Identifying Old Mains Connector (Ailtech 707) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 10:39:55 pm
content: I have an Ailtech 707 I'm missing the mains lead for. Does anyone know what connector this is and whether it's still available? I have the user, test, and service manuals, but none seem mention or even show a picture of the mains lead. I haven't even found it in the parts lists, it only mentions "line filter" in a wire harness schematic.If it's not easy to get a new lead, I'm going to have to bypass the integrated connector and filter for now to test the unit and later replace it with a cord and external IEC connector and filter. (I don't want to cut a larger hole as I don't know what else is in the way inside) I'm hoping there are enclosed terminal IEC filters available. Yes, there will be a dangling lead, but this machine is in poor cosmetic condition anyway so I don't care as long as it's insulated.SIDE NOTE: The manufacturing date of this machine is supposedly 1973, if that helps any.

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 11:00:38 pm
content: Typically found on older HP equipment and afaik only available as surplus. Sometimes very sought after.The only ones that I know and have are molded to the power cord. It is not in the IEC series.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 11:25:58 pm
content: Welp, it's gotta go then. Hopefully I can remove the connector from the filter, otherwise I'll have to change the whole filter. I might have to anyway though if it has Rifa caps in it. I'm hoping I won't have to disassemble the entire unit to get to the mains input, but I might be able to disconnect and bypass the filter from that bus I saw in the schematic.

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 11:37:39 pm
content: Quote from: Neomys Sapiens on October 17, 2017, 11:00:38 pmSphere Research still has some power cords (3 round pin, oval) for old HP equipment. Go tohttp://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/hp1.html#catalogand scroll down.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 12:42:35 am
content: Those look like they should fit. Still have to get to the connector to inspect those caps though.

author: K5HJ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:34:23 am
content: I believe that is called a C13 connector.Not so easy to find.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:41:16 am
content: It's also found on some old office machines like adding machines. You might find one at a pawn shop or similar. Watch out for the pinout. Apparently there's more than one arrangement.Ed

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 02:31:39 am
content: Quote from: edpalmer42 on October 18, 2017, 01:41:16 amHP used a 'reverse' pinout with the line and neutral connections swapped. The ground pin is in the center.I believeIt's a PH-163 connector.<edit> This subject came up a while back on the nixie thread, and I was searching fruitlessly for a site I'd found that listed old and oddball mains input connectors. Turns out it was gone. bitseeker found an archived copy of it at that time; here is a link to it:https://web.archive.org/web/20160802081036/http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~hilpert/e/powerConn/index.htmlIt worked a moment ago when I looked. The explanation of the PH-163 is the second thing on the page, just below the current IEC 320/C13 style now in common use.-Pat

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 03:58:22 am
content: Quote from: Cubdriver on October 18, 2017, 02:31:39 amRelated links:https://www.amazon.com/Volex-17952-Alpha-Tektronix-Belden/dp/B011CAGNYShttp://richardhess.com/notes/2006/03/15/round-pin-power-cords-for-older-equipment-using-ph-163-connector/

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 04:34:07 am
content: I was about to say I could just rewire the mains bus to accept any configuration, but not if there's a common mode choke in the plug filter. In that case only the live and neutral could be swapped. From the diagram of the wiring coming from the filter, it would seem to suggest the center pin is ground. Will those ones from Sphere work?EDIT: From that website on connectors, it seems center ground is standard. I don't think this machine will care about line and neutral connections, except maybe the fan, but I can reverse the connections on the fan if needed.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 06:26:24 am
content: Yes, the center pin is ground in either configuration.-Pat