[R-390] MB Connectors (was) Info wanted

[Chris]

OK gang here's the lowdown-

These are conclusively, simply considered "2 stud Miniature Bayonet" connectors-  AKA "MB".  

The original R-390A connectors were Automatic Connector type: 
Straight- RF-0701-23 (Amphenol 45425)
Right angle- RF-0702-23 (Amphenol 45875)
There are other Amphenol numbers that cross reference.  Later on, connectors were used with a larger, plastic compression nut system instead of silver plated brass.  I have not yet found numbers for these.  
The small adapter cables John offered up appear to be for a larger OD coax-  Although still quite useful, keep that in mind before hoarding them up.  The correct connectors are rare because of the compression nut hole size, meant to work with the 0.085" OD coax.  Which incidentally, was NOT originally a 50 ohm cable-  It was originally Suprrenant type 70-390-12 which is:
70 ohm 
0.085" OD
Teflon insulation
Nylon sheath
20pf/ft 
#29 solid conductor (changed to stranded in 1966)

Supposedly this was changed to a 50 ohm cable for the Fowler contract radios, but I have not yet with my own eyes seen paperwork, nor have I access to one of the radios to physically look.  

You do NOT want to know what surplus houses want for these connectors NOS-  Believe me, I've been down that road.  Your best bet is to disassemble, clean, and reuse your originals.  The right angle one is a bit of a pain as the soldered on cap must be removed to gain access to the center pin, but very doable.  

Also an item of note-  the company who originally made the aluminum tags found on each cable is still in business-  but the die for making those tags is long gone, and creating another for a special run would be quite cost prohibitive.  

I was looking seriously into gathering together all the components needed to manufacture and make available brand new cable sets-  Nobody would pay what the price would end up being though.  

Regards,
Chris Farley kc9ieq