[Elecraft] Power connector

[Tom Hammond]

Mark:

At 09:04 AM 9/24/03, you wrote:
>I want to make up another power connector for my K2.  Does anyone know the 
>correct Radio Shack p/n for this connector?  I looked at our local RS 
>store and there are so many different sizes of these things, I could not 
>figure which one was the right one.  Thought someone out there in E land 
>has already researched this item.  Thanks for the help in advance.

Personally, I'd not recommend the R/S coaxial power plugs... for a couple 
of reasons:

1) They're generally not as mechanically 'sturdy'
    (read "durable") as those from Switchcraft, the
    manufacturer used by Elecraft, and
2) The center conductor R/S coaxial power plugs
    tends to stick far enough out the tip end of the
    plug that it CAN short 12VDC to ground if it
    happens to hit a grounded device. Been there,
    experienced that.

Here's a an e-mail I posted a while back on this subject.

Please note that I have NO interest whatsoever in either Mouser Electronics 
OR Switchcraft.

73,

Tom Hammond    N0SS
________________________

Originally posted 05/15/2002 by: N0SS

Regarding the Power Plug used be Elecraft in their K2 and K1
QRP radio Kits:

   Each radio, assuming you buy it from the factory, as opposed to
   buying it from a pervious owner, should with one 0.08" (2.1mm)
   ID X 0.218" (5.5mm) OD X 0.375" (9.5mm) L coaxial power plug.

   Power plugs of these dimensions are available from Radio Shack
   (274-1569), BUT they are not of a very decent quality and I
   would recommend using them ONLY when you are in a pinch and
   cannot obtain a better quality plug. Not only are the R/S plugs
   of a lesser quality, they also are more prone to shorting the
   inner connection (usually the HOT lead) to an external grounded
   point because the inner connection often extends out past the
   end of the insulator at the top of the plug.

   The recommended power plug at made by SWITCHCRAFT and is their
   model S-760. These plugs are available from Mouser Electronics
   (www.mouser.com) as their part #502-S-760 ($2.92), and from
   Digi-Key (www.digikey.com) as their part #SC1052-ND ($2.92).
   For what it may be worth, Mouser charges only actual shipping,
   and NO handling fee, regardless of the size of the order.

   NOTE that Switchcraft also makes a line of power plugs which
   have similar nomenclature to the S760 plug, BUT which do NOT
   have the leading "S". Do NOT want to order the model 760 plug.
   It has a 0.10" (2.5mm) ID, which may not provide adequate
   contact with the inner pin of the power socket.