[FraGGleR]

Attempting my first true do it yourself item beyond cables and a casing. I am making a very simple 2 in one out rca audio switch in a little altoids tin. I wanted to make sure I did the grounding properly as I don't want to blow anything up (if that is even a worry). I have read about attaching all the grounds together, but then what? Solder to the tin? Or could each jack be grounded by soldering the ground tab to the tin or removing the plastic washer and having the metal washer touch the tin directly? Thanks!

Edit: I am using a micro mini dpdt toggle switch from radio shack if that matters.

 

[linuxworks]

use the tin as the common ground (rca connectors are NOT isolated). that gives you all the ground you need (audio-level ground). this is not 'power ground' but you don't HAVE any power in this circuit

switch the center conductors and let the case be the ground return. in this case, that's ideal. just make sure the case is not insulated with paint or enamel or something.

 

[FraGGleR]

thanks, linuxworks! since the jacks are in contact with the tin where they pass through, do you think they need any additional connection (ie, pressing the grounding tab to the tin and securing it there, or removing the internal plastic washer so the metal washer comes in direct contact with the case)?

thanks again!

 

[linuxworks]

just get a good metal to metal contact from the rca to the metal 'chassis'. a lock washer of some kind might be a good idea if your rca's come with them. if your paint is scraped off where the metals meet, that's all you need, no need for wiring of grounds with wires and tabs. literally, the chassis IS your electrical ground.

 

[FraGGleR]

awesome. thanks for your help!

 

[luvdunhill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxworks /img/forum/go_quote.gif (rca connectors are NOT isolated)

just the fact that a connector isn't isolated inherently doesn't prevent you from isolating them. That's what shoulder washers are for!

 

[FraGGleR]

Ok, related question. I have a Bantam dac that I am going to also mount in an Altoids tin (I am addicted to them). I was going to make standoffs with hot glue, but was wondering about grounding again. First off, is it ok for metal to metal contact with the USB port? Second, I am splitting the line outs to two RCA jack pairs and was wondering again about grounding. I was going to wire to the ground on the Bantam pcb, but was wondering how that worked with the RCA jacks in contact with my metal case (the Altoids tin). Since I have electronics now that I assume I can easily fry, I want to make sure it is done right. Still in the process of learning it all (I promise I am trying).

If putting into an altoids tin is simply a bad idea, I have a radio shack nearby and they some really small hobby boxes for a couple bucks that I could use in a pinch, but just aren't as fun looking.

Thanks again!