XLR Five Pin Problem

[ttc]

I have an '86 Series I long scale four string which emits very loud cracks, crunches and shrieks when the cable is brushed this way or that.  To stop it you have to move the cable again or turn off the amp, or unplug and replug the cable--something to shift it around.  
 
It feels like a loose connection but everything looks OK on the back of the jack--solder seems fine. I have also tried different cables so the problem is definitely in the bass.
 
This is the second five pin jack I have had on the bass; I replaced it years ago for the same problem.
 
Anyone else encountered this?

[LMiwa]

Sounds like the jack might be moving slightly in the bass. I would check the ground connections.

[terryc]

Could be the cable itself, if it is old cable the screening & insulation may have broken down, they have a tendency to crack inside the main covering over time.
You could check for continuity on each pin with a battery at one end of the cable and a meter at the other.

[artswork99]

I recently went through a similar issue with my Series.  The screw that holds the 5 pin jack on the bass was slightly loose and I thought that was the problem.  After tightening and further diagnostics I found it to be the cable.  I stripped an inch of cable and re-soldered...  the same issue.  Took off another inch or more and trapped the problem.  After this re-solder the problem has completely gone away.  I try and keep the input jack tightened and can tell when it starts to loosen by feeling it move slightly when I remove the cable (remove the cable and touch the pins on the input jack, they will move slightly inward if loose at all - time to tighten the internal screw).

[ttc]

Many thanks for all this help.  
 
Artswork99, is the screw you refer to the one on the inside of the bass that holds the pin assembly to the jack housing (i.e. not the two screws holding the housing to the body of the bass)?  
 
If so, it seems to me that the way to keep the pins snug in the housing is to LOOSEN the screw so it sticks out into the hole made for it in the side of the housing.  Is this wrong?
 
Thanks again,
 
TTC

[artswork99]

That is correct TTC. Though it does tighten against the housing when turning in the counter-clockwise direction.
 
(Message edited by artswork99 on June 02, 2010)

[mica]

Did the crackling change when you adjusted the set screw inside the bass?

[ttc]

The problem does seem to be at least partly due to the pins shifting within the housing.  
 
The pins moved slightly within the housing so I tightened the set screw as hard as I could, but simply plugging in the cord loosened the pins almost immediately, and the crackling went on as before.
 
The cord does not seem to be the problem because it does not crackle when plugged into my other Series I.
 
Should I try to get a new set screw? or a new pin/housing assembly?
 
Thanks for all your help.
 
TTC

[mica]

Sounds like you have the connection in the jack as an ITT Canon and the housing is Switchcraft. They almost fit together, and it does seem that the mating between them has worn.  
 
I'm not in the office today, but you can call me tomorrow to discuss some details.  
 
Do check that the 1/4 jack nut is fully tightened. It can interfere with the grounding if it is not.

[ttc]

Many thanks, Mica--housing is definitely Switchcraft; I will check the make of the pin assembly, which is not original to the bass. After I check that and the 1/4 jack nut I will call.
 
Best
 
TTC

[mica]

Unless you're following the election day thread, you might not know I was only here for a couple of hours today. I'll be back again tomorrow, so please try and reach me then, or email me your phone number and I'll call you then.

[ttc]

Mica,
 
Sorry--have not had a chance to look at the bass yet.  I will call as soon as I can.
 
Best
 
TTC