Computer Headset Jack Plug Wiring!

[TFGtv]

I can't understand why you're attempting to wire on a second hand piece of cable!

Maplins will sell you replacement jack plugs for a few pence!

Stereo Headphones are wired as follows:

TIP = LEFT

RING = RIGHT

SHAFT = SHIELD

Stereo microphones are wired the same way...

The 'shield', 'screen' or 'ground' wire on a signal lead is effectively earth. Any stray conductance between a signal path and earth will 'deck' that signal....


Mono jack plugs are wired

TIP = SIGNAL

SHAFT=SHIELD

Somebody mentioned that the mic plug SHOULD be mono.... And this would explain why your twisting the red/white wires in your 'replacement' plug doesn't work! EFFECTIVELY what you're doing is decking the signal! On a mono plug the area where the ring is would be part of the shaft!

Plug your'replacement' cable into the sound card, fire it up so you can monitor the mic input on the headphones and (NOT touching the screen with your other hand) touch the red and then the white wires.... touching ONE of them will cause you to hear a 'Buzz'. THAT wire is the signal input....

Strip the other one back and deck it by wisting it together with the screen. Wire the output of the mic to the wire you got the buzz off....

Another way of doing this would be to use the continuity function on a simple meter to establish which wire is connected to the tip..

But, seriously, replacement plugs shouldn't come to much more than a quid! Trim the wire back a fair bit too; if you ripped the original plugs off its possible you've broken the cable further up...

 

[MCMalkemus]

Since you have new wiring to attach to your headset, the colors are most likely not going to match up.

You need to use a Volt-ohm meter.

Test continuity of all wires, and attach as necessary.

Done.

 

[RWJ]

Not meaning to offend but this tread is over two years old.... I'm sure he's either got it sorted or brought a new headset.

 

[MCMalkemus]

No offense taken.

I assumed if this post was dead, it would have been locked.

 

[RWJ]

Naah they only tend to lock posts when they get out of hand otherwise they're left open.

Just didn't want you wasting your time, good advice though.

Stick around I'm sure you'll be able to help others.... Are you an Electrician / Electronics Guy / PC Geek?

 

[MCMalkemus]

I used to work on slot machines in a casino, took a year of electronics in a robotics course, and some hobby electronics. I like to help when I can.

I also responded to this post because I hate planned obsolescence, which most of these headphones on the market seem to have built in, so we are forced to go out and buy more of their junk and add to our landfills. It's a vicious cycle that needs to end.

Cheers.