Radioshack Edition of RB's VT+ FX loop

[idontlikeyou]

Hi Guys

Just wrote an entire writeup only for it to get lost in posting (internet connection), so I'm going to make this a simpel writeup.

Didn't want to wait to order Neutrik parts and resistors, so I decided to make do with what Radioshack had to offer.

Bought following:
2 pk of mono jacks (closed circuit) -4.19
2 pk of stereo jacks (only open circuit availible)- 4.19
2 SPST switches (explained later) - 3 each
47 ohm 1/2 watt resistors (ok'd by RetroBob) 1.59

To wire up the closed circuit jacks (only have three terminals), simply connect the two N/C contacts of each with one wire.

As far as dealing with the open circuit TRS jack, without having it be closed I didn't want it running the 1/2 watt resistors all the time, so I put a SPST switch between the orange return wire and the resistors. Order is now: orange wire - SPST switch (controls headphones on/off) - resistors to each L& R terminals of TRS jack

Everything else was done according to RB's original VT+ mod, except that I had difficulty finding what to desolder and how to physically remove the old headphone jack. Instead of risking it, I simply hooked up the wires according to directions and used a Disabling pin to disable the original Headphone Jack. This is a necessary step, as the original headphone Jack is switching.
To make one, I simply used an inch long 18Awg wire and used a pick to push out the wire inside. Inserted into the jack, this worked fine. Tested great.

Although I'm sure the neutrik jacks are a higher quality than that of the RadioShack ones, for people who don't mind too much, this is a way to get away with them and pick them up from a store in the same day.

Thanks again to Retrobob, who made this all possible.

[retrobob]

Good job!

Post some pictures when you get a chance.

[cosmicrepairdude]

I hate to be a party pooper, but I bought a couple of those mono jacks from The Source, in Canada, which is what Radio Shacks are called here now. As far as I can tell, parts like this are the same as the American RS versions. I installed them in a very old guitar amp whose jacks had fallen apart after 30+ years of use. The new jacks fell apart after maybe 6 months and have been replaced by Switchcraft ones. Never again.

[idontlikeyou]

Like I said, I know he RS aren't the most high quality parts, but they'll do for someone who can't wait for parts to ship in the mail. When they start to fail, I'll def be getting neutriks