jpb2 Posted December 14, 2018 Report Share Posted December 14, 2018 I just repaired a K-tek segmented pole for a freind that had a disconnected ground wire at the female XLR. Easy fix, cut off an inch and re-flowed new wire. I was struck at how cheap the internal coil wire was (like 4 or 5 strands of tiny ground wires relying on contact with cheap foil for ground shielding. I realize they are using coiled wire like those old cheapo guitar cables! He had complained that since he owed it, the pole, at sensitive locations the "B-morning Zoo" inane chatter would pop in for a unwanted sonic visit. My questions are 1. Is there a superior internal coiled wire to be had anywhere to purchase and replace? 2. Has anyone grounded the whole aluminum pole to pin 1 in order to possibly improve RF rejection? Thanks for any tech comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trey LaCroix Posted December 14, 2018 Report Share Posted December 14, 2018 You could try the Neutrik EMC connectors. They have filters built into them that can help with unwanted RF. I don’t know if they make a panel connector. I’m assuming that’s what you/they have at the end of the k-tek. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 14, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2018 The connectors are decent Neutrik. I really think the weak link is the interior cable... The bridging cable to the recorder is all quality cable/connectors. Built in filters are good for perhaps static locations that your trying to filter out ONE radio station... ( small band width) this is a run and gun rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted December 14, 2018 Report Share Posted December 14, 2018 A foil shield can actually be a more complete shield than a wire mesh. This may be why KTek uses it? Why not call them and ask--they did a lot of testing to arrive at the cable they use. In some high-RF situations cables can't be used, or need big chokes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ty Ford Posted December 15, 2018 Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 Where are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 He travels, pbs crew. He has not had a issue local Tucson... BTW Gavin chime in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted December 15, 2018 Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 KTEK has a new coil cable that is being used on all their poles that addresses that issue. I had been telling them about the issues of the old thin conductor coil cable for years and they developed the new cable with heavier conductors, a matte finish outer jacket and slightly smaller coils. I have used the new cable and it's a vast improvement. As an FYI, they will be closed from Dec 21 through Jan 2 for the holiday week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Pullmer Posted December 15, 2018 Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 I ran into this problem once with my k tek internally cabled pole. The quick fix was to use an external star quad cable. Thats good to hear theyve improved on the design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 2 hours ago, Eric Toline said: KTEK has a new coil cable that is being used on all their poles that addresses that issue. Good to know Eric, I'll search the inter web... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewest Posted December 15, 2018 Report Share Posted December 15, 2018 Also does the recorder/mixer you are using have good rf filtering on it's inputs? mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2018 17 hours ago, mikewest said: Also does the recorder/mixer you are using have good rf filtering on it's inputs? mike I believe he is using an f8. Next time it happens I'll tell him to go direct to the mic with a quality cable to id the source of his "unwanted sonic visitors". Chime in Gavin, I think he is a member here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2018 23 hours ago, Eric Toline said: KTEK has a new coil cable that is being used on all their poles that addresses that issue. This link is a stand alone cable extra beefy. looks like they use 2 wires for each pin. I wonder if this is the same cable they use for internal, just take off the male end and solder that to the interior pole connector? https://ktekpro.com/product/kmbc1-mighty-boomcable/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted December 16, 2018 Report Share Posted December 16, 2018 That is not the internal pole cable. The internal pole cable is 3 wire but heavier conductors than the old pole cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2018 3 hours ago, Eric Toline said: That is not the internal pole cable. The internal pole cable is 3 wire but heavier conductors than the old pole cable. Eric can you provide a link to purchase? I gave up after 20 min search... I am in love with the fact that the internet can find me parts for repairing gear. ( I repair gear...) 20 years ago it was hit or miss to find obscure parts... now days... THANK YOU INTER-WEB! Ha! , JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted December 17, 2018 Report Share Posted December 17, 2018 6 hours ago, jpb2 said: Eric can you provide a link to purchase? I gave up after 20 min search... I am in love with the fact that the internet can find me parts for repairing gear. ( I repair gear...) 20 years ago it was hit or miss to find obscure parts... now days... THANK YOU INTER-WEB! Ha! , JP Which cable are you looking for, the internal coil or the pole to mixer jumper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpb2 Posted December 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 17, 2018 9 hours ago, Eric Toline said: Which cable are you looking for, the internal coil or the pole to mixer jumper? internal coil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted December 17, 2018 Report Share Posted December 17, 2018 2 hours ago, jpb2 said: internal coil You'll have to call Ktek and give them the specs on your pole, compressed length, extended length, number of sections, etc. Each pole requires a specific cable kit based on it's size. If your pole has a bottom XLR it's a "CC" kit, if it's a side of the pole exit it's a "CCR" kit. If you've never replaced the internal coil cable before be aware that it can be a bit daunting. OTOH you can send the pole back to Ktek and they will do it for you. Call them and speak to Karen. Here's the link to the cable kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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