AC output on rear of amplifier - strange configuration (not strictly DIY)

[Perry]

I know that this isn't strictly DIY but the regulars here seem to know so much about unusual plugs and sockets.... and I'll try to get it back on topic at the end :-)

The rear of my Yamaha amp has a switched AC outlet that I'd like to use to power my CD player - the CD player transformer has a low hum when the unit is on standby and the rear on/off switch is a bit awkward to reach on a regular basis so the switched AC outlet from the amp seems ideal.

The only problem is that I can't seem to find a plug that will fit it

- I've looked on CPC etc. but I can't seem to identify the socket and the Yamaha manual is about as much help as a (insert really useless thing here).

The socket looks something like this (ASCII representation, fixed pitch font will help) ______________________________________ | __________________ | | |__________________| | | _ _ | | | | | | | | |_| |_| | | | |______________________________________|

i.e. a bit like this

without the small centre pin.

Does anyone know what it's called / where I can find a plug?

If I can't find one I'll just have to obtain a chassis socket of the same size with a matching plug, and replace one in the amp (back on topic for D.I.Y.?)

Thanks

Perry

[andy]

It does look very like one of those but as far as I can tell Bulgin do not make a 2 pin version. I also think they are now obsolete.

Have you tried a US mains plug that might just fit.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I had the same problem and what you want is a Euro Facility line plug and modify it by cutting off the earth pin. You end up with the two pins plus the plastic tang which engages in the slot you've shown, and the body of the plug is a good fit in the socket recess too. Mine is marked Bulgin P770.

The socket shown at CPS appears to be what I mean.

I've got a couple of these plugs spare and could scan one if you want to check sizes, etc.

[Perry]

On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 19:35:02 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)" waxed lyrical about:

Thanks for that Dave,

they've got the Bulgin PX0770 at CPC

It says on the CPC page that the plug is no longer manufactured but it appears that they'll still let you order it - I'd take a flyer on it without checking the sizes as it's only about £2.50 but once they add on a 'handling charge' it goes up to just under a tenner!!

There's a datasheet for the plug/socket available at

so I can check the sizes tonight (and look around for somewhere cheaper)

Still can't understand why Yamaha would pick such a bloody obscure plug/socket - what's wrong with something slightly more common?

Perry

[gort]

Might be common in Japan!

Dave

[The Natural Philosopher]

In the USA, more like.

[Frank Erskine]

It's to encourage you to go to a Yamaha dealer for plugs and/or accessories.

[Perry]

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:51:44 +0100, gort waxed lyrical about:

I'd agree except that this is supposed to be the British version of the amp!

The European version has typical Euro 2-pin sockets on the back and the US version has the US 2-pin outlets and the British version has these weird and wonderful sockets...

Perry

[Perry]

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:58:57 +0100, Frank Erskine waxed lyrical about:

ooohhh! You're so cynical... :-)

Perry

[Dave Plowman (News)]

That would be OK if Yamaha UK listed either a plug or adaptor lead. But they don't - or at least didn't when I tried them.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

you're feeding doesn't need an earth like most CDs etc.

I always manage to find plenty else to order to go above that handling charge. ;-) FWIW I think I paid about a quid more than that for these ones

- possibly from Maplin.

Buy several to put you over the 10 quid limit and punt the rest on Ebay? ;-)

I'd guess to protect the switch, etc? This connector is 6 amps max while IEC can be 10.

[Michael Kilpatrick]

Dave, I'm sure I've seen these sorts of connectors on a couple of older hi-fi units and such like. I suspect they were reasonably common before everyone switched en masse to the bog-standard "kettle lead" for earthed applications.

Michael

[Perry (News)]

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:59:45 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)" waxed lyrical about:

I couldn't find them elsewhere (probably because they're 'no longer manufactured') so I've had to bite the bullet and order from CPC (a tenner... grrrr!). Just have to hope that they can still supply it.

I tried your 'buy several' advice but the handling charge was still being applied even when the ex-vat price was over £10 and I couldn't see sense in pushing it up much further than that as CPC is expensive for most of the items that I'd be likely to use in the short-term - and if I buy stuff for the long-term they'll most likely get put away so safely for the future that I'll never find them again :-)

Perry

[Jerry]

obscure

Have they not heard of cut-outs or fuses?

Call me cynical but I suspect that it was more of a case of using something obscure, meaning that Yamaha could supply them as an optional extra at a suitably marked up price...

[Rick]

Its's not very clear in the photo, but would something like this do the job?

(The other Rick)

[Perry (News)]

On Fri, 25 Aug 2006 12:10:11 +0100, Rick waxed lyrical about:

It looks like the right plug but at nearly £30 it's a bit expensive for a multiway block!

I've now ordered a plug from CPC.

Thanks

Perry

[NoSpam]

I've been looking for one too, but I need to switch an earthed sub-woofer. I just ordered a switched outlet from oneclickpower (ref #GP6/2301) for £24.95.

Someone posted this on AVFORUMS a while ago:

"Bought one from Yamaha support themselves cost £9 Charles Hyde & Son, 1 Halifax Way, Pocklington Ind. Estate, Pocklington. YO42 1NR Tel: [phone]"

HTH

Dave

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Probably. However, it's not common to have a fuse on an aux outlet. Adds a couple of pennies to the unit cost.

But they couldn't when I got my amp some years ago. Nor could I find the actual 2 pin plug anywhere - although of course I couldn't really do a search on Japanese sites. I use the aux output on mine to switch a relay which did at one time switch everything on and off. That went out the window with the DLP TV, though...