Power Cord Grip

[prepress]

Another episode last night. I cued things up to watch a DVD, and . . . the BDP wouldn't respond to the remote. The first thing I did was go behind the system and, yes, the cord (1m WW Stratus 7) was drooping enough to have lost the connection. It's possible I didn't plug it in firmly after moving the system, but this is the first time using the BDP since then so I can't verify that. It took three re-seatings to get it to work. I just tried it a few minutes ago and it's holding.

So another nudge toward doing something about the grip issue. Tape, adaptors and new cords are all on the table, though replacing the WWs isn't the most desirable option because of cost. But I know me; I'm fully capable of making that decision and doing it. But I think I'd start with the teflon plumber's tape idea mentioned earlier, if I can find some.

[edkoz]

Originally Posted by prepress

Another episode last night. I cued things up to watch a DVD, and . . . the BDP wouldn't respond to the remote. The first thing I did was go behind the system and, yes, the cord (1m WW Stratus 7) was drooping enough to have lost the connection. It's possible I didn't plug it in firmly after moving the system, but this is the first time using the BDP since then so I can't verify that. It took three re-seatings to get it to work. I just tried it a few minutes ago and it's holding.

So another nudge toward doing something about the grip issue. Tape, adaptors and new cords are all on the table, though replacing the WWs isn't the most desirable option because of cost. But I know me; I'm fully capable of making that decision and doing it. But I think I'd start with the teflon plumber's tape idea mentioned earlier, if I can find some.

Any hardware store would have the tape

[chops-tube]

Something else you guys may want to try instead of using various tapes, toothpicks, matches, etc, etc... Why not try various size blocks of wood, sort of like those Cardas Myrtle Blocks propped under the cables, just past the actual plugs.

Just a thought anyway. It's what I would do if I needed to. Luckily, I don't have these issues with my gear/cables.

[prepress]

Last night, after leaving the gym, I made the one-block detour to a hardware store and bought some white teflon tape. When I have time I'll put some on the most troublesome cords and see what happens. It was less expensive than I thought it might be, only 99 cents for a .5", 260" roll.

[audio bill]

I've wrapped some loose fitting IEC connectors with electrical tape to make them fit more securely. I like the idea of using Teflon tape instead since it has no adhesive which can leave a residue and collect dirt over time, but it's very thin and would take many more layers of wrap than thicker electrical tape. I'll try some Teflon tape the next time I encounter this problem.

[chops-tube]

Or... You can completely ignore my suggestion... Whatever floats your boat I guess.

[audio bill]

Charles - I didn't intend to ignore your suggestion which might work very well in some systems. In mine the gear generally extends towards the back of the rack so I'm unable to put something underneath the connector for support. That's why I try to get the connector itself to fit into the socket more securely.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by chops-tube

Something else you guys may want to try instead of using various tapes, toothpicks, matches, etc, etc... Why not try various size blocks of wood, sort of like those Cardas Myrtle Blocks propped under the cables, just past the actual plugs.

Just a thought anyway. It's what I would do if I needed to. Luckily, I don't have these issues with my gear/cables.

Can these be bought ready-cut and pre-packaged? I haven't tried the tape I bought yet, but if I don't like it, this could be another option to consider. I would need various sizes, though. And at this point I need an inexpensive solution. I'll have to wait until my back heals before I do any serious messing around behind my system, though.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I think the issue is the IEC connector on the gear. How close it meets the spec will affect the grip of the cable. Anyway, a trick I picked up from somewhere is to add a piece of electrical tape on the PC plug. Usually, a small strip on top is sufficient to tighten the grip, but if it is really loose then wrap the tape around the plug and it will really be tight.

Currently everything in the stereo is very good fitting, but I have some tape on gear in the HT.

Then the IEC ends on the power cords are not uniform either, since some droop and others grip. Or am I missing something?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by prepress

Then the IEC ends on the power cords are not uniform either, since some droop and others grip. Or am I missing something?

I still need to break out my micrometer.