WARNING, Defective 2.5" IDE Cables from Atlantic ComputerTech

[jaugu...@verizon.net]

Hi,

I ordered a 2.5" IDE extension cable (male & female connectors) from
Atlantic ComputerTech, 95 Horton Ave. Lynbrook, NY 11563 that has a defective
female connector.

I didn't know it when I received it because I used a "needle probe" with a
DMM to check the connections between the female connector and male
connector. I discovered this cable was "out of phase" (top row of female
connections are connected to the bottom row of male, and vise versa).

Then I found out there is a "true extension" after I called the company.
I ordered the "true extension" IDE cable. When I received it, I verified
that the connectors (male and female) are "in phase" using the same
needle probe on my DMM.

When I connected a 2.5" IDE HDD to this extension, the computer
did not "see" the HDD!!!!!!

I removed the HDD and decided to check every pin connector
on the extension.

FEMALE CONNECTOR DEFECT:

It was when I used a 10X magnifier and a bright light that I noticed
that there are no "sleeve" (don't know if right term) contacts in every
"hole". The only contacts were at the end of each hole!!!!!!!!
The tips of every male contact would have to press against the back
of every hole in the female connector in order to make a good connection.
Note: My needle probe simply touched the back of the hole contact.

The first cable I ordered, which I did not return yet, had exactly
the same issue.

I am going to call Atlantic ComputerTech about returning the cables
for a refund (PayPal).

I don't expect to have a problem returning the cable for a refund, but if
I do, I will let you know.

John

[John-Del]

On Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 8:12:04 AM UTC-4, jaugu...@verizon.net wrote:

> The tips of every male contact would have to press against the back
> of every hole in the female connector in order to make a good connection.
> Note: My needle probe simply touched the back of the hole contact.
>
> The first cable I ordered, which I did not return yet, had exactly
> the same issue.
>

Color me suspicious, but are you sure you didn't mangle the insides of the connectors with your needle probe?

[jaugu...@verizon.net]

<SNIP>

> FEMALE CONNECTOR DEFECT:
>
> It was when I used a 10X magnifier and a bright light that I noticed
>that there are no "sleeve" (don't know if right term) contacts in every
>"hole". The only contacts were at the end of each hole!!!!!!!!
>The tips of every male contact would have to press against the back
>of every hole in the female connector in order to make a good connection.
> Note: My needle probe simply touched the back of the hole contact.
>
> The first cable I ordered, which I did not return yet, had exactly
>the same issue.
>
> I am going to call Atlantic ComputerTech about returning the cables
>for a refund (PayPal).
>
> I don't expect to have a problem returning the cable for a refund, but if
>I do, I will let you know.
>
> John
>

CORRECTION:

I made an error, "The tips of every male contact would have...."

It should be, "The tips of every male pin would have to press against
the back of every hole in the female connector.....".

MORE INFORMATION:

I forgot to mention their (Atlantic ComputerTech) web site,
www.cablesonline.com.

NOTE: I will post an update after I get a refund or not.

John

[jaugu...@verizon.net]

UPDATE:

I received a refund for the product(s), not the shipping charges.
I am out by $14.99 (shipping charges for two orders). Not to mention
what it cost me to ship the DEFECTIVE products back.

I will NEVER order anything from www.cablesonline.com in the future.

IN CONTRAST:

Not long ago I returned a defective external floppy disk drive to Amazon.
I received a full refund that included shipping costs. I will continue to
do business with Amazon.

John