I have been reading on here about the different issues with different Aux. plugs for the HK radio. I bought a right angle plug for the ZUMO 550 but cannot recall if I bought stereo or mono. I bought it some time ago and no longer have the paperwork. One member here says it has to be the stereo plug or it won't work.

Is there a way to look at the plug to find out which I have? Thanks.

 

A stereo plug will have two conductors separated by an insulating partition...while the mono will only have one conductor.

Check this out...

http://support.radioshack.com/SUPPOR...oc68/68379.htm

I hope this helps...

Steve

 

In simple terms, 1 black ring is mono, 2 black rings is stereo and, as seen on iPhones, 3 black rings means stereo + video

 

Yup...that's the easiest way to tell.

Adam

 

so somehow its the shape of the plug that is buggering up the HK jack port if you have the "wrong" one? I would think if someone had the "mono" plug they could instantly hear the difference....

 

Thank you. I did locate where I bought the patch cord. The man at the store said I bought the stereo patch cord but that it is mono capable.

 

I think you are taking this from the response by MKGUITAR in a previous thread. What he was saying is that dimensionally they vary the plug size slightly to bypass royalty issues associated with the original patent. The slight over sizing then bends the internal tabs.

Don't know the specifics of this but he does know his stuff, and I have certainly noticed that not all plugs are created equal. I have also experienced real quirky behaviours with cig lighter sockets and plugs too. In short, I always err on the side of better quality leads and never force something in.

 

Not sure exactly what was meant by the advice given to the OP about a mono plug "not working" - in my experience a mono plug in a stereo socket simply transmits mono. Same as when you put a stereo headphone set in to an iPhone, it still works even though it does not have the third ring for video - obviously!

Incidentally, the rings are in fact an insulation material that separates the various sections of the plug so you can run multiple transmissions up a single plug

 

depending on the dimensions "chosen" by the maker, a "mono" plug may short the ground and right audio in a stereo jack ( plug= male, jack = Jill )

stereo plugs are tip= left/ ring= right/ barrel is ground. ( apple variation may use a 4th ring for video/control/mic in)

a "mono" plug may have it's insulating blocks at non-standard/non compatible intervals

as referenced above and in my post on the other thread, some suppliers alter dimensions slightly, making a "sure thing" into a crap shoot.

if a plug ever feels super tight going in, stop, remove it and return it.

mike