[Boatanchors] power plug problem

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

R.J. Keller wrote:

>Ok people, I need to get some ideeas. My power plug on the Drake TR4C
>(called a "Jones plug" I think?) used to be just fine until I decided
>to clean all the contacts with Deoxit and now the darn thing won't
>quit falling out of the rig. I worked my brain almost to death but
>cannot come up with a solution. I am afraid to give a twist with the
>needle nose on each contact for fear of breaking off one or more (a
>trick I have used all my life on AC plugs).
>HELP! (nobody answered my post on Drake)
>

Hi Dick -

 Yep, I left that reflector over a year ago when the list admin approved 
the listing of used computer gear for sale since 'we use PCs in our 
radio work' or some such nonsense. Doesn't surprise me that you couldn't 
get an answer to a technical question at all.

Here's what I'd suggest doing, and I'm working from memory because it's 
been a while since I played around with the TR-6 (uses the same supply 
as the TR-4):  use a thin-bladed screwdriver like a jeweler's 
screwdriver and *gently* pry the clips inside of the female socket 
together closer so they grasp the pins more tightly. They get loose if 
you use them a lot, which is why I leave my either connected or apart. 
Clean it once, tighten the clips, put it together and leave it together.

Those plugs work well, but they're a bear to work on. Sometimes just 
getting the aluminum jacket off the phenolic plug is next to impossible. 
The plug itself if what you need to be careful with - the phenolic 
(bakelite) will chip easily of you're not careful and only exacerbate 
the situation. Just get things situated under a bright light, put on 
your magnifiers and take your time.

If all else fails, you can buy a new connector set and replace the two 
pieces currently giving you trouble. Many places still carry the 
Jones/Cinch plugs, or check the boxes of parts at your next hamfest.

Good luck -

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ