In the past, we have ordered faulty audio jacks and it caused problems at one of our events, so we recommend testing your audio jacks with a voltmeter before your event.
It is important to make sure the audio jacks work correctly to ensure that the connection will be compatible with switches the user already has.
How to Use a Voltmeter
First test that these connections are consistent with the photo above using a voltmeter. You will make sure that the metal contact on the plug side of the make audio jack is electrically continuous with the correct terminal on the other side.
Make sure your wires are plugged into the correct terminals on your voltmeter; if there are two options for the red wire, choose the one that measures volts. Check continuity by setting the voltmeter to the audible continuity or diode or setting.
Diode symbol:
Audible continuity symbol:
(thenounproject.com)
The audible continuity setting should beep when there is continuity. The screen will usually display a 1 or OL for open loop if it does not sense continuity, and change to a number when there is continuity. Test your voltmeter to see how it works when it senses continuity by touching the ends of the probes together.
Check Male Plug Continuity
Stereo audio jacks have three points of connection: the ring, tip, and sleeve.
These connect to terminals on the other side of the audio jack. If you turn it to face you, you will see terminals at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions on the circle.
To modify them for toy adaptation, you convert it into a mono jack by connecting the ring and sleeve together.
Check that the tip of the male audio jack is connected to the terminal at the 9:00 position by touching one of the leads to the tip of the male audio jack, and the other to the terminal at the 9:00 position.
Check that the ring of the male audio jack is connected to the terminal at the 3:00 position by touching one of the leads to the tip of the male audio jack, and the other to the terminal at the 3:00 position.
Check that the sleeve of the male audio jack is connected to the terminal at the 6:00 position by touching one of the leads to the tip of the male audio jack, and the other to the terminal at the 6:00 position.
Check Continuity of Connected Jacks
Once you have verified that your male plug is working properly, you can check that your female audio jacks are working correctly.
Plug your male plug into your female jack.
Check that there is continuity between the tip terminals on the male and female side.
Check that there is continuity between the ring terminals.
Check that there is continuity between the sleeve terminals on the male and female side.
If the audio jacks do not pass these tests (keep in mind that this is only for stereo jacks - mono jacks will already have the ring and sleeve connected), you may need to purchase new ones.
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