Topic: Cover up plug sockets not in use to keep them clean ?

[tbger]

Devices intended for portable use might be exposed to wind, dust and so on.  What I want is to prevent unwanted objects from getting inside the plug sockets.  I can't say for sure that a contact problem I ever experienced had been caused directly by such, but I'm sure it does have some sort of damage which I would like to prevent.  Especially when referring to relatively expensive gear.  Talking mainly about small portable recorders, but also for laptops.

Is there any efficient and common way to do this ?  Tried searching but only found very general topics as results.

Thanks in advance

[owainturner]

 I just keep mine in a case but:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Apple-IPhone-Headphone-Jack-Plug/

Good idea!

[tbger]

Thanks - nice idea indeed, though you can never trust such improvisations when it comes to sensitive, expensive equipment...  Talking for myself at least.  You can never know whether there's some tiny piece of metal that could cut off of that 'plug', and fall right inside your device...  Murphy's law

I also thought about covering it with a piece of tape, preferably something transparent, but I think there should be something out there that was planned for that.
Plugging dummy plugs would also be an idea, not the smartest one though.

The case I'm using for my recorder won't allow me to close it tight to the connected microphone plug, there's some space left which leaves another socket uncovered.  Could be a risk when raining for example.  Let alone if you choose to use the internal mics.  The recorder is a PCM-M10 by the way.

[aaronji]

Perhaps not so aesthetically pleasing, but a little high-quality gaffer's tape would probably do the trick.  It won't leave residue and is easily removable (and replaceable).  Easy to tear to whatever size works best.  Not to mention inexpensive and useful for lots of other things too...

[it-goes-to-eleven]

What if bugs crawl in?

And what about whiskers?

[tbger]

What if bugs crawl in?

No idea if that was sarcasm, but it is anyway one of my main worries.  Sitting in a dark room with your laptop 'attracts' all those little bugs...

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Found these on EBAY:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Noise-Stopper-Gold-Plated-Copper-XLR-Plug-Caps-1-Pair-/270733614927?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D300546021800%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9083130483569314962

[tbger]

^  Nice find.  I didn't try to search eBay at the first place, but here is what I just found, to anyone interested:

For 3.5mm sockets

For USB sockets

A complete package (awesome for laptops) is also available for 18 dollars: http://cgi.ebay.com/QU-Tech-connector-anti-dust-protect-cover-/260772647771?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb742d35b

I'll post pictures when I get these.

Next one is 1/4" which is probably rarer.

[F.O.Bean]

^  Nice find.  I didn't try to search eBay at the first place, but here is what I just found, to anyone interested:

For 3.5mm sockets

For USB sockets

A complete package (awesome for laptops) is also available for 18 dollars: http://cgi.ebay.com/QU-Tech-connector-anti-dust-protect-cover-/260772647771?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb742d35b

I'll post pictures when I get these.

Next one is 1/4" which is probably rarer.

Awesome post

[jamroom]

^^^ Damn good idea! Need to get some.

[stevetoney]

Q1: Has anyone ever had a problem with dust messing up a socket or an XLR connector of an electronic component? 

Q2: Anybody wanna bet that you'll lose these things long before dust could ever becomes an issue in your sockets?

Just sayin'

[F.O.Bean]

Q1: Has anyone ever had a problem with dust messing up a socket or an XLR connector of an electronic component? 

Q2: Anybody wanna bet that you'll lose these things long before dust could ever becomes an issue in your sockets?

Just sayin'

Good point

[tbger]

Q2: Anybody wanna bet that you'll lose these things long before dust could ever becomes an issue in your sockets?

Just sayin'

I'm in

Sorry but I really doubt you here.
1) A 1/8" socket and connection in general could suffer from dust, way more than any rugged XLR connection (as you said) ever will.  As I mentioned I was talking about PCM-M10 - like devices, and laptops.
2) There are many things in life you do because "just in case...".  The simplest example is driving (...).
3) Generally, when it was effective for 1% only, it's worth the other 99% as well.  I know this isn't the best way to express this point... but you know what I mean.

To each their own though   Whatever it is - if it makes you feel good, then just do it.  That's the attitude in the bottom line.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

The far greater risk is the contamination of 1/8 plugs with the grease from your fingers.  Plugs won't help with that.

[tbger]

The far greater risk is the contamination of 1/8 plugs with the grease from your fingers.  Plugs won't help with that.

Yeah it solves up one problem, not every problem...

A cloth (that won't shed fibers out) and alcohol would solve this other problem.

Also I wouldn't generalize and say what is 'far greater' than the other...  Simply try to avoid them both and do what you can to maintain your device in the best way you can.