I just installed Soundblaster Audihy SE to my computer. My desktop speakers sound great. I sometimes like to hear music outside on my patio. I ran speaker wire under the house (some distance beween computer and patio). Three wires. Anyway, I went to Radio Shack and bout two 1/8# stereo jacks (three connector). I soldered one wire to the TOP rim and another wire to the other top rim. I then soldered the third wire to the LONG stem and replaced the plastic cover. I then did this to the other end of the wire. Needless to say, when I plug into the back of the computer and then to the amp outside, no sound. My question is, do certain wires have to be soldered onto certain parts of the jack plug? Should I use a mono plug rather tan a stereo plug? I am at a loss. It used to work great. Any advise is appreciated.I don't quite understand the details of what you did, so maybe some questions to clarify will help me or anyone reading your question.

Why the need to solder wires to plugs? Why not just buy the extension cords with the proper plugs on the end? If necessary, buy multiple extension cords and connect them together.

To use speakers outdoors, would you disconnect your regular/indoor computer speakers and then connect the cables leading to the patio?I soldered the speaker wire to the jacks so they have a good connection and stay put. I'm not using any extension cords. I am referring to Jack plugs. And yes, I would disconnect the regular desktop computer speakers and insert the jack plug to the speakers outside (which are hooked up to an amp).

Thanks for replying. I really want to get them going.Well, I have cords I've used to run a line about 30 feet from a stereo to my computer in order to convert some old music TAPES to digital format. These are factory-made cords with the proper plugs on the ends. Again, I don't follow the soldering thing here. Simply, its like removing one jack and replacing with another. The only difference is I'm using speaker wire and need to attach the wires to a jack plug in order to insert into the back of a computer and the other end into an amp.Purchase a stereo splitter at Radio Shack and then plug in a stereo extension into the splitter. I have a triple splitter with another splitter plugged into that and six sets of speakers each set has its own amp. Each set of speakers is controllable for volume. My outside speakers including a subwoofer are volume controlled outside. I have spiced on extensions like you are trying and they do have to be to the correct wire.

Ron Walker
Pepin, WIRon, I dont get it. Where to i put the splitter?The wires do have to connect properly. A 3-wire is left channel, right channel, and ground. Some systems, like simple desktop stereo, use a common ground. Some more complicated systems use individual grounds. It all depends on the systems involved. The color order should not MAKE any difference if both connectors are set up precisely the same. Use a VOM to check that you haven't shorted any CONNECTIONS and have end-to-end continuity on all connections. If your speaker wire is multi stranded wire, you should twist the ends tightly and tin them before making a solder connection. One hair thin strand that is astray can screw up the whole thing. If continuity testing reveals a problem, it is highly unlikely that the wire itself is faulty. It is probably a cold solder joint.