Who can help to identify this weird connector? (Update: Identified as GX16) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TBS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2019, 11:22:05 pm
content: Hello everybody,I need help with identifying a weird connector. It’s some kind of 8 Pin round connector (photo 1-3)with the threads on the part with holes(photo 4). There is also a "Z" letter imprinted on the part with holes.I tried to find it on ebay, Farnell, TME, but unsuccessfully. So far I found connector namedCLIFF FC684218 on TME, but its the inverted version - the threads are on the side with pins and not holes.I want to make an extension cord for the cable.Thanks for any help and pointers.TBS

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2019, 11:54:52 pm
content: It looks a lot like an "8 pin microphone connector".Quite a few two way radios including Ham radios used them, as it allowed the manufacturer to include extra controls on the mic, like scanning buttons, etc.

author: TBS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2019, 01:29:09 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on May 15, 2019, 11:54:52 pmThanks for the info. So far I found connector namedCLIFF FC684218 on TME, but its the inverted version - the threads are on the side with pins and not holes.So, so far no luck unfortunately

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2019, 07:26:54 pm
content: It's not a microphone connector because that type has the pins at the transceiver end.What's shown is a reverse gender microphone connector which I have never seen before.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2019, 07:48:17 pm
content: I just call them DIN connectors. Wikipedia seems to agree with me.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIN_connectorThere are at least two sizes and a bucket full of different pin patterns - both with and without the screw-on locking feature. Both Mouser and Digikey have lots of hits for 'DIN connector'.Ed

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2019, 07:51:19 pm
content: While it looks like a DIN connector, I wouldn't put too much stock in that, especially since it's hard to get an idea of the scale. This looks like a weird bastardization between true DIN and XLR.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2019, 12:57:21 am
content: Quote from: German_EE on May 16, 2019, 07:26:54 pmIt may be possible with some versions of such connectors, to swap the plastic insert carrying the pins/socket holes over between the two metal surrounds.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2019, 04:45:04 pm
content: It looks like a "GX12/GX16/GX20" connector. Sometimes described as "aviation" connectors, but I doubt they have ever been approved for aviation use!Basically a cheaper chinese copy of something with a much higher spec. For general use, they are OK.

author: TBS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2019, 01:23:49 pm
content: Quote from: donotdespisethesnake on May 18, 2019, 04:45:04 pmYou are correct, sir!The day before you wrote I searched through eBay and google for the word "reverse" connector and it found something very similar named "GX16". I ordered two piecesfrom AliExpressand then even cheaperfrom eBay. They came today so you can check the picture below.So, little recap for everyone:Connector name:GX16or AP020 8-Pin M16 Invert/reverse(16MF trans form Aviation Plug Circular Socket Connector)You can find: onAliExpressoreBay

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2019, 02:09:48 pm
content: I have seen those connectors used on boats. The connector on the bulkhead or panel is the female and the cable has the male pins. When not in use there is a cover for the bulkhead connector which screws on to protect it from the elements. Often they are all plastic.