Convention for naming for audio adaptors and leads

[fudgee logic]

Is this the correct understanding for naming conventions of plugs and
adapters:

(1) A lead which has a phono plug at each end can be referred to as
"phono plug to phono plug" lead. That much is ok.


(2) But is an adaptor (or coupler) which has a phono socket at each end
referred to as "phono socket to phono socket" adaptor (or coupler)?

Here's one: http://www.rawpower.co.uk/acatalog/sky_761.260.jpg

Would not also be likely that this could be referred to by its ability to
join two phono plugs and therefore gets called "phono plug to phono plug"
adaptor (or coupler)?

[David Nebenzahl]

On 3/22/2009 1:10 PM fudgee logic spake thus:

> Is this the correct understanding for naming conventions of plugs and
> adapters:
>
> (1) A lead which has a phono plug at each end can be referred to as
> "phono plug to phono plug" lead. That much is ok.
>
> (2) But is an adaptor (or coupler) which has a phono socket at each end
> referred to as "phono socket to phono socket" adaptor (or coupler)?
>
> Here's one: http://www.rawpower.co.uk/acatalog/sky_761.260.jpg
>
> Would not also be likely that this could be referred to by its ability to
> join two phono plugs and therefore gets called "phono plug to phono plug"
> adaptor (or coupler)?

I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
Or ... )

(Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)


--
Made From Pears: Pretty good chance that the product is at least
mostly pears.
Made With Pears: Pretty good chance that pears will be detectable in
the product.
Contains Pears: One pear seed per multiple tons of product.

(with apologies to Dorothy L. Sayers)

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
s.com...
> On 3/22/2009 1:10 PM fudgee logic spake thus:
>
>> Is this the correct understanding for naming conventions of plugs and
>> adapters:
>>
>> (1) A lead which has a phono plug at each end can be referred to as
>> "phono plug to phono plug" lead. That much is ok.
>>
>> (2) But is an adaptor (or coupler) which has a phono socket at each end
>> referred to as "phono socket to phono socket" adaptor (or coupler)?
>>
>> Here's one: http://www.rawpower.co.uk/acatalog/sky_761.260.jpg
>>
>> Would not also be likely that this could be referred to by its ability to
>> join two phono plugs and therefore gets called "phono plug to phono plug"
>> adaptor (or coupler)?
>
> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector". Or
> ... )
>
> (Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)
>
>
> --

In France they're called Cinch connectors.
I'd call the adapter a back-to-back female phono coupler

S.
--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[Mr.T]

"David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
s.com...
> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
> Or ... )

Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would consider
a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.

> (Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)

Sure, less confusion that "phono" IMO, which many seem to confuse with
"phone".

MrT.

[Lostgallifreyan]

"Serge Auckland" > wrote in news:Dr-
:

> I'd call the adapter a back-to-back female phono coupler
>

And I bet she'd slap your face if you did. >:)

[David Nebenzahl]

On 3/22/2009 7:09 PM Mr.T spake thus:

> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
> s.com...
>
>> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
>> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
>> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
>> Or ... )
>
> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would consider
> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.

Kind of like the confusion (at least in my mind) between "onshore" and
"offshore" winds; I've always got to stop and think: does that mean the
wind is blowing on the shore from the ocean, or on the shore from the land?


--
Made From Pears: Pretty good chance that the product is at least
mostly pears.
Made With Pears: Pretty good chance that pears will be detectable in
the product.
Contains Pears: One pear seed per multiple tons of product.

(with apologies to Dorothy L. Sayers)

[Jasen Betts[_2_]]

On 2009-03-23, David Nebenzahl > wrote:
> On 3/22/2009 7:09 PM Mr.T spake thus:
>
>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
>> s.com...
> >
>>> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
>>> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
>>> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
>>> Or ... )
>>
>> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
>> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would consider
>> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.
>
> Kind of like the confusion (at least in my mind) between "onshore" and
> "offshore" winds; I've always got to stop and think: does that mean the
> wind is blowing on the shore from the ocean, or on the shore from the land?

winds are like electric current, the actual flow is the opposite way
to the common description.

:)

[fudgee logic]

"Mr.T" <MrT@home> wrote in message
u...
>
> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
> s.com...
>> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
>> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
>> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
>> Or ... )
>
> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would
> consider
> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.
>
>> (Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)
>
> Sure, less confusion that "phono" IMO, which many seem to confuse with
> "phone".
>
> MrT.
>

OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor", "coupler", "gender
changer") should be described by the connectors it actually contains
rather than the connectors which it mates with.

Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses me. As an
example, let's say I have an adapter which has an RCA-phono socket and a
3.5mm jack plug.

Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So in this
example, what is the common usage:

(a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
(b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"fudgee logic" > wrote in message
...
> "Mr.T" <MrT@home> wrote in message
> u...
>>
>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
>> s.com...
>>> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
>>> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
>>> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
>>> Or ... )
>>
>> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
>> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would
>> consider
>> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.
>>
>>> (Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)
>>
>> Sure, less confusion that "phono" IMO, which many seem to confuse with
>> "phone".
>>
>> MrT.
>>
>
> OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor", "coupler", "gender
> changer") should be described by the connectors it actually contains
> rather than the connectors which it mates with.
>
> Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses me. As an
> example, let's say I have an adapter which has an RCA-phono socket and a
> 3.5mm jack plug.
>
> Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So in this
> example, what is the common usage:
>
> (a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
> (b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"
>
>
One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As far
as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel. You
therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.

Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack male. You don't
and shouldn't mention the words plug or socket.

S.

--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> wrote:

>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As far
>as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel. You
>therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>
>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack male. You don't
>and shouldn't mention the words plug or socket.
>
>S.

Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for a
socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached to, and nor
should it - that is entirely beside the point (missing the business
end, if you like).

In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the 7mm.

d

[Richard Crowley]

"fudgee logic" wrote ...
> OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor", "coupler", "gender
> changer") should be described by the connectors it actually contains
> rather than the connectors which it mates with.
>
> Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses me. As an
> example, let's say I have an adapter which has an RCA-phono socket and a
> 3.5mm jack plug.
>
> Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So in this
> example, what is the common usage:
>
> (a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
> (b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"

(c) Female RCA (Cinch) to male 3.5mm phone (mono)

* "phono" is too easily confused with "phone"
* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
particularly outside the US.
* "socket" and "plug" (and "jack") are not necessarily defined properly
by the public. For that matter "male" and "female" are not always
identified properly because male connectors often have pins recessed
into a female-looking shell. (No anthropomorphic implications intended.
:-)
* each end must be precisely and completely defined, not left to assumption
if that is done, then the sequence is not significant, although common
convention is to state the female end first (presumed to be the "input")
* "mini-phone" is no longer assumed to be 1/8 inch or 3.5mm since
there is increasing use of similar-looking 2.5mm connectors, etc.
* phone connectors (of whatever size) should be specified at least as
"stereo" vs "mono", although there is growing use of 4-pole versions
(for stereo headphones + microphone, or stereo audio + video, etc.)
and 3-pole does not necessarily imply "stereo" either, as it is commonly
used for audio + power (as for mono computer "mic input"s)

[Lostgallifreyan]

"fudgee logic" > wrote in
:

> OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor", "coupler", "gender
> changer") should be described by the connectors it actually contains
> rather than the connectors which it mates with.
>
> Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses me. As an
> example, let's say I have an adapter which has an RCA-phono socket and a
> 3.5mm jack plug.
>
> Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So in this
> example, what is the common usage:
>
> (a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
> (b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"
>

If context is not specified, all you have is convention. It's like a binary
digit. Instead of agonising over (usually lazy) convention, just specify
exactly what you want, explaining the connectors it has to fit to. If people
give you the look askance, that's their problem. They'll soon wise up when
they find their lack of precision bites them from behind some day. The queues
at Maplin were reguarly haunted by people who had bought the wrong plug
because they failed to specify it right. The smart ones brought their
equipment in. Shlepping a couple of largish boxes up the the shop looks daft
but it surely beats a return visit just for a few grams of wrong plug. Given
the subtle size difference in DC jacks centre pins, and poor tolerance in
some makes of plug, it's not just the techically unsavvy who benefit from
producing the business end to the saleman so there's little risk of error.

Convention only makes sense of you're negotiating with people who all
understand it AND agree with it. That's rare.

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:38:41 -0700, "Richard Crowley"
> wrote:

>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
> particularly outside the US.

Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.

d

[Lostgallifreyan]

"Serge Auckland" > wrote in
:

> One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As
> far as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a
> panel. You therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same
> for sockets.
>

It gets worse, some have shrouds that make them half-plug, half-socket, some
even have that topology in the actual conductor too, for extra contact
surface. When I want something that specific, I observe carefully, then
specify a part number the firm selling them would look really stupid to get
wrong because it's their own part code. In other words, is I MUST use
convention, I pick the one the firm is most likely to know and accept, that
way I get the part I want. That's why I like RS and such. Good pictures are
indispensible at times.

[Richard Crowley]

"Don Pearce" wrote...
> Richard Crowley"wrote:
>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>> particularly outside the US.
>
> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types.

Most certainly. And it is not the only example of a particular kind
of connector coloquially named after the manufacturer. There are
many others. But "RCA/Cinch" appears to be the most widely-
reconizable name for that kind of connector.

> I've never
> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch.

And neither had I until I started reading (international) news-
groups such as this one.

> The shorthand
> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.

As it is here in the US.

[Paul B[_2_]]

On Mon 23-Mar-2009 13:34, Don Pearce > wrote:

> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> > wrote:
>
>>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and
>>"socket". As far as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and
>>a socket goes on a panel. You therefore can have male plugs or
>>female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>>
>>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack
>>male. You don't and shouldn't mention the words plug or
>>socket.
>>
>>S.
>
> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for
> a socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached
> to, and nor should it - that is entirely beside the point
> (missing the business end, if you like).
>
> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the
> 7mm.
>

You say "Another word for a socket is a jack".
I think that is only US usage. Not for the UK.

The Wiki entry for a TRS Connector explains:

"In the UK, the terms jack plug and jack socket
are commonly used for the respectively male and
female TRS connectors.

In the U.S., a female connector is called a jack."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS_connector

However even once we straighten out the right term for the gender
of a connector that still doesn't really answer the OP's query.

If we leave aside ambiguous words like "jack", he seems to be
asking whether it's the socket or the plug that come first in a
description of an adaptor/gender changer which says: "X to Y".

Is X the socket and Y the plug?

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:23:51 GMT, Paul B > wrote:

>On Mon 23-Mar-2009 13:34, Don Pearce > wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and
>>>"socket". As far as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and
>>>a socket goes on a panel. You therefore can have male plugs or
>>>female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>>>
>>>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack
>>>male. You don't and shouldn't mention the words plug or
>>>socket.
>>>
>>>S.
>>
>> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for
>> a socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached
>> to, and nor should it - that is entirely beside the point
>> (missing the business end, if you like).
>>
>> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the
>> 7mm.
>>
>
>You say "Another word for a socket is a jack".
>I think that is only US usage. Not for the UK.
>

In th professional world it is. I know guitarists have muddied the
water by combining the two.

>The Wiki entry for a TRS Connector explains:
>
> "In the UK, the terms jack plug and jack socket
> are commonly used for the respectively male and
> female TRS connectors.
>
> In the U.S., a female connector is called a jack."
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS_connector
>
>However even once we straighten out the right term for the gender
>of a connector that still doesn't really answer the OP's query.
>
>If we leave aside ambiguous words like "jack", he seems to be
>asking whether it's the socket or the plug that come first in a
>description of an adaptor/gender changer which says: "X to Y".
>
>Is X the socket and Y the plug?

That doesn't have an answer. A gender changer is the same both ends,
so you can't say which comes first. If you are talking about an
interseries adaptor, you can talk about e.g. 3.5mm male to quarter
inch female. That tells you exact;y what is on each end, and it really
doesn't matter which you put first (just turn it around - it will
still work).

When it comes to connectors with no obvious gender, you really need to
resort to catalogue pictures and part numbers.

d

[Paul B[_3_]]

On Mon 23-Mar-2009 13:38, Richard Crowley wrote:

> "fudgee logic" wrote ...
>>
>> OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor",
>> "coupler", "gender changer") should be described by the
>> connectors it actually contains rather than the connectors
>> which it mates with.
>>
>> Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses
>> me. As an example, let's say I have an adapter which has an
>> RCA-phono socket and a 3.5mm jack plug.
>>
>> Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So
>> in this example, what is the common usage:
>>
>> (a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
>> (b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"
>
> (c) Female RCA (Cinch) to male 3.5mm phone (mono)
>
> * "phono" is too easily confused with "phone" * the original
> "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch", particularly
> outside the US.
>
> * "socket" and "plug" (and "jack") are not necessarily defined
> properly by the public. For that matter "male" and "female"
> are not always identified properly because male connectors
> often have pins recessed into a female-looking shell. (No
> anthropomorphic implications intended.
>
> :-)
>

With XLR connectors, there are male and female connectors but it is
the female connector which is inserted into the male one.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Xlr-connectors.jpg

>
> * each end must be precisely and completely defined, not left
> to assumption if that is done, then the sequence is not
> significant, although common convention is to state the female
> end first (presumed to be the "input")
>

That's far too sensible! Sometimes suppliers shorten their
descriptions almost to the point of total intelligibility.

>
> * "mini-phone" is no longer assumed to be 1/8 inch or 3.5mm
> since there is increasing use of similar-looking 2.5mm
> connectors, etc.
>
> * phone connectors (of whatever size) should be specified at
> least as "stereo" vs "mono", although there is growing use of
> 4-pole versions (for stereo headphones + microphone, or stereo
> audio + video, etc.) and 3-pole does not necessarily imply
> "stereo" either, as it is commonly used for audio + power
> (as for mono computer "mic input"s)
>

[Paul B[_2_]]

On Mon 23-Mar-2009 13:44, Lostgallifreyan >
wrote:

> "fudgee logic" > wrote in
> :
>
>> OK, I think I've got it. An adapter (or "adaptor",
>> "coupler", "gender changer") should be described by the
>> connectors it actually contains rather than the connectors
>> which it mates with.
>>
>> Can I now ask about another related usage which also confuses
>> me. As an example, let's say I have an adapter which has an
>> RCA-phono socket and a 3.5mm jack plug.
>>
>> Some suppliers leave out the terms "socket" and "plug". So
>> in this example, what is the common usage:
>>
>> (a) "RCA-phono to 3.5mm jack".
>> (b) "3.5mm jack to RCA-phono"
>>
>
> If context is not specified, all you have is convention. It's
> like a binary digit. Instead of agonising over (usually lazy)
> convention, just specify exactly what you want, explaining the
> connectors it has to fit to. If people give you the look
> askance, that's their problem. They'll soon wise up when they
> find their lack of precision bites them from behind some day.
> The queues at Maplin were reguarly haunted by people who had
> bought the wrong plug because they failed to specify it right.
> The smart ones brought their equipment in. Shlepping a couple
> of largish boxes up the the shop looks daft but it surely
> beats a return visit just for a few grams of wrong plug. Given
> the subtle size difference in DC jacks centre pins, and poor
> tolerance in some makes of plug, it's not just the techically
> unsavvy who benefit from producing the business end to the
> saleman so there's little risk of error.
>
> Convention only makes sense of you're negotiating with people
> who all understand it AND agree with it. That's rare.
>

Here's a UK example of an ambiguous mixed up description . It says
"3.5MM JACK PLUG, MONO"

<http://cpc.farnell.com/AV15207/cable-wire-connectors/product.us0?
sku=pro-signal-psg01659>

And when the same supplier reverses the direction of the
illustration, they give a different description of effectively the
same item: "ADAPTOR, 3.5MM S TO PHONO P"

<http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/psg01989/adaptor-3-5mm-s-to-
phono-p/dp/AV15537>

What a muddle that first one is!

At least they both refer to A and B. Is there a convention for
which is A and which is B? (Without the photo it might be hard to
know which is which.)

[Richard Crowley]

"Paul B" wrote ...
> Here's a UK example of an ambiguous mixed up description . It says
> "3.5MM JACK PLUG, MONO"
>
> <http://cpc.farnell.com/AV15207/cable-wire-connectors/product.us0?
> sku=pro-signal-psg01659>
>
> And when the same supplier reverses the direction of the
> illustration, they give a different description of effectively the
> same item: "ADAPTOR, 3.5MM S TO PHONO P"
>
> <http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/psg01989/adaptor-3-5mm-s-to-
> phono-p/dp/AV15537>
>
> What a muddle that first one is!
>
> At least they both refer to A and B. Is there a convention for
> which is A and which is B? (Without the photo it might be hard to
> know which is which.)

There seems to be trend towards using people as content
editors (and even creators) who have not a clue about the
subject matter.

RadioShack here in the US is getting better, but for a while
there, their website featured trendy, small, square "photos" of
some part of the merchandise that probably looked "artistic"
to the "art director" but was complete nonsense to anyone
who knew anything about the goods.

For example, they would show the handle/grip part of the
connector, and crop out the actual working end. Combined
with the scrambled and incomplete "descriptions" the combined
result was a complete dog's breakfast mess of random words
and photos.

Fortunately, someone broke through to the management and
showed them that they were shooting themselves in the foot
by making their online information worse than useless.

[Lostgallifreyan]

David Nebenzahl > wrote in
s.com:

> Kind of like the confusion (at least in my mind) between "onshore" and
> "offshore" winds; I've always got to stop and think: does that mean the
> wind is blowing on the shore from the ocean, or on the shore from the land?
>
>

That got me thinking a bit. In this case there's more than convention though.
The land is an extension of the shore, so onshore means coming in from the
sea (if it was already moving over land before reaching the coast, calling it
onshore at the critical moment when it no longer was, would be pointless).
That could still be open to convention, but if you're on land, what matters
is where the wind comes from, once it's past you it's someone elses business.
At sea it's the other way round, no matter where it comes from, it's always
more important where it's going because if it's strong enough to be
hazardous, where it goes, so must you, to some extent at least.

That critical aspect isn't just me digressing for fun. It explains why
conventions in HV systems are far more critically observed. Once people lives
are at stake, they tend to agree and accept conventions.

But for domestic hifi cabling and such, all bets are off. Never mind
plug/socket, male/female. If you don't specify exactly whether you mean the
two connectors on the adaptive section, or the one on each of the separate
links that adaptive section is meant to bridge, then all the rest has as much
basis as up and down if you're in freefall. I think most people specify that
first, from what I've seen, so people instinctively know the need to be met.
But that works by talking, seeing, touching even, it won't work on an online
order form.

*sleeps before I turn into a little blob of literalistic goo*

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49c891fe.168356015@localhost...
> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:38:41 -0700, "Richard Crowley"
> > wrote:
>
>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>> particularly outside the US.
>
> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.
>
> d

Standard nomenclature in France.

S.
--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49c78f7e.167716671@localhost...
> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> > wrote:
>
>>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As
>>far
>>as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel. You
>>therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>>
>>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack male. You
>>don't
>>and shouldn't mention the words plug or socket.
>>
>>S.
>
> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for a
> socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached to, and nor
> should it - that is entirely beside the point (missing the business
> end, if you like).
>
> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the 7mm.
>
> d

So XLR plugs are all male? Technically you may be right, but that's not how
the words get used. Everyone talks of XLR plugs whether they're male or
female if they're attached to a cable. Ditto BNCs which have male inners and
sort of female outers.

The way I name things, all hermaphrodite connectors are plugs if they go on
the end of a cable, or sockets if they attach to a panel.

S.
--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[GregS[_3_]]

In article >, "Serge Auckland" > wrote:
>
>"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
>news:49c891fe.168356015@localhost...
>> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:38:41 -0700, "Richard Crowley"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>>> particularly outside the US.
>>
>> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
>> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
>> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.
>>
>> d
>
>Standard nomenclature in France.
>
>S.

There seems a lack of any info on Cinch-Jones in Wikipedia

They used to call RCA plugs phono years ago, when phonos were the rage.
Since phonos started out mono, it only had 1 conductor.

I just worked on a Apple power cord. it looks like a 3 conductor RCA
somewhat.

greg

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:15:27 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> wrote:

>
>"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
>news:49c78f7e.167716671@localhost...
>> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As
>>>far
>>>as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel. You
>>>therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>>>
>>>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack male. You
>>>don't
>>>and shouldn't mention the words plug or socket.
>>>
>>>S.
>>
>> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for a
>> socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached to, and nor
>> should it - that is entirely beside the point (missing the business
>> end, if you like).
>>
>> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the 7mm.
>>
>> d
>
>So XLR plugs are all male? Technically you may be right, but that's not how
>the words get used. Everyone talks of XLR plugs whether they're male or
>female if they're attached to a cable. Ditto BNCs which have male inners and
>sort of female outers.
>

No, if you look at the signal mating faces of the BNC, you will find
that a male is male for both inner and outer. It is only the locking
ring that is different. And I think I have always called XLRs
connectors, rather than plugs and sockets. I am in no doubt about
which is the male though - it has the pins which push into the sockets
of the female.

>The way I name things, all hermaphrodite connectors are plugs if they go on
>the end of a cable, or sockets if they attach to a panel.
>
>S.

Try the APC7

http://nocat.net/images/connectors/APC7.jpg

The mating faces are both flat - entirely unsexed. They are always
called simply connectors. The locking ring is also present on all of
them - simply advance and engage whichever of the two takes your
fancy.

They are usually not the scratched and scraped mess of this one - very
poor care.

d

[Ron Capik[_2_]]

GregS wrote:
> In article >, "Serge Auckland" > wrote:
>> "Don Pearce" > wrote in message
>> news:49c891fe.168356015@localhost...
>>> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:38:41 -0700, "Richard Crowley"
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> * the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>>>> particularly outside the US.
>>> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
>>> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
>>> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.
>>>
>>> d
>> Standard nomenclature in France.
>>
>> S.
>
> There seems a lack of any info on Cinch-Jones in Wikipedia
>
Have you tried the Cinch catalog?
< http://www.cinch.com/view_product_line.cinch?id=29 >
....or are you looking for the history and evolution?

> They used to call RCA plugs phono years ago, when phonos were the rage.
> Since phonos started out mono, it only had 1 conductor.
>
> I just worked on a Apple power cord. it looks like a 3 conductor RCA
> somewhat.
>
> greg

Interesting that the Cinch company has no RCA/phono product line. <g>

Wonder if many of the folks out there using "phono" connctors
even know what a phono[graph] is. <G>

Rhetorical question:
Why the heck is the female connector called a jack?
Shouldn't it be a Jill?


Later...

Ron Capik
--

[David Nebenzahl]

On 3/23/2009 5:44 AM Don Pearce spake thus:

> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:38:41 -0700, "Richard Crowley"
> > wrote:
>
>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>> particularly outside the US.
>
> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.

I thought the company was Cinch-Jones, or some such. Is that an old name?


--
Made From Pears: Pretty good chance that the product is at least
mostly pears.
Made With Pears: Pretty good chance that pears will be detectable in
the product.
Contains Pears: One pear seed per multiple tons of product.

(with apologies to Dorothy L. Sayers)

[Michael A. Terrell]

Don Pearce wrote:
>
> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the 7mm.


Audio, too, like the Switchcraft 2501 series.


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[Rich Grise]

On Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:52:41 -0800, David Nebenzahl wrote:
> On 3/22/2009 1:10 PM fudgee logic spake thus:
>
>> Is this the correct understanding for naming conventions of plugs and
>> adapters:
>>
>> (1) A lead which has a phono plug at each end can be referred to as
>> "phono plug to phono plug" lead. That much is ok.
>>
>> (2) But is an adaptor (or coupler) which has a phono socket at each end
>> referred to as "phono socket to phono socket" adaptor (or coupler)?
>>
>> Here's one: http://www.rawpower.co.uk/acatalog/sky_761.260.jpg
>>
>> Would not also be likely that this could be referred to by its ability to
>> join two phono plugs and therefore gets called "phono plug to phono plug"
>> adaptor (or coupler)?
>
> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
> Or ... )
>
> (Does anyone call them "RCA connectors" anymore?)

I do. In fact, if I ever get that dam digital coupon, I plan to ask if
any of the boxes have audio and video out, since I have audio and video
in RCA jacks on my TeeVee.

Cheers!
Rich

[Rich Grise]

On Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:11:48 -0800, David Nebenzahl wrote:
> On 3/22/2009 7:09 PM Mr.T spake thus:
>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
>>
>> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
>> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would consider
>> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.
>
> Kind of like the confusion (at least in my mind) between "onshore" and
> "offshore" winds; I've always got to stop and think: does that mean the
> wind is blowing on the shore from the ocean, or on the shore from the land?

The local TeeVee weather shows call it "onshore" when it's coming from the
ocean, going onto the shore on its way. "Offshore" is the ones that start
on land and blow their way off the shore (onto the ocean).

Cheers!
Rich

[Rich Grise]

On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:40:58 +0000, Jasen Betts wrote:

> On 2009-03-23, David Nebenzahl > wrote:
>> On 3/22/2009 7:09 PM Mr.T spake thus:
>>
>>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
>>> s.com...
>> >
>>>> I'd call it a phono plug-to-phono plug adapter (or coupler), as that's
>>>> what it adapts. Or a "double female phono connector", to more precisely
>>>> describe the adapter itself. (Or a "double-ended female RCA connector".
>>>> Or ... )
>>>
>>> Most accurate and least confusing is RCA (phono) female-female adapter.
>>> It should not be decribed by the plugs it adapts, most people would consider
>>> a "phono plug to plug adapter" as being Male-Male, rather than F-F.
>>
>> Kind of like the confusion (at least in my mind) between "onshore" and
>> "offshore" winds; I've always got to stop and think: does that mean the
>> wind is blowing on the shore from the ocean, or on the shore from the land?
>
> winds are like electric current, the actual flow is the opposite way
> to the common description.
>

That only applies to "northerly", etc. Onshore really means onto the shore.

Hope This Helps!
Rich

[Andre Majorel]

On 2009-03-23, Richard Crowley > wrote:
> "Don Pearce" wrote...
>> Richard Crowley"wrote:
>>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
>>> particularly outside the US.
>>
>> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types.
>
> Most certainly. And it is not the only example of a particular kind
> of connector coloquially named after the manufacturer. There are
> many others. But "RCA/Cinch" appears to be the most widely-
> reconizable name for that kind of connector.
>
>> I've never
>> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch.
>
> And neither had I until I started reading (international) news-
> groups such as this one.
>
>> The shorthand
>> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.
>
> As it is here in the US.

Don't have any usage statistics handy but I know that when I
read "phono" I have to stop and think what it might be. Creative
spelling for "phone jack" ? The actual device ? Something else ?
Oh, you meant an "RCA" or "Cinch" ? Why not write that, then ?

--
André Majorel <URL:http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/>
"This would only solve part of the problem therefore the status
quo must be maintained."

[Michael A. Terrell]

Andre Majorel wrote:
>
> Don't have any usage statistics handy but I know that when I
> read "phono" I have to stop and think what it might be. Creative
> spelling for "phone jack" ? The actual device ? Something else ?
> Oh, you meant an "RCA" or "Cinch" ? Why not write that, then ?


Other than the fact that RCA developed the connectors for its add on
45 RPM record changers? They sold radios with the mating connector, and
added a switch to the existing radio designs so people could buy the
changer, only if they needed it. Cinch had nothing to do with the
original connector design.

Why should we pander to those with feeble minds?


--
http://improve-usenet.org/index.html

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[Mr.T]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49c78f7e.167716671@localhost...
> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> > wrote:
>
> >One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As
far
> >as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel.
You
> >therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>
> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female.

Exactly, which is why a socket can be either a "cord mount" or a "panel
mount".

MrT.

[Mr.T]

"Richard Crowley" > wrote in message
. ..
> * phone connectors (of whatever size) should be specified at least as
> "stereo" vs "mono", although there is growing use of 4-pole versions
> (for stereo headphones + microphone, or stereo audio + video, etc.)
> and 3-pole does not necessarily imply "stereo" either, as it is commonly
> used for audio + power (as for mono computer "mic input"s)

Which is why you should use the term TS or TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) rather
than stereo or mono. A mono balanced line also uses a TRS plug for example.

MrT.

[Mr.T]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49c891fe.168356015@localhost...
> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.

Phono is shorthand for RCA? :-)
Frankly since RCA are the common cheap video connections these days, and
turntables are now fairly rare, I prefer not to use the term "phono" any
more.

MrT.

[Mr.T]

"Paul B" > wrote in message
...
> With XLR connectors, there are male and female connectors but it is
> the female connector which is inserted into the male one.

No, when describing connectors as male or female, it is the conductor pins
that define it. The pins of a male XLR "insert" into the sockets of a
female, regardless of whether they are cord or panel mount.
Trying to insert a socket "into" a pin would require more than a big hammer
:-)

MrT.

[whisky-dave]

"Serge Auckland" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Don Pearce" > wrote in message
> news:49c78f7e.167716671@localhost...
>> On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:09:41 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>One great confusion is the meaning of the terms "plug" and "socket". As
>>>far
>>>as I'm concerned a plug goes on a cable, and a socket goes on a panel.
>>>You
>>>therefore can have male plugs or female plugs, and the same for sockets.
>>>
>>>Therefore your adapter above is an RCA female to 3.5mm jack male. You
>>>don't
>>>and shouldn't mention the words plug or socket.
>>>
>>>S.
>>
>> Never. A plug is male and a socket is female. Another word for a
>> socket is a jack. It doesn't matter what they are attached to, and nor
>> should it - that is entirely beside the point (missing the business
>> end, if you like).
>>
>> In RF, of course, there are hermaphrodite connectors, like the 7mm.
>>
>> d
>
> So XLR plugs are all male?
I'd say so.
I've used XLR sockets too.


>Technically you may be right, but that's not how the words get used.
>Everyone talks of XLR plugs whether they're male or female if they're
>attached to a cable.
I don;t and anyone that does I'd correct.

>Ditto BNCs which have male inners and sort of female outers.
>
> The way I name things, all hermaphrodite connectors are plugs if they go
> on the end of a cable, or sockets if they attach to a panel.

for me it's Male plugs, female sockets.

But of course in a PC world I'd call a male that has had a sex change
a female, but if I found a 3 pins mains plug without the pins I'd call it
useless
and throw it in the recycle box :)

[Richard Crowley]

"Mr.T" wrote ...
> "Richard Crowley" wrote ...
>> * phone connectors (of whatever size) should be specified at least as
>> "stereo" vs "mono", although there is growing use of 4-pole versions
>> (for stereo headphones + microphone, or stereo audio + video, etc.)
>> and 3-pole does not necessarily imply "stereo" either, as it is
>> commonly
>> used for audio + power (as for mono computer "mic input"s)
>
> Which is why you should use the term TS or TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) rather
> than stereo or mono. A mono balanced line also uses a TRS plug for
> example.

Indeed. Alas, there isn't a similar acronym for 4-pole. TRRS anyone?

[Eeyore]

GregS wrote:

> "Serge Auckland" > wrote:
> >"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
> >> "Richard Crowley" > wrote:
> >>
> >>>* the original "RCA phono" connector is also known as "Cinch",
> >>> particularly outside the US.
> >>
> >> Cinch is a connector company that makes hundreds of types. I've never
> >> come across the RCA phono referred to as a Cinch. The shorthand
> >> nomenclature, certainly here in the UK, is always Phono.
> >
> >Standard nomenclature in France.
>
> There seems a lack of any info on Cinch-Jones in Wikipedia
>
> They used to call RCA plugs phono years ago, when phonos were the rage.
> Since phonos started out mono, it only had 1 conductor.

Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and
affiliated countries a Phono plug, in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.

Graham

[Mr.T]

"Richard Crowley" > wrote in message
...
> Indeed. Alas, there isn't a similar acronym for 4-pole. TRRS anyone?

It's usual just to talk about the pin size (eg 3.5mm) and the number of
connectors. So a 4 pole, 3.5 mm plug is common on video camera's for
example.
Not a major problem that I can see. You do need to be a bit more careful
when describing the pin connections though I guess. TRRS certainly wouldn't
help there!

MrT.

[RST Engineering \(jw\)]

In the power/low frequency signal world, the sex of the connector is
determined by the outer shell. Female shells are sockets or jacks (ever
wonder why a female shell is a jack and not a jill?). Male shells are
plugs.

In the RF world, the sex of the connector is determined by the center pin.

Jim

--
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought
without accepting it."
--Aristotle

[Mr.T]

"RST Engineering (jw)" > wrote in message
m...
> In the power/low frequency signal world, the sex of the connector is
> determined by the outer shell. Female shells are sockets or jacks (ever
> wonder why a female shell is a jack and not a jill?). Male shells are
> plugs.

Citation?

Since *many* connectors use the same *shell* for male and female, it would
be rather a pointless definition IMO.
So what exactly differentiates a female cord mount phone "jack" *shell* from
a male phone plug *shell* then?
And your differentiation between male and female D connector cord shells
would be really interesting to know.
(everyone else considers them identical)

Or is it just your definition of *shell* that is non standard?

MrT.

[john]

On Mon 23-Mar-2009 22:41, Michael A. Terrell
> wrote:

>
> Andre Majorel wrote:
>>
>> Don't have any usage statistics handy but I know that when I
>> read "phono" I have to stop and think what it might be.
>> Creative spelling for "phone jack" ? The actual device ?
>> Something else ? Oh, you meant an "RCA" or "Cinch" ? Why not
>> write that, then ?
>
>
> Other than the fact that RCA developed the connectors for its
> add on 45 RPM record changers? They sold radios with the
> mating connector, and added a switch to the existing radio
> designs so people could buy the changer, only if they needed
> it. Cinch had nothing to do with the original connector
> design.
>

RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".


>
> Why should we pander to those with feeble minds?
>
>

[john]

On Tue 24-Mar-2009 01:29, Mr.T <MrT@home> wrote:

>
> "Paul B" > wrote in message
> ...
>> With XLR connectors, there are male and female connectors but
>> it is the female connector which is inserted into the male
>> one.
>
> No, when describing connectors as male or female, it is the
> conductor pins that define it. The pins of a male XLR "insert"
> into the sockets of a female, regardless of whether they are
> cord or panel mount. Trying to insert a socket "into" a pin
> would require more than a big hammer
> :-)
>
> MrT.
>

He quoted the Wiki. Maybe that's wrong?

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Xlr-connectors.jpg

[Michael A. Terrell]

john wrote:
>
> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".


Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.


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[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
s.com...
> On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
>
>> Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
>> Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
>> in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
>
> No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
> Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>
>
> --

So a 1/4" Jack is female? Funny ladies you've known........

S.
--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[GregS[_3_]]

In article >, "Michael A. Terrell" > wrote:
>
>john wrote:
>>
>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>
>
> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.


I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test equipment.
http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generator_web.jpg

What was that called ??

greg

[David Nebenzahl]

On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:

> Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
> Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
> in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.

No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
Please don't let's further confuse gender here.


--
Made From Pears: Pretty good chance that the product is at least
mostly pears.
Made With Pears: Pretty good chance that pears will be detectable in
the product.
Contains Pears: One pear seed per multiple tons of product.

(with apologies to Dorothy L. Sayers)

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"GregS" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, "Michael A.
> Terrell" > wrote:
>>
>>john wrote:
>>>
>>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>>
>>
>> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.
>
>
> I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
> that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
> most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
> equipment.
> http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generator_web.jpg
>
> What was that called ??
>
> greg

That looks like an F connector.

S.

-
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[Richard Crowley]

"Serge Auckland" wrote ...
> "GregS" wrote ...
>> "Michael A. Terrell" wrote:
>>>john wrote:
>>>>
>>>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>>>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>>>
>>> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.
>>
>> I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
>> that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
>> most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
>> equipment.
>> http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generator_web.jpg
>>
>> What was that called ??
>
> That looks like an F connector.

It is rather larger than an F connector. The outside threads
are 5/8 inch x 27 TPI (same as the US microphone stands)
And IIRC, that connector was originated by Amphenol.
Here is info about the Switchcraft versions...
http://www.switchcraft.com/products/connectors-53b.html

[Rich the Newsgroup Wacko]

On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:40:35 +0000, Serge Auckland wrote:
> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote in message
>> On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
>>
>>> Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
>>> Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
>>> in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
>>
>> No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
>> Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>
> So a 1/4" Jack is female? Funny ladies you've known........

The Yang can hang, or go In to the Yin. ;-)
http://z.about.com/d/taoism/1/0/0/-/-/-/yinYang.gif

Hope This Helps!
Rich

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"Richard Crowley" > wrote in message
...
> "Serge Auckland" wrote ...
>> "GregS" wrote ...
>>> "Michael A. Terrell" wrote:
>>>>john wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>>>>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>>>>
>>>> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.
>>>
>>> I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
>>> that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
>>> most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
>>> equipment.
>>> http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generator_web.jpg
>>>
>>> What was that called ??
>>
>> That looks like an F connector.
>
> It is rather larger than an F connector. The outside threads
> are 5/8 inch x 27 TPI (same as the US microphone stands)
> And IIRC, that connector was originated by Amphenol.
> Here is info about the Switchcraft versions...
> http://www.switchcraft.com/products/connectors-53b.html
>
Yes, I remember I have seen those, but can't think of the name. Switchcraft
2501 doesn't trip off the tongue lightly.

S.

--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[Mr.T]

"john" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue 24-Mar-2009 01:29, Mr.T <MrT@home> wrote:
> > No, when describing connectors as male or female, it is the
> > conductor pins that define it. The pins of a male XLR "insert"
> > into the sockets of a female, regardless of whether they are
> > cord or panel mount. Trying to insert a socket "into" a pin
> > would require more than a big hammer
> > :-)

> He quoted the Wiki. Maybe that's wrong?
>
> See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Xlr-connectors.jpg

That photo clearly states the male on right, so would agree with my
statement surely?

MrT.

[Mr.T]

"Serge Auckland" > wrote in message
...
> > I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
> > that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
> > most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
> > equipment.
> >
http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generat
or_web.jpg
> >
> > What was that called ??
>
> That looks like an F connector.

Nope, looks more like a PL259.

MrT.

[Stephen D. Barnes]

Serge Auckland wrote:
>
> "Richard Crowley" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Serge Auckland" wrote ...
>>> "GregS" wrote ...
>>>> "Michael A. Terrell" wrote:
>>>>> john wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>>>>>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>>>>>
>>>>> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common as dirt.
>>>>
>>>> I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
>>>> that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
>>>> most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
>>>> equipment.
>>>> http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generator_web.jpg
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> What was that called ??
>>>
>>> That looks like an F connector.
>>
>> It is rather larger than an F connector. The outside threads
>> are 5/8 inch x 27 TPI (same as the US microphone stands)
>> And IIRC, that connector was originated by Amphenol.
>> Here is info about the Switchcraft versions...
>> http://www.switchcraft.com/products/connectors-53b.html
>>
> Yes, I remember I have seen those, but can't think of the name.
> Switchcraft 2501 doesn't trip off the tongue lightly.
>
> S.
>
Back in the day, we used to order them as Amphenol MC
connectors. You can still get 'em today.

--
Regards,
Stephen D. Barnes

[Michael A. Terrell]

"Mr.T" wrote:
>
> "Serge Auckland" > wrote in message
> ...
> > > I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
> > > that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
> > > most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
> > > equipment.
> > >
> http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generat
> or_web.jpg
> > >
> > > What was that called ??
> >
> > That looks like an F connector.
>
> Nope, looks more like a PL259.


Some people would cut most of the center pin off a PL259 and use it
with a 'microphone connector'. Not a good idea, but they bragged about
saving 50 cents on the right plug, by destroying a $1.25 plug.


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[Michael A. Terrell]

"Stephen D. Barnes" wrote:
>
> Back in the day, we used to order them as Amphenol MC
> connectors. You can still get 'em today.


Amphenol sold that line off to WPI several years ago, and it looks
like Cooper Group bought that product line and renamed it COOPER
INTERCONNECT. A lot of older Amphenol products were dropped each time.


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[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

fudgee logic wrote:
>
> Is this the correct understanding for naming conventions of plugs and
> adapters:
>
> (1) A lead which has a phono plug at each end can be referred to as
> "phono plug to phono plug" lead. That much is ok.
>
> (2) But is an adaptor (or coupler) which has a phono socket at each end
> referred to as "phono socket to phono socket" adaptor (or coupler)?

I've heard of a cable with male at one end and female at the other as an
extension cable.

Your #2 could be called a female to female adapter cable.

--
Paul Hovnanian
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the force if Yoda's so strong, construct a sentence with words in
the proper order then why can't he?

[John Fields]

On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:06:48 +1100, "Mr.T" <MrT@home> wrote:

>
>"Serge Auckland" > wrote in message
...
>> > I don't know who made it. One connector that was dirt common, was
>> > that screw on connector with center push against contactor. Seems like
>> > most old amateur radio microphones used to use it, as well as test
>> > equipment.
>> >
>http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/test_gear/Eico_Model-324_Signal-Generat
>or_web.jpg
>> >
>> > What was that called ??
>>
>> That looks like an F connector.
>
>Nope, looks more like a PL259.

---
Nope, a PL259 is an Amphenol series UHF connector.

What it is is an Amphenol 80-75-MC1F and what screws onto it is an
80-75-PC1M.

JF

[john]

On Wed 25-Mar-2009 18:06, Michael A. Terrell
> wrote:

>
> john wrote:
>>
>> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
>> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
>
>
> Then show us another connector from RCA that became common
> as dirt.
>


That's my point too! .... that the "RCA phono" connector was so
common that it could be called "RCA" almost unambiguously.

On the other hand, "RCA" probably wouldn't be the correct formal
name if there were other RCA connectors.

[Michael A. Terrell]

john wrote:
>
> On Wed 25-Mar-2009 18:06, Michael A. Terrell
> > wrote:
>
> >
> > john wrote:
> >>
> >> RCA probably developed several connectors. If one says "RCA"
> >> then I imagine that is just a short form of "RCA phono".
> >
> >
> > Then show us another connector from RCA that became common
> > as dirt.
> >
>
> That's my point too! .... that the "RCA phono" connector was so
> common that it could be called "RCA" almost unambiguously.


Do whatever you want, but some of us stick to proper names. I deal
with vendors who use the proper nomenclature when I need parts. I think
that if they don't know the proper name, they don't really know what
they are selling.


> On the other hand, "RCA" probably wouldn't be the correct formal
> name if there were other RCA connectors.


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[Eeyore]

David Nebenzahl wrote:

> On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
>
> > Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
> > Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
> > in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
>
> No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
> Please don't let's further confuse gender here.

Well I've certainly heard them called RCA jacks. Maybe they meant the
mating part ?

Just to confuse you, in the UK the 1/4" guitar style connector is called a
'jack plug'.

Graham

[Eeyore]

Serge Auckland wrote:

> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote
> > On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
> >
> >> Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
> >> Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
> >> in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
> >
> > No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
> > Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>
> So a 1/4" Jack is female? Funny ladies you've known........

Entirely possible. I got a pop-up on some web page to a 'ladyboy' site. You
would never have told they were male with their clothes on, some looked very
attractive in fact.

Graham

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:48:29 +0000, Eeyore
> wrote:

>Just to confuse you, in the UK the 1/4" guitar style connector is called a
>'jack plug'.

Well that's ok. It is a plug that goes into a jack - adjective and
noun. No problem.

d

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"Eeyore" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Serge Auckland wrote:
>
>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote
>> > On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
>> >
>> >> Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
>> >> Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
>> >> in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
>> >
>> > No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
>> > Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>>
>> So a 1/4" Jack is female? Funny ladies you've known........
>
> Entirely possible. I got a pop-up on some web page to a 'ladyboy' site.
> You
> would never have told they were male with their clothes on, some looked
> very
> attractive in fact.
>
> Graham
>
If you ever go to Paris, (France, not Texas) and you drive along the Bois de
Boulogne at night, there's a whole display of Lady-boys there. Stunning
women even though they're definitely boys.

This thread has moved away from Jacks........

S.
--
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[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:59:17 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> wrote:

>If you ever go to Paris, (France, not Texas) and you drive along the Bois de
>Boulogne at night, there's a whole display of Lady-boys there. Stunning
>women even though they're definitely boys.
>
>This thread has moved away from Jacks........

Apparently now it is about Jacques. Just look at their feet - size
nines are always a dead giveaway.

d

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49d3e1a8.107034031@localhost...
> On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:59:17 -0000, "Serge Auckland"
> > wrote:
>
>>If you ever go to Paris, (France, not Texas) and you drive along the Bois
>>de
>>Boulogne at night, there's a whole display of Lady-boys there. Stunning
>>women even though they're definitely boys.
>>
>>This thread has moved away from Jacks........
>
> Apparently now it is about Jacques. Just look at their feet - size
> nines are always a dead giveaway.
>
> d
Too busy looking elsewhere....Boys don't have to wear tops in the
street........

S.


--
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[Lostgallifreyan]

"Serge Auckland" > wrote in
:

> This thread has moved away from Jacks........
>

Unless you count One Eyed Jack's.

[Mr.T]

"Don Pearce" > wrote in message
news:49d3e1a8.107034031@localhost...
> Apparently now it is about Jacques. Just look at their feet - size
> nines are always a dead giveaway.

Nope, there are women who have bigger feet than that. (and men with smaller
feet of course)
The first thing to look for is the Adams apple, but that's not foolproof
either :-)

MrT.

[Richard Crowley]

"Mr.T" wrote ...
> "Don Pearce" wrote ...
>> Apparently now it is about Jacques. Just look at their feet - size
>> nines are always a dead giveaway.
>
> Nope, there are women who have bigger feet than that. (and men with
> smaller
> feet of course)
> The first thing to look for is the Adams apple, but that's not foolproof
> either :-)

"Crocodile Dundee" had his own foolproof method in the movie.
(Although you are likely to get assulted for trying that method. )
But those Australians really know how to get right to the bottom
line. No foolin' around or guessing. :-)

[Mr.T]

"Richard Crowley" > wrote in message
...
> "Crocodile Dundee" had his own foolproof method in the movie.
> (Although you are likely to get assulted for trying that method. )

Or arrested.

> But those Australians really know how to get right to the bottom
> line. No foolin' around or guessing. :-)

Of course he was the only one who didn't already know :-)

MrT.

[Rich the Newsgroup Wacko]

On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:51:00 +0000, Eeyore wrote:
> Serge Auckland wrote:
>> "David Nebenzahl" > wrote
>> > No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
>> > Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>>
>> So a 1/4" Jack is female? Funny ladies you've known........
>
> Entirely possible. I got a pop-up on some web page to a 'ladyboy' site. You
> would never have told they were male with their clothes on, some looked very
> attractive in fact.

And, what the hell, a blow job's a blow job! ;-P

Cheers!
Rich

[Rich Grise]

On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:48:29 +0000, Eeyore wrote:
> David Nebenzahl wrote:
>> On 3/24/2009 1:21 PM Eeyore spake thus:
>>
>> > Standard nomeclature for the same connector, In the USA and probably
>> > Canada, an RCA jack, in the UK and affiliated countries a Phono plug,
>> > in mainland Europe a Cinch connector.
>>
>> No; jack is female, plug is male. So either a RCA plug or a phono plug.
>> Please don't let's further confuse gender here.
>
> Well I've certainly heard them called RCA jacks. Maybe they meant the
> mating part ?
>
> Just to confuse you, in the UK the 1/4" guitar style connector is called a
> 'jack plug'.
>
That's because it's the plug that plugs into the jack, silly! ;-)

Cheers!
Rich