GPS and the D90 fear of installing

[JoelWaxman]

I have a Nikon D90 and am looking to purchase a GPS unit for it. My biggest fear is the GPS jack breaking because of stress put on the jack by the cable. I assume the 90 degree plugs entering the jack are the best. Can someone suggest a GPS with a safe cable?

[chris-p]

Hi Joel, welcome to the forum.

I've never heard of one of the jacks, or ports for that matter, breaking. Both of the main GPS units (the Nikon GP-1 and the Phottix Geo One) have in line plugs, not 90 degree ones.

[JoelWaxman]

Originally Posted by chris-p

Hi Joel, welcome to the forum.

I've never heard of one of the jacks, or ports for that matter, breaking. Both of the main GPS units (the Nikon GP-1 and the Phottix Geo One) have in line plugs, not 90 degree ones.

Yes this jack breaking is a known problem. I don't know if later produced D90s had the problem fixed. Go a Google search and you can read all about it. There is even a video showing the problem. It seems that the straight in plug puts extra torque from moving side to side and up and down. Some of the aftermarket GPS units got creative with different types of plugs trying to solve the problem.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by JoelWaxman

Yes this jack breaking is a known problem. I don't know if
later produced D90s had the problem fixed.

It can happen but it's a bit over the top to call it a "known problem". It's no different to any other plastic socket on any camera - apply too much lateral force and they will often bend and fail to contact correctly.
But there has never been an official comment or annoucement from Nikon. They've not changed the structure, material or design of the jack either.

Originally Posted by JoelWaxman

Go a Google search and you can read all about it. There is even a video showing the problem. It seems that the straight in plug puts extra torque from moving side to side and up and down

Yeah, I had a look. Most of the information on the broken plugs is in your thread on the DPReview forum.

Frankly, I'd echo exactly what the users on DPReview have said. Treat it carefully and it's fine. These sorts of ports are always breakable, even with a right angled plug. Just take some care with your kit.

Originally Posted by JoelWaxman

Some of the aftermarket GPS units got creative with different types of plugs trying to solve the problem

So do any of them have right angled plugs?! Do any of these work? It seems that you've already found what you're looking for?

[JoelWaxman]

Originally Posted by chris-p

It can happen but it's a bit over the top to call it a "known problem". It's no different to any other plastic socket on any camera - apply too much lateral force and they will often bend and fail to contact correctly.
But there has never been an official comment or annoucement from Nikon. They've not changed the structure, material or design of the jack either.



Yeah, I had a look. Most of the information on the broken plugs is in your thread on the DPReview forum.

Frankly, I'd echo exactly what the users on DPReview have said. Treat it carefully and it's fine. These sorts of ports are always breakable, even with a right angled plug. Just take some care with your kit.



So do any of them have right angled plugs?! Do any of these work? It seems that you've already found what you're looking for?

I do know I want the right angle plugs, but only a few have the right chip set and the right cable. I am waiting for info from a few vendors then I will order one. I am looking forward to being better organized. After my last trip to Europe and not remembering where some of the shots were taken, my fault on a tour and in a rush to document the shots.

[xavier]

Hello friend

I just had quick read through of this problem and wonder are these items being miss used & bounced of walls and not used in proper fasion? or have I missed the point? Its just that I find sume people don't treat their kit right and expect delicut parts to work after rough & rouged treatment.

[JoelWaxman]

Originally Posted by xavier

Hello friend

I just had quick read through of this problem and wonder are these items being miss used & bounced of walls and not used in proper fasion? or have I missed the point? Its just that I find sume people don't treat their kit right and expect delicut parts to work after rough & rouged treatment.

I agree most must be user error, and just plain mishandling. But there are a few that i know the people and they are very careful and have had the problem. I ordered a unit the other day and I am hoping for the best.

[PaulMontgomery]

I had a similar problem with my GP-1 on a D700. the cable started to part company from the connector at the back of the gps unit (ie not the camera end). With hindsight, I think it was due to the strap putting strain on the cable (as I didn't have it routed right) when the camera was round my neck.

[JoelWaxman]

I don't understand the people that design this stuff. Cables that stick straight out tend to be knocked, pulled or just destroyed. A 90 degree at each end would help.