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When I was removing and installing the display board, I noticed this one coax cable that comes up through a hole in
the board. It plugs into ( I think ) the high pass filter. Anyway, the outer clamp is quite loose, and the cable
is just laying in it. You can wiggle it. I imagine that cable is important.
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
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Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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That is a pretty important cable as it is the path from the antenna to the up converter board. Shielding is pretty important too.
You can gently squeeze the round part of the connector to make the fit tighter but be very careful.
I have a few of those connectors if you get into a tight spot there.
Converting to SMA would be a pretty labor intensive job, and the resulting SMA cable would not get through the hole in the DR7 to reach its destination. Fixing the existing connector is a better bet.
Even TMP connectors would be difficult for the same reason.
Gary
W0DVN
PS: Yes, the coax center wire is the actual male center connector for this piece of you-know-what connector.Low loss but dirt cheap.
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On May 5, 2023, at 2:45 PM, jerry-KF6VB <jerry@...> wrote:
When I was removing and installing the display board, I noticed this one coax cable that comes up through a hole in
the board. It plugs into ( I think ) the high pass filter. Anyway, the outer clamp is quite loose, and the cable
is just laying in it. You can wiggle it. I imagine that cable is important.
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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CHEAP!!!!! No other possible reason.
Gary
W0DVN
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On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources <kirk@...> wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
|
BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
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On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources <kirk@...> wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
|
I remember seeing them used on the clock boards for DECSystem 10 and 20. Million-dollar systems.
The reasoning behind choosing them are the very small space requirements and the fact that these connectors were not designed to be disconnected/connected multiple times.
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
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------- Original Message ------- On Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3:57 PM, Gary Follett <xntrick1948@...> wrote: BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources kirk@... wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
|
If anyone needs some of those tiny crimp-on RG-174 size connectors I have lots of them. Had to purchase 1000 of each for interfacing my 7-SP speech processor to the TR-7. (Product long out of production.) There is the chassis connector (called the lunar lander in some Drake documentation!), the coax tip female connector, and the coax crimp-on connector. I have the crimp-on tool, but I don't know how well a generic crimp tool would work.
Rob, NC0B
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io Sent: Friday, May 05, 2023 2:07 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors I remember seeing them used on the clock boards for DECSystem 10 and 20. Million-dollar systems. The reasoning behind choosing them are the very small space requirements and the fact that these connectors were not designed to be disconnected/connected multiple times. 73, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana. Sent with Proton Mail secure email. ------- Original Message ------- On Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3:57 PM, Gary Follett <xntrick1948@...> wrote: BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources kirk@... wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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Tektronix used something that sounds a bit similar:
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 3:07:09 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors I remember seeing them used on the clock boards for DECSystem 10 and 20.
Million-dollar systems.
The reasoning behind choosing them are the very small space requirements and the
fact that these connectors were not designed to be disconnected/connected
multiple times.
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3:57 PM, Gary Follett <xntrick1948@...>
wrote:
BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over
the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources kirk@... wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have
always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax
connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center
conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA
connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
|
I have received several direct responses to my connector offer. Here is what I would prefer if someone is willing to take on the project. I would donate all the connectors and cable I have in stock, including the crimp tool, at no charge except for a minimal shipping cost, to any person, club or group who would like to make up kits and distribute them. At 76 I am trying to declutter which my XYL would appreciate!
Rob, NC0B
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Rob Sherwood Sent: Friday, May 05, 2023 2:15 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors If anyone needs some of those tiny crimp-on RG-174 size connectors I have lots of them. Had to purchase 1000 of each for interfacing my 7-SP speech processor to the TR-7. (Product long out of production.) There is the chassis connector (called the lunar lander in some Drake documentation!), the coax tip female connector, and the coax crimp-on connector. I have the crimp-on tool, but I don't know how well a generic crimp tool would work. Rob, NC0B -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io Sent: Friday, May 05, 2023 2:07 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors I remember seeing them used on the clock boards for DECSystem 10 and 20. Million-dollar systems. The reasoning behind choosing them are the very small space requirements and the fact that these connectors were not designed to be disconnected/connected multiple times. 73, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana. Sent with Proton Mail secure email. ------- Original Message ------- On Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3:57 PM, Gary Follett <xntrick1948@...> wrote: BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources kirk@... wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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MCX would be easier bit still a PITA. They are closer in size and come in right angle and also in-line male and female cable connectors that should fit through holes. You would need transition cables in some limited space areas. Haven't got to that point yet as I have had no failures. Unless you have your own crimp tools you would need to order pre-made cables to your spec. Expensive either way. 73 -Jim NU0C On Fri, 5 May 2023 14:54:25 -0500 "Gary Follett" <xntrick1948@...> wrote: Converting to SMA would be a pretty labor intensive job, and the resulting SMA cable would not get through the hole in the DR7 to reach its destination. Fixing the existing connector is a better bet.
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Notice: I have decided to turn over my supply of TR7 connectors, cable and crimp tool to Steve WA4F. Except for one local Colorado ham who may come by my house this week, Steve will supply these items at little or no charge. There would likely be a modest fee to cover shipping or USPS mailing cost.
I will now start a major downsizing of Drake R-4C "parts radios". Local pickup at this time only. Shipping costs for an R-4C has skyrocketed. If a ham would like to pickup these "parts radios" up and part them out, this would be great.
Rob Sherwood, NC0B
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-----Original Message----- From: Rob Sherwood. Sent: Friday, May 05, 2023 2:15 PM To: [email protected]Subject: RE: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors If anyone needs some of those tiny crimp-on RG-174 size connectors I have lots of them. Had to purchase 1000 of each for interfacing my 7-SP speech processor to the TR-7. (Product long out of production.) There is the chassis connector (called the lunar lander in some Drake documentation!), the coax tip female connector, and the coax crimp-on connector. I have the crimp-on tool, but I don't know how well a generic crimp tool would work. Rob, NC0B -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io Sent: Friday, May 05, 2023 2:07 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR7 Connectors I remember seeing them used on the clock boards for DECSystem 10 and 20. Million-dollar systems. The reasoning behind choosing them are the very small space requirements and the fact that these connectors were not designed to be disconnected/connected multiple times. 73, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana. Sent with Proton Mail secure email. ------- Original Message ------- On Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3:57 PM, Gary Follett <xntrick1948@...> wrote: BTW: Even the ¡°great¡± Collins Radio Company used these junk connectors all over the very expensive KWM-380. All TenTec radios up through the Omni V, same deal.
Gary
W0DVN
On May 5, 2023, at 2:54 PM, sohosources kirk@... wrote:
Considering all of the innovations that went into the TR-series, I too have always wondered why they used those weird, probably failure-prone coax connectors... :)
--Kirk, NT0Z
Those connectors are REALLY chintzy. I think the center pin is just the center conductor of the coax itself. I wonder if one could upgrade them to SMA connectors?
- Jerry, KF6VB
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Rob Sherwood
Jim Shorney