Checking Continuity – Jacks

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

I'm sure this is a basic question, but I've read over a few tutorials now that you can "check continuity" of the jacks with your multimeter to identify the ring, sleeve, etc. I have a DMM, but no idea how to do this. Anyone have any tips?

Thanks so much.
George

[Seljer]

If you have on of those enclosed jacks where it's not easily discernable what part is what, plug in a cable, then take your multimeter, set it to the continuity/diode test mode (or if doesn't have that, the lowest resistance settings), place one multimeter probe on the end of the cable that isn't plugged in then find which terminal of the jack is connected to the tip/ring/sleeve on the other end of the cable you're touching with the first probe

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Thanks for the quick reply, Seljer. Just a few follow-up questions:

1. So, you hold one probe to the end of the cable that's not plugged into the jack and then take the other probe and alternate from one lug to the next? Am I looking for any particular reading on the DMM to distinguish between tip/ring/sleeve?

2. Does it matter which probe you use?

Thanks so much.

[Seljer]

The probes are interchangeable when you're just checking for continuity, polarity doesn't matter. Also make sure you have them in the correct plugs on the multimeter (the continuity test is on the voltage/resistance plug, not on the current one). Most multimeters make an audible beep when it continuity mode (you can test it by just touching the probes together), if it doesn't beep then watch the display for a reading of 0. If you're using the resistance mode you're looking for a reading of 0ohms (or a very very small number).

To find the tip terminal place one probe on the tip on the other end of the cable, then with the other probe, find the terminal on the jack that shows continuity on the meter. To find the ring hold the first probe on the ring on the other end of the cable then repeat the process on the jack and so on...

[Jdansti]

This video might help. Skip to 2:19 for resistance/continuity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF3OyQ3HwfU

[LucifersTrip]

the most important statement for the op is at 2:50

a continuity test is nothing more than checking to see if there's no (or close to no) resistance between two points

funny, when I first started using a multimeter years & years ago,  this song is what made me remember which hole to plug the leads into

[duck_arse]

of course, tip/ring/sleeve is a stereo jack, and plugging a tip/sleeve (mono) plug will short the ring and sleeve contacts. you would need a stereo plug to sort them out, or pull the mono plug out till the plug tip-ding dings with the socket ring dinger, if you get my drift. then there will be no connection from plug tip to socket tip, but from plug tip to socket ring instead.

does this make sense?

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Right on. Thanks everyone. I think I've wrapped my head around testing a stereo jack now. That was a huge help!

As for testing the mono jack, I'm still a little hazy. So, you're saying don't put the 1/4'' plug into the mono jack all the way? Or can I just use a regular 1/4'' guitar cable to test both?

Thanks again,
George

[Jdansti]

When you get a chance, buy a mono and stereo plug and a mono and stereo jack and plug then together in different combinations to see what connects to what. In the mean time, this poorly drawn picture will hopefully help you.

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Right on. I think I get it now. That picture helps – thanks so much for sending.