Topic: Optical connector durability

[Karl]

Having not had a ton of experience with optical cables--how important is it to protect the ends of the cables?  Are they made of glass?  

[fozzy]

mostly plastic unless you go high end $20+.  Fairly durable but definatly not as durable a analog cables.  I baby mine and have not had any problems w/ the cables.

[Karl]

Bump^^

So how much abuse can these take?  How much do I need to worry?

[Mojowill]

Save the tiny end caps that came with them & use them.  do not bend the cable to a sharp angle and do not coil them to tightly.

[Brian Skalinder]

Keep the tips covered when its not in use and don't worry about it.  Uh, yeah...what MojoWill said.

[Karl]

Ok thanks--now, what if I don't use the endcaps all of the time, and just some of the time?  Do I need to worry?

I have a legit concern about this--not because I'm lazy and not going to put the endcaps on--but because of time restrictions and brainspace restrictions.  I would rather make sure that I have enough battery power left and make sure levels are right.  Setup and takedown times will literally be in seconds--I need to know if the optical ends need to be worried about.

thx!

[Mojowill]

If you don't want to bother with the end caps try this it works for me.  Get a heavy duty zip lock freezerbag abd store your optical cables (only) in there.If it gets dirty get a new one.  The ends are very sensitive.