[ARC5] Connector: ATB or TCS? + 183 Update

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

The TCS transmitter (which wasn't the only set besides ATB/ARB to use 
SK-C16) connector actually has a different backshell.  Collins used the AC&AN 
threaded backshells on both cable types (conduit and jacketed cable).  Maybe 
because the early cables were flexible conduit type and when they started 
building cables with jacketed cable it was easier to add an AN3057-8 clamp than 
to mix in the saddle-bar backshells.  As to the knuling on the coupling 
nuts, I never have figured out why Cannon (who actually built the connectors) 
mixed four slightly different types into their production.  Except that 
postwar through about the 80's they only made the full-face straight knurl.  
Besides the two shown in the photo, I have also seen two-row type in straight 
knurl and "X" knurl.

I'm not sure what the "SK" number means, but the RCA number referenced in 
the manuals is the "P-" one.  The first six digits ID the shell type and the 
dash-number the orientation.  The ATB/ARB used only two inserts between all 
of the connectors used with the set.  But with those two inserts they used 
different key orientations to make non-intermatable connectors.  The only 
other set I for sure recall seeing that done with is the AN/APN-1.  One of the 
ATB cables used the standard keying and would plug into the TCS transmitter.

In a message dated 10/28/2010 7:37:07 AM Central Daylight Time, 
arc5 at ix.netcom.com writes: 
> The transmitter connector for the TCS transmitter and 
> the ATB/ARB set have near-identical inserts.  
> I recently discovered that, over a decade ago, I had connected
> my TCS transmitter to its power supply with an original 
> ATB cable.  Here's a photo so you can spot the differences:
> 
> http://home.netcom.com/~arc5/ATBconnectors.jpg
> 
> The TCS connnector's ring is fluted, with the fluting along
> the long axis of the connector.  The ATB connector has a 
> double ring of knurling, with writing between the knurls.
> Some of the ATB/ARB connectors are actually marked "RCA" 
> with an "SK-xxxx" stock number.  The ARB connector
> is keyed differently, but otherwise looks the same
> with the double-knurl.
> 

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480