Topic: DPA4011 Cap Question

[phil_er_up]

Yesterday first time I wanted to switch out my DPA4011 caps with the DPA4015 caps after I had sent in my old 4021 and 4027 pairs for modular conversion about 2 years ago now. When I unscrewed one DPA4011 cap and tried to put it on the active cables that the DPA4015 were on one would not fit. The sizes are not the same. Not sure if part of the DPA4011 became detached from the cap and was threaded on the active cable end. (see photo) The other DPA4011 cap works when I put it on the active cable that the 4015 were on.

Any ideas/Comments on what happened here and how do I fix it?

[jbell]

Looks like part of the cap is still thread to the MMP cable! 

[phil_er_up]

Looks like part of the cap is still thread to the MMP cable!

Thanks Jbell for the response. It is appreciated.

How would I take that out without damage the threads?

[jbell]

I would send them to DPA looks like it needs repair service.  You might be able to unscrew the missing piece, but I'm guessing you would have the same issue when you attach it to the MMP cables again.

Looks like part of the cap is still thread to the MMP cable!

Thanks Jbell for the response. It is appreciated.

How would I take that out without damage the threads?

[breakonthru]

That’s unusual they’re usually tighter than hell. Just unscrew the base from your active. You should be able to grip it if not wrap a shoelace around it and torque it like a tourniquet with a pencil kinda like an improvised strap wrench you would change your oil filter with, there is a small hole that can be used to tighten it although you’d have to kind of fabricate a tool I would just screw it on and maybe use a (very) little bit of Loctite, and don’t screw the cap so tight to the MMP cables next time

[phil_er_up]

Thank you Jbell again and breakonthru for your responses.

Thought about using a visegrip with cloth wrapped around the piece that is stuck though that might damage the threads. Live less then 20 miles from DPA longmont so if I can not get it to unscrew the way breakonthru suggested then will take it to them. Did not think I tightened them down that much.

Thanks again!

[Gutbucket]

You could do it yourself as breakonthru mentions, but if close to Longmont best to just take it to DPA.  They will have a tool that fits into the too little holes/slots if the front face of the adapter for loosening/tightening it, so as not to damage the threads, and will probably put a dab of the correct thread-locking compound on there (not too weak, not too permanent) to keep it from loosening.

[phil_er_up]

Took breakonthru suggestion and used a  "lid grip" and twisted as hard as I could and the stuck piece came off. YEA!!!

Saw the small hole though not sure I would want to try and tighten that with that pin sticking out and so easy to bend.

Thanks again.

Tapersection is a special place. Really appreciate it.

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Update:

Think you guys are right should take it to DPA longmont and have it fixed correctly.  Its only a 20 minute drive one way and have to go there next week for a medical appointment anyway.

Will call DPA lonmont when they open at 8am.

[breakonthru]

I’ll be interested to see if they actually have the tool and can and/or will do it for you in Longmont. While I’ve had good experiences with them in the past, I’ve  heard nothing but bad things about their service recently and anything at all in the pencil mic series seems to get sent to Denmark. This could be the default workflow because they don’t have the testing equipment or expertise to service the large capsules at all, but perhaps they have this tool and someone who will take responsibility locally.

TBH if you can now screw it onto your mmp without it breaking loose it’s already fixed, and if not a VERY tiny amount of loctite would do it. Like a fraction of a drop.

I took a capsule apart for the fun of it one time but yes, most of them are super tight. I do know people with the older style compact that would switch capsules from cable to cable. They all have that thread on the right without the new modern insert they use for modular use.

[Gutbucket]

The tool needed is not overly specialized, but a typical machine-shop type thing.  A search for"two hole fastener wrench" will bring them up.  Needs to be the right size of course.

Locktite brand thread locking compound comes in various strengths.  Don't use Locktite "Red" as that one is high strength and requires the application of heat to disassemble the part without destroying it. This web-page explains the different formulations - https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/insights/all-insights/blog/difference-between-threadlockers.html/1000.html

[breakonthru]

thats good lingo i never knew the name of it, though i have several for miter saws, grinders, etc.

[phil_er_up]

On Friday called DPA around 9AM. No one answered and left a message. Did not hear back on Friday.

Been to DPA longmont for over a decade. Customer service has changed over that time. The old person who did customer service was very good at helping us and getting things done. New person is not the same type of customer service person. They have told me at DPA longmont that they do not really have many tools or able to service many items there.  Looks to be really a shipping office. Though they have given me DPA items for free like T-shirts, hats and hoodies.

Will update back when I hear something...

[voltronic]

On Friday called DPA around 9AM. No one answered and left a message. Did not hear back on Friday.

Been to DPA longmont for over a decade. Customer service has changed over that time. The old person who did customer service was very good at helping us and getting things done. New person is not the same type of customer service person. They have told me at DPA longmont that they do not really have many tools or able to service many items there.  Looks to be really a shipping office. Though they have given me DPA items for free like T-shirts, hats and hoodies.

Will update back when I hear something...

One of my 4011 caps has a dented grille (though it functions perfectly). I contacted Longmont several months back to ask about servicing it, and they told me that all servicing is now done in Denmark.

Maybe I'll reach out again and ask for some merch, though!

[SMsound]

On Friday called DPA around 9AM. No one answered and left a message. Did not hear back on Friday.

Their email customer service is amazing and super responsive. They have tracked down engineers over weekends to get me technical answers before. Email them!

[phil_er_up]

No call back from Repair at DPA longmont. So used the DPA online form system to email the the following:

Can I do the repair myself with some loctite? Would it have to go to Denmark?  Does DPA longmont have the tool to tighten the silver threaded item inside the DPA cap? How much would DPA charge for this repair if I go forward?

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DPA response today is:

"The 4011 and 4015 would both need to go to Denmark for service. 

For us to begin processing a return for repair you’ll need to be issued a Return Authorization Number.  "

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Will have to think about doing it myself or sending them back to Denmark. Tested the affected 4011 and it screws on/off correctly now even without the loctite.  Not sure why they said to send back the 4015 nothing is wrong with them - maybe something was lost in translation.



Thanks for everyone ideas/comments. It is appreciated.