Seperate web page for Audio connectors.
My main source for the U-183 (6 pin version of the U-229) has been surplus cables sold on eBay. But they are available from Newark.
Many field radios use what amounts to a threaded hole to mount the antenna. In order to connect a coaxial cable you will need some type of adapter.
PRC-68 series radio antenna adapter.
In almost all cases the part number is printed on the connector. You may need a magnifying glass or need to look at the front or back side, but in 99.9% of the cases it will be there.
Although there are as many of these as there are stars in the sky, most come from a few families and do not use many of the options.
Most of these are very modular. For example there is a shell that comes in a number of standard sizes and for use on cables or panels. Some shells use a screw on coupling and others use a lug and twist lock connection. There are what would be called wards in the locksmith trade, ridges on one shell and groves on the mating shell to both get the correct rotation and to be sure that two connectors with the same insert but different applications will not be cross connected. It is not often that the optional warding is used, only on large boxes were there are many of these connectors. Into the shell you can put either pins/plugs or sockets into an insert. There are a limited number of inserts for each shell. Then for cable applications there is the cable clamp/strain relief.There are a number of families of similar connectors. One of the most common is the MS series (Mil Spec). There are many manufacturers that make these.
Another common type is the Bendix series.
The connector can be made with the pins and sockets captured or the pins and sockets may be separate parts so that they can be crimped or soldered to the wire, then pressed into the insert.
In all of these cases you need to be careful when ordering that you get all the bits and pieces that are needed.
The stype of connector shell is determined by the 4 digits that follow the "MS" and control if you get a receptacle or plug and other factors.
Receptacle
This connector shell has no moving parts and is typically found mounted to a panel
Plug
This connector shell has a sleeve that moves to join to a receptacle.
It is possible to make your own connector using the loose pins/sockets and epoxy or hot melt glue. The idea is to connect the pins/sockets to the wires, spray a very light coat of WD-40 as a mold release agent, and apply the epoxy or hot melt glue. I have not yet tried this method, but there are a number of web references to doing this. In some cases I have just used the pins/sockets from connectors sold at my local Radio Shack and connected to the connector without any molding. This works well for indoor bench type work, but would not be good for outdoor use.
For more on the cables and connectors used with the VINSON series (KY-57) of voice security equipment see the USM-481 Cable Tester web page.
Amphenol - Aerospace -
Bluefeather - Special Connectors for Military Surplus and Aerospace Hardware -
Digi-Key - has some mil type connectors
Encyclopedia of Connectors by Edward's Publishing Co - 10 volumes, very pricey
ITT (Cannon) -
Newark - has many mil type connectors
Spacecraft Components Corp. -
William Perry Co in Louisville, KY - Connectors:Amphenol, Bendix, Cannon, Burndy, Cinch and Winchester
Cinch - JonesD-Sub
These are the pupular connectors used on computers for RS-232 serial and many other applications. They can be built with coax connectors intermixed with the normal pins and sockets.
Conec - D-Sub Combination Connectors -Micro Miniature D Connectors
This is the connector used on the PRC-68 Family of Squad Radios for the Secure Voice Module.
It is made by Microdot Connectors who is part of Tyco Electronics - Micro Minature D .
MCK series has a metal shell and MCD has a plastic shell.
The antenna connectors for the AS-2108 DF antenna are not there, anyone know what these are (one has 2 lugs, the other 3 lugs)?
Most of these are standards, except for the anrenna connector on field radios, which are much more rugged than normal connectors.
Amphenol coax web page with drawings for most types
Kings Electronics - aerospace & RF -
Pasternack Enterprises - Good Connector ID info - Minimum PO is $100 and $10 per line.
Pomona Electronics -
S. M. Electronics - On line, photos and 1 each pricing
The R.F. Connection - RF and other connector types + adapters
Tower Electronics - carries the 3.5mm to SO-239 needed for the BK radios RF jack.
Trompeter -
Also see my distributors web page for more sources.
They all are coax connectors with a male pin for the center conductor and have 2 or 3 lugs for the mating connector.
Looking for the mating connectors to make up cables. Manufacturer might be Dage.
Where Used AS2108/ARN-89 C-7392/ARN-89 AN/URC-68 O.D.(inch) 0.285 0.285 0.264 Photo 2-lug & 3-lug 2-lug ID inside the white dielectric is about 0.143" DAGL 1-531-1
5935-783-7232 SM-B-597016-1
RS Components - Connectors and Cable -Brooke's Home, Military Information, Electronics Page
William Perry Co in Louisville, KY - Connectors:Amphenol, Bendix, Cannon, Burndy, Cinch and Winchester
PEI-Genesis -
Brian, at Prime Connectors Inc. recomended on the Army Radios listserver (no web presence)
Voice line is 1-215-658-0700, FAX is 1-215-658-1495
Nexus - Audio Plugs & Jacks
Spacecraft Components Corp - circular and Coax - ARC-114A
