[Boatanchors] 3 pin mil connector

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Actually, once you get it engrained that the insert number (-7 in this case) 
has absolutely no relation to how many contacts there are, the MIL-C-5015 
(formerly just AN) connector family is dirt simple to understand.

Current prefix is MS (formerly AN).  The first four digits are the shell 
type.  3100, 3101 and 3102 have fixed male threads.  3106 and 3108 have female 
threads in coupling nuts.  3107 (rare) has a female spring quick connect feature. 
 3100 and 3102 are square flange chassis mount.  the rest are cable.  3101, 
3106 and 3107 are straight backshell.  3108 is right angle backshell.  

A is threaded backshell, B is split.

The next two digits plus none, one or two letters are the shell size.  

The next one or two digits are the insert number, followed by S for Socket or 
P for Pin.

Any letters following the gender letter are optional modifiers, not too 
common.  For example, W, X, Y or Z are alternate insert rotations.

The short answer to your question is that you need one of these four 
connectors:

MS3106A-14S-7S
MS3106B-14S-7S
MS3108A-14S-7S
MS3108B-14S-7S

Or from WW-II vintage,

AN3106-14S-7S
AN3108-14S-7S

Plus you will need either AN3057-8 or AN3057-8A cable clamp (always specified 
separately) and maybe AN3420-8 rubber bushing.

You could also use connectors with letters other than A or B following the 
four-digit number, E for Environmental being fairly common.  But if you buy them 
new they generally cost several times what the A or B variants cost.

In a message dated 4/24/2007 6:48:55 PM Central Standard Time, 
eugene at hertzmail.com writes: 
> I looked this up in amphenol to see if I can figure out the proper
> mating connector. Can anyone confirm that what I want is either the:
> 
> MS3101A14S-7S(F?)
> Or the
> MS3106A14S-7S(F?)
> 
> According to page 71 of:
> http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/catalogs/12-020/lo/12-020.pdf 
> I wasn't sure about the 3106 (straight plug) vs 3101 (cable connecting
> plug) I couldn't understand the difference.  Also do I need the F as the
> last letter? My understanding is that is for strain relief? 
> 
> My interest in asking this question is to avoid buying the wrong
> connector. These things sure are complicated!
> 

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
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MVPA 9480
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