Broken optical socket

[Davemcc]

I broke the optical socket on my Escient Fireball when unplugging the cable the other day. On this socket, there is a little plastic door (or flap, whatever you want to call it) that protects the inner workings of the socket. One of the tabs that holds that little door broke off and now the cable won't sit securely in the socket. It still functions, but it seats very loosely and will fall out easily.

What the best way to deal with this situation? Can it be replaced easily? Should I just duct tape the cable to the connection? I don't know. It's these stupid little deals that leave me paralyzed over what to do about these trivial details. Suggestions?

 

[Adam]

Get Alex to hold it in there. It'll probably cost you about a banana a day, but his frequent jokes alone would make it worth it.

Okay, okay. Let me think about a real solution...

 

[OttoMatic]

Could you fatten up the connector on the end of the optical cable? That way, when you insert it, it will be tighter and not flop around. Perhaps you could wrap it with some very fine tape.

Can you fix the door/flap? If it's the actual door/flap itself that's broken, you might be able to transplant one from another old/unused optical socket on some other device you have.

 

[zumbo]

Is there a coaxial option you could use instead?

 

[Adam]

Could you fatten up the connector on the end of the optical cable? That way, when you insert it, it will be tighter and not flop around. Perhaps you could wrap it with some very fine tape.

Beat me to it. I was thinking about using paper, but tape is a great idea.

I was too busy making dumb jokes about Alex, and I haven't even had a drink, yet...

 

[Davemcc]

The Fireball doesn't have digital coax, only optical. Inside the hole, there seems to be a small metal tab that sticks out from one side, almost to the middle of opening. It looks like it's intended that when the flap is pushed in by the jack, the flap will push this little tab to the side as the flap is pushed in. It does look like an obstacle that's in the way of the connector and also looks like it could damage the tip of the cable.

I'm thinking the socket will have to be replaced. Any replacement parts sourced you guys are aware of?

 

[davidtwotrees]

Shoot, I just had my SE80 opened up last week to add damping material to stop the case from buzzing when the hard drive was going..........
Just looked at the back of mine, and couldn't really tell much as the flap door closes and is in the way. The optical socket is just held on with one screw, and the case comes off easy with three screws. I bet Escient would give you a free replacement if you asked nice. Even if they didn't I bet they will sell you one and they can't be too expensive.....
I think you could make the repair............

Also, I've ran mine off the rca outputs and it sounded fine if you're worried about the dacs not being as good as your pre pros.............

 

[mtrycrafts]

I broke the optical socket on my Escient Fireball when unplugging the cable the other day. On this socket, there is a little plastic door (or flap, whatever you want to call it) that protects the inner workings of the socket. One of the tabs that holds that little door broke off and now the cable won't sit securely in the socket. It still functions, but it seats very loosely and will fall out easily.

What the best way to deal with this situation? Can it be replaced easily? Should I just duct tape the cable to the connection? I don't know. It's these stupid little deals that leave me paralyzed over what to do about these trivial details. Suggestions?

I would use a short toothpick on one side to wedge it tight in the socket yet you can easily remove the toothpick and cable when needed. I guess that little door has that same function and perhaps a small raised ridge to keep it in. And, since it works as is but can come out easily, I think that toothpick should work.

 

[Midcow2]

telflon tape

Could you fatten up the connector on the end of the optical cable? That way, when you insert it, it will be tighter and not flop around. Perhaps you could wrap it with some very fine tape.

Can you fix the door/flap? If it's the actual door/flap itself that's broken, you might be able to transplant one from another old/unused optical socket on some other device you have.

Adding on to what Ottomatic said get a roll of Telflon tape that is used for plasitc pipe and or air conmpressor fittings. It costs 2-3$ a rool a lowes or Home Depot. Make one or two wraps of telflon . carefully cut off excess with an exacto knife.

Hope it works!

MidCow2

 

[croseiv]

Man I looked at this and immediately thought there was a problem with your eye ball socket....

 

[Votrax]

Digi-key sells the receiver module for a couple dollars. Replacement would be very simple if you have soldering skills.
http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T083/P0322.pdf