Learning Event 2:
DESCRIBE THE PROPER CARE AND HANDLING OF AUDIO CABLES
1.
Checking your audio cable: Check about one foot of the audio cable at
a time.
Loop and unloop this amount of cable between your hands while
slowly twisting it. Listen to the output of your amplifier and continue to
handle each small section in this manner for at least fifteen seconds.
Broken insulation or wires usually show up in this test.
2.
If you find a break, it is better to replace the entire cable than to
remove and splice the faulty section of cable.
Splicing can be done in
emergencies when a new cable cannot be obtained.
3.
Some microphones have an OFF/ON switch that allows greater flexibility
in their applications.
If this switch is a sealed type with inaccessible
contacts, it can be checked for proper working order.
If it is faulty,
simply replace it.
4.
If the contacts are accessible, inspect the terminal connections for
tightness and cleanliness, and the mounting for firmness. While operating
the switch, observe all moving parts for freedom of movement, and look
closely at the stationary spring contacts to check their tension.
a. Use pliers to tighten contacts that have loose tension.
b. Sections of a switch that are dusty, or pitted, should be cleaned
with a dry cloth.
For more serious conditions, moisten a dry cloth with
cleaning fluid and rub the affected parts vigorously.
c. When points of contact show signs of excessive wear, replace the
entire switch. Coarse cloth dipped in cleaning fluid can be used to clean
the contacts. For emergencies you can use a No. 0000 or No. 000 sandpaper
to polish and clean the contacts.
d. If dryness and binding are noticed, apply a drop of instrument oil
with a toothpick at the point of friction.
Do not allow the oil to flow
into the electrical contacts.
e. The above are the most common faults found in most audio systems.
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