Re: [tlug] Connecting Conductors

[Jim <jep200404@example.com>]

On Sat, 26 Nov 2005 14:51:14 +0900 "Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon" <ronfaxon@example.com> wrote:

> I 
> know I recently had trouble with my old DVD player that began paying 
> only in black and white.  

You lost connection on pin 4, Chrominance

   http://www.hardwarebook.net/connector/av/svideo.html

> I pulled out the video connection (S-type) and 
> plugged it in and out a few times to clean the contacts, which fixed the 
> black and white playback issue and it's been playing in color since 
> then. The cord is a cheap one with pins that have oxidized.  

Yup. This is exactly the kind of application for which gold plating 
works well. Low voltage, low current, and not too many 
insertion/withdrawal cycles. 

> The gold 
> coated plugs I have seem to stay in perpetually good condition, 
... 
Perpetuity is a long time. 

If you insert and withdraw connectors with gold plated contacts 
many times, the gold is rubbed off. If you are close to the ocean 
or other salty environments, the exposed underlying metal will 
start corroding. Even without wear, the gold plating that looks 
so perfect can actually be porous, letting the underlying metal 
corrode. 

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=jp&q=porous+gold+salt+spray+test
   http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/TestingBasics/cabinet.htm