How to keep STDM cable in place

kperry · Post by **kperry** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:11 am

2 Pulsar IIs, 2 different STDM cables. When using either cable, the connection to one of the Pulsars has a habit of working very, very slightly loose, at which point the Pulsar's won't sync digitally and using them is a non-starter until I've pushed the cable back on. The other Pulsar has no slippage.

It can happen if I power down for 5 minutes or I can use it fine for a 6 hour session.

How does one keep the STDM cable tightly connected to stop this happening?

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:47 pm

such a connector may corrode over the time and make bad connections, but if it comes loose there's something wrong with the 'springs' inside.
I'd exchange it - until then I'd simply place a piece of plastic foam between the case and the connector to push it down.

cheers, Tom

kperry · Post by **kperry** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:12 pm

With *both* cables I've got? And only on one of the cards? Sounds more like a problem with the card's connector to me - and don't see how I can wedge it with foam from the case without a hand that can move through metal

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:16 pm

oops, sorry - I overlooked the 'either' above.
Does the 'depth' of the cuts where the connectors are placed look identical on both cards ?
The 'problematic' one has probably a couple of millimeters less or something at the side is in the way / the cut is not exactly rectangular downwards.

you can fix the foam with double adhesive tape on top of the connector and before closing the case - that stuff is always good to have around

cellotape fixed to the connector's side works as well, but doesn't look as nicely...

cheers, Tom

kperry · Post by **kperry** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:59 am

Looks the same, but it may be slightly thinner (I'd have to measure down to the millimeter level I think). You actually gave me an idea with the foam - I've now got something between the 2 STDM connectors (the cards are in adjacent slots) that holds the top one in place and - touch wood, fingers crossed etc etc - it ain't gonna move now

Thanks.

kperry · Post by **kperry** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:06 pm

Or not...still flakey. Any more bright ideas?

Post by **hubird** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:54 pm

no, but the plugs getting looser sounds very strange to me.

They fit very tight here.

You could try to clean de card's contacts, they might have been touched with dripping finger tips of some kobolts or so.

You also could clean the cableconnectors inside by giving them a bath with alcohol, dry with hairfohn.

I definitely would check the thickness of the card at the connectors, one never knows.
good luck

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hubird on 2006-09-19 14:57 ]</font>