Helix - tip of jack plug stuck in the input socket - Grrr +SOLVED

goldtop

It looks like the tip of a jack plug is stuck inside the input socket of my Helix (Sod's law that I was about to deliver it to the new owner tonight). The input still works perfectly (as the contacts are still made).

But I want to get it fixed. Anyone know if there's a secret technique for removing a 'stuck tip'? I presume it's a Neutrik-style PCB mounted jack socket, but would prefer not to disassemble the Helix to get at it. Seems too far in for needle-nose pliers.

ecc83

There MIGHT be a trick but I don't know it!

Now you will make sure all your cables are Neutrik plugs because the tip and rod are one piece of brass and do not part company!

Dave.

ICBM

Usually a complete faff. If you're *extremely* lucky, you can sometimes get them to fall out if you hold the unit with the jack pointing vertically downward, and - working from underneath and with a strong light, which is difficult - you can push the contact back with something like a 1.5mm Allen key and allow the end to fall out. More often, it tilts sideways and gets stuck.

95% of the time you will spend an hour trying this and then have to take the unit apart anyway...

goldtop

I've tried very carefully using a small-diameter HSS drill-bit to see if it would dig into the material, but it's not enough to get enough purchase to retrieve. As soon as it bites, the tip just rotates. Dave's right - as this has left a sort of cylindrical tube instead of any solid bar.

I suppose there's an outside chance that removing the Helix's baseplate reveals all - without the need to undo every back panel socket... time to search for PCB images.

Bonus Q: Do we know how good Yamaha/Line6's repair centre at E&M Electronics in Milton Keynes is? I suppose I'd rather get it fixed at a warrantied place than fiddle with the SMTness of it all.

ICBM

goldtop said:

I've tried very carefully using a small-diameter HSS drill-bit to see if it would dig into the material, but it's not enough to get enough purchase to retrieve. As soon as it bites, the tip just rotates.

If it's still facing the right way round so you can see that hole, you could try *very carefully* supergluing a cut-off toothpick into it. You must not get any glue on the socket...

goldtop

I've never really trusted superglue (or myself with superglue to be more honest!)

Pic of the innards shows that more disassembly than just the baseplate is needed for access to the socket:

danishbacon

Not sure if this could be helpful?

goldtop

It might be for some, but not in this case. The screw trick sort of works, but before the screw bites in, the tip rotates. ICBM's idea of sugerglue would probably work, but I think I'll try taking it apart at the weekend.

Bizarrely, the Helix work just fine with a cable pushed in as far as it will go. Without any crackles, even. I think the springs for the R and S contacts force the T of the plug into reliable contact with the stuck T.

goldtop

ICBM said:

goldtop said:

I've tried very carefully using a small-diameter HSS drill-bit to see if it would dig into the material, but it's not enough to get enough purchase to retrieve. As soon as it bites, the tip just rotates.

If it's still facing the right way round so you can see that hole, you could try *very carefully* supergluing a cut-off toothpick into it. You must not get any glue on the socket...

Top marks and a cuddly toy of your choice!

After using the Helix as-is for ages, this morning I tried the superglue trick, but using a 3in wood screw I had left over. Just a dab of glue, carefully inserted the screw so as not to touch the sides of the input socket and then a slight turn of the screw so that its tip's thread would just bite into the offending TRS tip.

Left it for an hour and then used a firm pull on the screw head with pliers. Pop!

Job done. Thanks.

Wazmeister

Bingo ! Great result - well done

ICBM

Well done! Patience and care wins .

WiresDreamDisasters

ICBM said:

Well done! Patience and care wins .

That's a lot of bloody patience too!! lol

goldtop

90% can't-be-arsed, 9% honest procrastination, 1% effort. Plus trace amounts of bravery.

robinbowes

Learning point: don't use cables with cheap plugs. Neutrik or death!