[GreenKeys] Long-frame phone jacks

[John Nagle]

> I wanted to solicit your advice with a project I have in mind. My
> current TTY arrangement Involves lots of exposed conductors,
> alligator clips and?random wires. I'd like to tidy things up and
> build my loop supply into an enclosure with ammeter. Seeing as most
> of my equipment has quarter inch?plugs, I'd like to build a series of
> jacks into the front of the unit to allow me to mix and match
> equipment.?
> 
> I'm wondering, are there certain types of jacks I should be on the
> lookout for? Won't the traditional style with nut bonded to sleeve
> create a shock?hazard? Your thoughts?

    Long-frame telephone jacks, which take a slightly different plug
than headphone jacks, are usually mounted to the back of a
thick panel with a screw.  They don't have a threaded sleeve.

    Here's a dual long-frame phone jack assembly with an insulating
front panel block:

http://www.surplussales.com/Connectors/Aud1-4-2.html

I've used those on two of my interface boxes.

    The classic long-frame jacks need to be mounted into a thick
insulating panel.  I use thick acrylic painted black.  Hardwood
would also work.

    There are little 100mA ammeters available cheaply from China.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100mA-Panel-Meter-f-300B-211-845-6550-Tube-Amplifier-45-/260999386755

    I've used both those and old Triplett 3" meters. The new
ones from China are cheaper.  Some of the ones from China
have a light inside.  Apparently there's a market for the
things for retro tube amps.

				John Nagle