jacks a mental block

[gdmart]

I have problems finding the correct tab for , sleeve ,and hot.It seems that there are different manufactures ,enclosed plastic,and metal open types.Ive seen pics with descriptions and drawings,I think what throws me is the difference between sleeve and hot .I like the idea of effects that use a 3pdt switch so when doing so most layouts only show dpdt switches and they install to the jacks differently.
What is the best way to know the sleeve from the hot lug,for all different jack types??? thanks

[ninoman123]

Plug a cord into the jack. Whip out the handy dandy DMM with continuity on. One probe does to the jack one probe goes to the other end of the cord. When you heard a beep then you will know. =)

Hot is always the tip, sleeve is always ground.

[petemoore]

Nope, can't say 'all different jack types' and make sense very easily, I'd suggest designating the type of jack you have a question about, one at a time
 For a 1/4''mono phone jack, the jacks tip connector is what'll touch the tip of a cable when inserted.  Find the lug connector using the DMM if sighting from the side seems inconclusive.
 For a stereo 1/4'' phone jack, [which means TRS, Tip Ring Sleeve] the tip is like a mono jacks tip, touches the tip of the cable which carry the signal, the ring is 'intended' for carrying another signal [the other side of stereo] but is used as a 'battery disconnect' in stompboxes, the ring is between the tip and sleeve, and most commonly is carrying ground, the sleeve is like the 'body' of the jack, and looks from the inside like a cylinder.
 When a MONO 1/4'' plug is inserted in a StEreo 1/4'' jack, the longer sleeve of the PLUG...connects the ring/sleeve of the jack..hence stompbox input jack power defeat trick,.
 These connectiions can be used in anyconfiguration, as long as they do what you want them to. The best lesson I ever had on plugs 'n cables 'n jacks 'n switches [mechanical electrical connections] is: whip out the DMM, get a piece of paper and pencil, and all the M/E connections you want to find out about, then, apply the DMM every way concievable, then, plug in a jack and repeat, switch the switch one time and repeat testing with the DMM in 'beep' [continuity] mode...thing is if you missed something you'll have to figure it out...anyway, the DMM, when 'asked' correctly, will give instant and correct answers.

[petemoore]

There's stereo jacks mono jacks, mono jacks that 'look' a little like stereo jacks, the tip is switched to ground or a lug when the plug is out...I don't use 'em so don't really know or have one to test here...they got in the way of what I wanted so I avoid them till I'm sure I have a use for them...I think I just used them as output jacks.
 Then theres MJ with SP, SP with MJ, MJ with MP, SP with SP...alot of typeing, I think there may be more combinations
 Mono
 Stereo
 Plug
 Jack
 The diagram I 'built' in my head using the DMM combined with observations about physical structures in the jacks and plugs as verified with the DMM...The pictures helped some, having the parts in hand helps make it more self explanatory.