Jack Spacing Question

[LyleCaldwell]

I'm trying to get a LOT of 1/4" jacks on a one rack space chassis panel.

I'm looking at the Switchcraft and Neutrik enclosed jacks, both to save space and to isolate them from ground.  The Switchcraft is a little bit smaller, so I'm probably going to go with that part.  It's case is .625" in H and W.  The cutout for the panel is .375" in diameter.  Looking at the lugs, I think I could get away with only leaving 1mm between jack cases, which leaves about 7.4mm (.28") between panel holes.

I know this is really close, but the lugs won't touch, the cases won't touch, and that should be enough metal between holes for strength.

Or should it?  Am I missing anything?  I know the mounting nut diameter is slightly smaller than the .625" case width, so the nuts should go on fine even with the tight spacing.

But I don't want to buy all the parts and drill the chassis only to find I've goofed.  Thanks in advance for any help.

[bwanasonic]

Well you don't have to buy all the parts, just two jacks and a piece of carboard should help you figure out any issues.

Kerry M

[LyleCaldwell]

True, but I'd like to just order everything at once and save on shipping.  Plus I don't want to order the enclosed Switchcraft jacks and THEN read "oh, the Neutriks are much better - everyone knows that."

[niftydog]

you can get double stacked jacks with two in one footprint if that helps...

[Andi]

I usually put about 1mm between jack sockets on densely packed units. As long as you can drill to a 0.5mm accuracy or better (not hard with an automatic punch for marking the spot) you should be fine.