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'backwards' cliff style jack for Randall

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  • 'backwards' cliff style jack for Randall

    I just replaced both broken input jacks on a Randall RH50T. Didn't work.
    Went through everything and finally realized their jacks are reversed to standard cliff style.
    In this photo, the T,R, & S contacts are on the right side. On the Randall jacks they are on the left, and the switched contacts are on the right.
    I've never come across this before and it sure opens a can of worms. Does anyone know where to get these jacks? (opposite of as shown, leg length not critical)
    Click image for larger version

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    Originally posted by Enzo
    I have a sign in my shop that says, "Never think up reasons not to check something."



  • #2
    I can only see one side in the pic, but can you push the pins out and reverse them?
    "I took a photo of my ohm meter... It didn't help." Enzo 8/20/22

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    • #3
      I believe I can. I may try that. In this case, they are on a small board that floats so I can probably mount them on the foil side which will also work.
      In any case I'm interested if this issue has come up with any other brands and if anyone has a source.
      Just when I thought I'd come to grips with all the different leg types, offsets, etc., this really throws a wrench in the works.
      Originally posted by Enzo
      I have a sign in my shop that says, "Never think up reasons not to check something."


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      • #4
        Originally posted by The Dude View Post
        I can only see one side in the pic, but can you push the pins out and reverse them?
        Never would have thought of that, good idea.

        I can't remember what amp it was, but I've seen the reversed contact thing before. I did the same thing, installed a new jack and wondered why it didn't work.

        In my case, the jack was mounted to a small input board. I just installed the jack on the foil side of the board.

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        • #5
          I've not run into that myself, but thanks for being the guinea pig. Now I know to keep an eye out for the problem.

          Edit: I've not reversed pins on those jacks before, but I have (in a pinch) removed broken ones and replaced them when I didn't have the exact right jack in stock. It works just fine.
          "I took a photo of my ohm meter... It didn't help." Enzo 8/20/22

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          • #6
            In the past I removed pins from such jacks, cleaned them and put back. This is quite easy task. You may need to warm up the pins with hot air gun, or soldering iron.

            Mark

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            • #7
              Also if you are careful you can remove the pins from the new jack and reverse them.

              I've had to make my own this way for certain oddball amps.
              Making a four pin a six and vice versa.

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              • #8
                Did you check the Switchcraft offerings to see if any were in reverse order?
                Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

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                • #9
                  As far as I know, switchcraft does not make a cliff knock-off. I checked Rean and no luck.
                  Originally posted by Enzo
                  I have a sign in my shop that says, "Never think up reasons not to check something."


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                  • #10
                    Switchcraft doesn't make a CLiff clone, but they do make a variety of the same STYLE connector. The flat blade crossing contacts, rather than the parallel to the shaft contacts of their open frame jacks.
                    Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

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                    • #11
                      I saw those but did not want to assume they had the same footprint, height, offset, etc.
                      I guess it would make sense for them to sell a drop in replacement for the cliff or rean style.
                      Originally posted by Enzo
                      I have a sign in my shop that says, "Never think up reasons not to check something."


                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I don't know if they share a footprint, it was just an idle thought. if my shop were not a stack of boxes in a storage unit, I'd have my extensive jack collection out making comparisons.
                        Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

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                        • #13
                          If you install them on the foil side, won't you invert jack positions on Hi/Low input types? And how does one get the pins out? I've tried this in the past with no success.
                          It's weird, because it WAS working fine.....

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Randall View Post
                            And how does one get the pins out? I've tried this in the past with no success.
                            I explained this just few posts below. You use pliers and pull out the pins. Since they are secured in the plactic, it's good to warm up the pins and the plastic with hot air gun or with soldering iron. It takes 10-15 seconds to do it.

                            Mark

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                            • #15
                              Yes, heat them slightly and push up from the bottom.

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