hole somewhere and tapping it for a  
screw to hold down a lug.

As for the female connector, you have to get the shield of the cable  
connected to the shell of the connector. It is part of the circuit -  
but yes, that part is retained by the spring and set screw. On the  
other hand the spring is really for bending relief - the pull-stress  
will be on your solder connection and the ground-wire connection so  
make them well. Otherwise the entire thing will fail the first time  
you step on the cable while playing.

None of this is rocket science, but some specialized tools and  
skills, and more importantly some experience, are highly recommended.

I hope that helps. If you decide you would like someone else to do  
the work, you can find them here on Harp-L. You can find me via  
http://www.blowsmeaway.com

Cheers

/Greg




> Hi All
>    I have some switchcraft screw on connectors (like the ones on  
> old JT30's) The male that is installed in the mic comes with four  
> washers  and a threaded locking ring to hold it all together. Is it  
> necessary to use all the washers? Can anyone explain the purpose of  
> these washers?
>    The female connector that goes on the cable is soldered at the  
> centre and the rest of the cable is secured by the spring and set  
> screw?
>  I am new to installing these connectors so any tips would be great
>
> Thanks
>   Christopher B