WARNING! SWITCHCRAFT BEWARE!!!

[aron]

Where did you buy these jacks? I'm sure Switchcraft would want to know.

[darron]

So what you are saying is that the tip shorts out to ground when installed in a pedal? Highly unusual.

you're right, it is unusual. i just measured one now and it's a short from tip to ground even uninstalled. when shaun was trying to explain it to me on the phone i just couldn't understand him until i saw it happening.

i can visualise it now though, the extra ring/washer/whatever makes contact with the tip's ring at all times, it must also be touching inside to the earth shaft that goes through the middle.

[theundeadelvis]

Is this the same issue: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=86429.0

[darron]

Is this the same issue: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=86429.0

that's the one mark was talking about, thanks for the link. i just went over it again and realised that i had already posted on it and really should have posted pictures there... completely forgot that was my intention.


i don't think he mentions if they are switchcraft though? he says expensive, but i think you'd almost know from the logo stamp.

still waiting on news from the manufacturer.... monday i guess.....

[smallbearelec]

Small Bear Notes:

I buy all of my Switchcraft parts from a single, U.S.-based Switchcraft-authorized distributor. I have looked at a small random sampling of the parts in my stock and do not see the double ring. How common is this fault?

I have no problem with replacing defective parts...I would like to know whether I need to do incomong QC on several thopusand pieces so that I can give hell to the distributor and maybe get some cooperation.

Darron: Please e-mail me at the smallbearelec address. If your contact at Switchcraft wants information on lot codes and dates of purchase, please have him e-mail me.

Regards
SD

[darron]

Hi Steve. Thanks for putting your thoughts in.

I avoided using the Small Bear name in the beginning to not put anything negative up against you, but then ended up using it to assure people that it was a reliable source.

So there's only been three that have popped up. I rechecked everything else I had in stock the other day at switchcraft's inquiry.

no need make any replacements, it's not nearly worth the effort. when you buy anything in a batch of around 100 you would usually expect on average one unit to go wrong, it's just unexpected to see something so simple and sturdy to fail. Steve, you'd be used to throwing out a good deal of pots and switches when they come in batches, i'm sure (:     i used to work for an amp manufacturer and it was pretty common when you are working with high quantities.



the main point to make to everbody is to to a 20 millisecond check before installing.


i've offered to send a sample in to switchcraft for there own analysis as i would hope they are very curious to get to the bottom of how this could happen.


if you need to contact me directly Steve (or anyone, ever), please feel free @     thornbury@gmail.com

[smallbearelec]

I see, OK. NB: I buy these in lots of several thousand...it's the only way I can offer a competitive price, and even then the margins are not what I would like. I was scared that either there was some major factory problem or maybe my distributor was somehow getting fakes mixed in with their factory stock.

Pls let me know if you hear anything from Switchcraft that I should be aware of.

SD

[darron]

so here's the update....


after emails back and forth switchcraft have offered to replace them, which is of course responsible. i told them i have only contacted them as a QC concern and they will take my offer to send them into head office in UK for inspection.



why do electronics guys (like us) take everything so fricken seriously? it's not the end of the world but if i made it i'd be really depressed that day