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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: ho on December 29, 2005, 03:31:50 PM

Title: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on December 29, 2005, 03:31:50 PM
Just got this as back up and was testing it and the optical tip broke off the input? Any input on how to get fixed would be great.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: rowjimmy on December 29, 2005, 03:50:37 PM
the mini-optical cable broke off inside the jb3 jack?
ouch.
well, as an optical plug is hollow... perhaps you could use a small pin to reach inside and ease it out?

without seeing it i don't have much else i can suggest.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on December 29, 2005, 04:44:50 PM
can the jack be accessed if I open the unit? Trying not to open it if I don't have to.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: bhtoque on December 29, 2005, 05:27:51 PM
can the jack be accessed if I open the unit? Trying not to open it if I don't have to.

Yes it can be accessed , but no you can't just stick something in the other end to push the tip back out.

AFAIK the jack is a solid piece too, so you really have tot take it out the way it went in.

JAson
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on December 29, 2005, 06:08:09 PM
Shit.. I can't get it out.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: bhtoque on December 29, 2005, 07:04:34 PM
Shit.. I can't get it out.

Put a bit of crazy glue (as little as possible) on the optical cable. Stick it into the jack so the two broken pieces connect and hold it there a few minutes so it dries. Then slowly pull it out.

The jack can be replaced if all else fails, but getting the part will not be easy.

JAson
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: terrapinj on December 29, 2005, 07:10:45 PM
Shit.. I can't get it out.

hello 911, yeah this is Quagmire, its in the window this time!


just curious how this happened, defective cable or did you bend it wrong when trying to remove it? +T for your troubles
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on December 30, 2005, 07:58:42 AM
Shit.. I can't get it out.

hello 911, yeah this is Quagmire, its in the window this time!


just curious how this happened, defective cable or did you bend it wrong when trying to remove it? +T for your troubles
I had plugged it in and it wasn't a right angle and broke off when I was putting on the computer. The crappy thing is, is that it's broke off flush with the side so I can't use the glue. I've never seen anything break that easy.

Now, I have an old school MD player/recorder that takes a optical in. Could that piece work as replacement?
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: SparkE! on December 30, 2005, 01:02:36 PM
How about heating the tip of a straight pin with a lighter and push the heated tip into the broken optical cable, melting the plastic as it penetrates.  Let it cool and pull it out.  Even if it doesn't hold, you'll now have a hole in the broken optical cable that's the same size as the pin.  At that point, you can dip the tip of the pin in some low viscosity super glue like Jet or Aaron Alpha.  Jet is available at most model supply stores.  Aaron Alpha is available at most Ace Hardware stores.  Both are extremely low viscosity cyanoacrylate glues and will fill any narrow void.  Careful... it's very easy to glued things together that you did not mean to glue.  Things like your fingers.  Also, the glue will run a long way into crevices.  Be careful only to use enough glue to get the job done or you'll also glue everything else in the general vicinity.  That's the reason I suggest dipping the end of the pin in the glue.  That way, you'll get only enough glue to get the job done.  DON'T try to apply directly to the broken piece on the optical cable or you'll end up just gluing that piece in place, guaranteed.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on December 30, 2005, 01:16:19 PM
How about heating the tip of a straight pin with a lighter and push the heated tip into the broken optical cable, melting the plastic as it penetrates.  Let it cool and pull it out.  Even if it doesn't hold, you'll now have a hole in the broken optical cable that's the same size as the pin.  At that point, you can dip the tip of the pin in some low viscosity super glue like Jet or Aaron Alpha.  Jet is available at most model supply stores.  Aaron Alpha is available at most Ace Hardware stores.  Both are extremely low viscosity cyanoacrylate glues and will fill any narrow void.  Careful... it's very easy to glued things together that you did not mean to glue.  Things like your fingers.  Also, the glue will run a long way into crevices.  Be careful only to use enough glue to get the job done or you'll also glue everything else in the general vicinity.  That's the reason I suggest dipping the end of the pin in the glue.  That way, you'll get only enough glue to get the job done.  DON'T try to apply directly to the broken piece on the optical cable or you'll end up just gluing that piece in place, guaranteed.
Thanks for the info. Gotta try it out tonight.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: sickrick43 on January 02, 2006, 10:09:54 PM


I used a dental "pick", but ended up breaking the solder joints that hold (flush/surface mount) connector to the board.  Ended up taking it to a friend who works in the test lab at a local defense contractor to get him to solder the connector on.

Take the cover off first, so you can hold the connector to the board, before you start wrenching on it.  That way you "should" avoid breaking it off the board.

Rottsa Ruck...

Rick
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: SparkE! on January 02, 2006, 11:41:15 PM
Inquiring minds want to know... Did you get the broken end out?
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on January 03, 2006, 11:06:08 AM
Haven't done it yet. Kinda got sidetracked over the last week. Still need to get the supplies.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: willndmb on January 03, 2006, 11:58:49 AM
Shit.. I can't get it out.

Put a bit of crazy glue (as little as possible) on the optical cable. Stick it into the jack so the two broken pieces connect and hold it there a few minutes so it dries. Then slowly pull it out.

The jack can be replaced if all else fails, but getting the part will not be easy.

JAson
thats what i was thinking, or if you can put something into the plug from the outside put glue on that and slide it in
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: todd e on January 03, 2006, 12:18:24 PM
what about suction?  it seems that this wouldn't be nearly as damaging and could be done relatively easily.

maybe a magent too.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: bconnolly on January 03, 2006, 12:31:50 PM
what about suction?  it seems that this wouldn't be nearly as damaging and could be done relatively easily.

maybe a magent too.

I don't know if sticking a magnet against a device that has a hard drive in it is the best of ideas...
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: SparkE! on January 03, 2006, 12:50:57 PM
what about suction?  it seems that this wouldn't be nearly as damaging and could be done relatively easily.

maybe a magent too.

With suction, you can get a maximum of 14 pounds per square inch.  With a 1/8th inch diameter connector, that works out to a little over 2 1/2 ounces.  I'd be surprised if that does it for you.  Maybe if you could get behind it with an air hose, but you'd have to worry about static electricity if you do that.  High velocity dry air can really cause high static voltages to accumulate on the surfaces that it blows accross.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: sickrick43 on January 03, 2006, 05:11:41 PM


Take it from me (been there, done that) it has to be pried out.  If you split the case and hold the connector against the board while you're doing it, you should minimize the possibility of ripping the connector off the board (been there, done that too).

Rick
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on January 03, 2006, 05:52:35 PM
Going to first try the a small pin with super glue and put it the hollow area. I won't pulling hard or trying to rip it out, just going to try to ease it first. Then if I have to really give it pull, open it and hold the connecter. Not sure about the sunction, but I'll keep it in mind. Also what kind screw driver is good for the JB3? Eye glass one?
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: SparkE! on January 03, 2006, 06:16:52 PM
The screws that hold the case together are philips head screws.  They are under the rubber feet and I think one's in the battery compartment.
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: ho on January 03, 2006, 08:52:25 PM
Will a regular philips head work or do I need a smaller one?
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3?
Post by: F.O.Bean on January 03, 2006, 09:02:26 PM
an eyeglass screw-case is priceless for shit like this
Title: Re: Optical Cable Broke in the JB3? ***Help Needed***
Post by: ho on January 19, 2006, 04:47:53 PM
Bump for some more help. Tried everything. Anyone wanna take a crack at it? Looking for someone who is pretty positive to 100% positive they help a brother out. I have no problem taking care of that person $$'s wise. Of course, nothing to crazy. I also have a old broken down mini disc that has a optical/line in for maybe a replacement?? I don't??

Thanks all