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Spacecadet
Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 8:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone know anything about octical power plugs and how they wire? I know that it would be different for each radio but where do you start??
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2600
Posted on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 1:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You start with the brand and model number. There was no standard. Every brand and model was different. Even the number of pins on the plug would vary from 8 pins (octal) to 9, 10, 11 or 12. The schematic diagram for most radios that used these would include the hookup. All those pins are being used as the "AC" or "DC" changeover switch. Pairs or threes of pins would be jumpered in one pattern for the AC cord, and another pattern for the DC side. This saved the designer of the radio from having to spend money to include a big, ugly switch to select AC or DC power. The jumper pattern in the plug was the "switch".
I saw a section on these old power plugs one of two places. Either www.retrocom.com, or www.oldtuberadio.com, I think.
73