[Paul D. Spiegel]

I'm using an Amphenol 11 pin plug and socket to connect two chassis.
This is a circular connector with a center piece similar to an octal
power tube base. In fact, Amphenol amkes an eight pin octal version.

I'm interested in suggestions for the best way to solder wires to the plug
pins which are hollow with a small hole at the tip.

Normally, it's good practice to make a solid physical connection and then
seal with solder, but I don't see how that is possible with these pins. I
could feed wire through the small hole in the tip and solder there but
that doesn's seem like a very good solution.

Any suggestions from RATS with experience using these types of connectors?

[David R Brooks]

Paul D. Spiegel wrote:
I'm using an Amphenol 11 pin plug and socket to connect two chassis.
This is a circular connector with a center piece similar to an octal
power tube base. In fact, Amphenol amkes an eight pin octal version.

I'm interested in suggestions for the best way to solder wires to the plug
pins which are hollow with a small hole at the tip.

Normally, it's good practice to make a solid physical connection and then
seal with solder, but I don't see how that is possible with these pins. I
could feed wire through the small hole in the tip and solder there but
that doesn's seem like a very good solution.

This is, afaik, how it's usually done. It's surely how every octal valve
is wired up.

[Bob H.]

On Feb 5, 2:40 am, "Paul D. Spiegel" wrote:
I'm using an Amphenol 11 pin plug and socket to connect two chassis.
This is a circular connector with a center piece similar to an octal
power tube base. In fact, Amphenol amkes an eight pin octal version.

I'm interested in suggestions for the best way to solder wires to the plug
pins which are hollow with a small hole at the tip.

Normally, it's good practice to make a solid physical connection and then
seal with solder, but I don't see how that is possible with these pins. I
could feed wire through the small hole in the tip and solder there but
that doesn's seem like a very good solution.

Any suggestions from RATS with experience using these types of connectors?


Just try to touch the connector and the wire with the iron, with a bit
of solder in the cup. I like to thinly tin the end of the wire before
putting it in connectors, as well.
You can get solder at Rat Shack which has silver in it, in case the
wire doesn't touch a connector.
The silver in the solder should help with conduction.

BTW, do you know what the voltage rating is for the connector?
Also, where did you get them?

Thanks,
Bob H.

[Paul D. Spiegel]

Bob H. wrote:
Just try to touch the connector and the wire with the iron, with a bit
of solder in the cup. I like to thinly tin the end of the wire before
putting it in connectors, as well.
You can get solder at Rat Shack which has silver in it, in case the
wire doesn't touch a connector.
The silver in the solder should help with conduction.

BTW, do you know what the voltage rating is for the connector?
Also, where did you get them?

Per the spec sheet from Allied Electronics the ratings for the Amphenol
series 77, 78, and 160 connectors are 3 amps at 500 VRMS. In addition to
Allied, Triode Electronics offers these connectors as well. The Amphenol
website shows these as 'obsolete', but both of these retailers have stock.

I used 86C911 for the plug and 78S11 for the socket. These fit into the
chassis I'm working with, have the right number of connectors, and are
reasonably priced.

I've used the military spec 97 series Amphenol circular connectors on some
other projects. They are sturdy and cool in that military way, but are
VERY expensive.

Thanks to both responders for confirming the best soldering technique for
the pins.

- Paul

[Lou D]

Bob H. wrote:
On Feb 5, 2:40 am, "Paul D. Spiegel" wrote:
I'm using an Amphenol 11 pin plug and socket to connect two chassis.
This is a circular connector with a center piece similar to an octal
power tube base. In fact, Amphenol amkes an eight pin octal version.

I'm interested in suggestions for the best way to solder wires to the plug
pins which are hollow with a small hole at the tip.

Normally, it's good practice to make a solid physical connection and then
seal with solder, but I don't see how that is possible with these pins. I
could feed wire through the small hole in the tip and solder there but
that doesn's seem like a very good solution.

Any suggestions from RATS with experience using these types of connectors?


Just try to touch the connector and the wire with the iron, with a bit
of solder in the cup. I like to thinly tin the end of the wire before
putting it in connectors, as well.
You can get solder at Rat Shack which has silver in it, in case the
wire doesn't touch a connector.
The silver in the solder should help with conduction.

BTW, do you know what the voltage rating is for the connector?
Also, where did you get them?

Thanks,
Bob H.


As Bob said very important to tin the wires with solder first, run them
through some 400 sandpaper first. Use some very fine solder that will
fit down the pin. Place a whetted tip of a hot iron(800 deg) along side
the pin and feed the solder into the hole. I draw the iron up the side
after feeding the solder to the tip to finish the job as solder flows to
the heat. Make sure to have the plug secured so there is no movement as
the solder hardens.