Boom Pole internal cable electronic noise

[dustinguished]

I have a K-Tek 152CCR that makes a high frequency static like noise when I extend and retract the pole.  When I'm not extending, it seems to sound fine.  I made my own boom pole case from PVC pipe and about a week ago when I was unscrewing the cap, I had noticed the female XLR at the top of the pole, got caught in the square hole of the cap and took several twists before I could get the cap off.  There was another instance where a camera guy stacked some equipment on top of the boom when I wasn't looking but I didn't see any damage from this and don't think that's the culprit.  But I thought it was worth mentioning.  I'm wondering if this is something I should try and fix myself- cut off about 4'' and soldier on a new XLR or maybe just replace the internal cable all together, or if you think I should just send it in.    

[John Blankenship]

K-Tek does an excellent job of refurbishing their poles -- highly recommended.

[Derek H]

You're on the right track. If you have time to kill try replacing the connector yourself first. If all else fails send it to K-Tek. John is right, they do good work. 

 

I had a VDB pole that was doing the same thing a while back. I ended up re-soldering both ends but still had the issue occasionally. I know the sound you're talking about it's like static electricity. Completely replaced the cable and now it's good to go. Sometimes you just have to start fresh with coiled cables. I hate them! A necessary evil. 

 

This is also the reason why I keep a ~5 foot XLR cable in my kit all the time for when the coiled boom jumper cable decides to screw you. 

[Philip Perkins]

+1

[dustinguished]

Thanks Derek, I think I'll take the same route you did and at least soldier on a new fml XLR end.  I'm going to trim off about 4" and see if that does it.  I'll probably end up sending it in, but I'll take any excuse to work on my soldering skills.