Should Jacks be Isolated?

[gar13]

Should the input and loop jacks be isolated from the chassis? Has anyone had hum issues using non-isolated jacks for the input?

I'm using the chassis that odourboy recently sold in the forum. The Jack holes are .375", no room for cliff jacks or isolation washers. What are other people using for input jacks with this chassis?

[Deric]

I've always used non-isolated jacks for the input and passive loop jacks with no problems.

I've always used isolated jacks on the loop if it's active (D'Lator, Ironsounds, etc.).

[Structo]

Some guys just prefer to isolate jacks.
I dare say that the guys that may have had ground loop problems or noise issues may tend to isolate jacks because then you get to dictate where those items go to ground so less chance of grounding noise.

I have the same chassis and I haven't decided yet which way I am going to go on that but it is an accepted fact that you have to drill the holes larger to accommodate the shoulder washer in order to isolate the jack.

Love to see some progress shots using the new chassis.

[David Root]

As a general rule isolating these jacks will be safe, but it ain't always necessary.

I have found it's generally a good idea to isolate active loop jacks and FSW jacks if you have a loop.

[gar13]

Thanks for the help gentlemen!

I have both Cliff Jacks and switch craft jacks. I'm a little nervous about trying to drill the chassis without ruining the powder coat. What method could I use to increase the size of the holes? HHS bits and hand drill? Reamer?

I also neglected to order the proper jack for the FET and my mouser order arrived yesterday. Anyone have an extra jack they could send to Canada? Don't really want to pay another $20 for shipping from Mouser for a single jack. I'd be willing to pay for the jack and actually shipping costs (paypal).

I only have the small boards and half of the main board completed. I'll post pictures when I finish the boards and start loading the chassis.

Again, you help is grealy appreciated!

[tjauernig]

As long as your careful not to create ground loops you'll be ok with non-isolated jacks. If you trace each ground so that it's only making one ground connection you won't have any issues. I actually prefer the non-isolated Switchcraft or Neutrik jacks to the Cliff jacks. I've see the Cliff jacks break on several occasions.

[tubedogsmith]

Thanks for the help gentlemen!

I have both Cliff Jacks and switch craft jacks. I'm a little nervous about trying to drill the chassis without ruining the powder coat. What method could I use to increase the size of the holes? HHS bits and hand drill? Reamer?

I'd use a step bit.

[M Fowler]

I have two of these chassis from first run and I used a step bit to enlarge the holes. Used switchcraft jacks.

[butwhatif]

do things right and u won't need them

[ToneMerc]

What are other people using for input jacks with this chassis?

FET: Kobiconn 161-0084-E

NOR: Switchcraft 12A

[Structo]

Yeah the powder coat should be very durable and not chip.

[BobW]

do things right and u won't need them

+1!

[gar13]

No problem, I plan on following the grounding scheme religiously!

[bluesfendermanblues]

do things right and u won't need them

Are you referring to the #124 grounding scheme?

Just revisited the Gil Ayan's #124 pictures and sure enough HAD used un-isolated jacks for this particular amp.

[Guitarman18]

I can't recall ever seeing pictures of a real deal ODS with isolating jacks.

What worked for HAD, works for me. I've never used isolating jacks and have never had any issues.

butwhatif wrote:

do things right and u won't need them

+1


Cheers,
Paul.