40 year old mains connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 12:26:20 pm
content: Could someone tell me the name of this mains connector which is on the back of a Heathkit IM-2202 multimeter? I'd like to try powering it from the mains, but don't have the correct type of connector.It is 7/8" wide by 1/2" tall.I could probably replace it with a modern one, but I thought I'd try and use the original one just for the fun of it.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 12:43:42 pm
content: Looks a bit like one of these.http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/0129-bk/connector-rubber-10a-3-pin-black/dp/PL09474?crosssellid=PL09474&crosssell=true&in_merch=true&Still used in stage lighting.

author: JackOfVA
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 12:52:00 pm
content: Looks like an PH-163Seehttp://www.cs.ubc.ca/~hilpert/e/powerConn/index.html- but it's difficult to be 100% certain the dimensions match the Heath connector.Provided in two versions, with line and neutral swapped. HP used a lot of these. Available via E-bay and some surplus dealers. Until recently they were still manufactured by Belden and stocked by some parts companies, but it's been a while since I've looked for one. I've also heard that some sewing machines used these connectors and that they are available as replacement parts from sewing machine repair shops.

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 09:28:06 pm
content: I saw that page a while back. It is most likely one of those. Can't be sure which one though due to lack of dimensions.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 10:00:43 pm
content: this might help.http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/heathkit/conversations/topics/12369QUOTE:" The 3-pin connector Heath used is "nearly" the same as the old HP testequipment power connector but the spacing between pins and the offset of theground (center) pin is different. The closest actual match I've found was acord used on office equipment (adding machines and electric typewriters) fromthe 60s. Those cords fit 100% but are damn hard to find in decent condition..What a friend of mine did was to use one of the 3-pin "Mickey Mouse Ears"connectors from an old Compaq laptop with a built-in power supply (I think itwas an Armada 7700). The chassis mounted end mounting spacing is nearlyidentical to the Heathkit connector - elongating the holes in the mountingears of the chassis mount connector enabled the holes in the rear panel ofthe Heath unit to line up WITHOUT modifing the rear panel.The cords for that connector are easily available (including on the website one of the earlier posters posted). "http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-6ft-Power-cord-Mickey-Mouse-Used-for-Compaq-ARMADA-Series-7400-7700-800-/310635354091?pt=US_Power_Cables_Connectors&hash=item48534f57eb

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 03:15:04 am
content: you can use a knife on a regular ATX connector and jam it in there.sculpt it like wood. I think I have the same one on one of my machines and I was able to ghetto rig something for it.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 12:53:07 pm
content: Quote from: SArepairman on November 19, 2013, 03:15:04 amIf you're referring to the IEC connector on ATX PSUs, that won't work... IEC has flat blades while this has round pins.

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 01:48:29 pm
content: It is nearly the size/shape of an IEC connector, so you could probably bodge one in if you hack it a bit, but I'd rather try and do it properly.

author: VintageTekFan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 04:39:10 pm
content: I think thats an old style oval power cord - used on older instrumentation. I just did a search on "oval power cord" on eBay and Google.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Style-HP-Power-Cord-Cable-with-Oval-Oblong-3-pin-plug-8-feet-2-4m-8FT-/221318474638?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33879beb8eHere's one on eBay I found - I'm using one on an old (70's vintage) transient digitizer.

author: Valueduser
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2013, 12:15:31 am
content: We just recently threw one of these out at work. We had no idea what it used to go to, it was in the bin labeled weird power cords.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2013, 02:56:42 am
content: Quote from: VintageTekFan on November 19, 2013, 04:39:10 pmTheres some cheaper ones on ebay from $12.99http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=3+prong+power+cord&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xold+power+cord&_nkw=old+power+cord&_sacat=0