I'm trying to make my own wander lead out of surplus 1.5mm single-core. I've searched high and low but I can't find 4mm sockets that you can attach to the end of a cable. I can find several 4mm plugs though. Is 'socket' the wrong word to search for? They must exist, right?
Alex
You mean the things we used to call banana plugs? I think you'll only find sockets that are meant to be mounted in a chassis. I've never seen one that attaches to the end of a cable.
It is called a line socket. However, I'd just use a normal panel socket and a few layers of heatshrink according to the voltage you are using.
They're usually made up from extra-flexible cable (as used for test meter leads).
Some of the plugs have a socket in the rear - stackable type.
Only other option I can think of is to use a panel mounting socket and sleave it, with a rubber boot if you can find a small enough one, or heatshrink sleaving.
On Monday 04 March 2013 10:42 Georg von Krapp wrote in uk.d-i-y:
Yep - I could only find chassis sockets (and banana plug = 4mm plug).
I soldered my wander lead onto the scoket and covered in heatshrink and it works well enough on a fee lead.
I just use chassis ones, and insulate the ends with heat shrink sleeving.
CN06233/CN06234
They must exist somewhere - since I have a test meter extension lead that has a flying socket on one end...
For maximum utility, try using female-female connectors:
On Monday 04 March 2013 12:04 Terry Fields wrote in uk.d-i-y:
Err that's a phono, not a banana...
I misread that as "a phone, not a banana"
On the other hand:
On Monday 04 March 2013 13:00 Bob Eager wrote in uk.d-i-y:
I want one :L
Using a banana as a female - female connector?? I'm sure I've seen a film about that!
Doh! So they are...but banana/4mm female/female connectors are about, I've a small number here. Great for extending cable runs. Mine came from RS about 25 years ago.
Somewhere I have one or two "female" wander plugs but not in banana plug size. The wander plug was a bit smaller than the banana plug - possibly 1/8" diameter and normaly of "split pin" construction.
Or if nothing else is to hand, SO239 female/female RF adaptors will accept
4mm/banana plugs.
Purrfect! Thanks. I knew they had to exist.
Alex
"If I were a rich man, a yada dada dada daaa.."
The proper leads cost about £50. I wondered why, given the cost of cable. Now it makes sense. I'll slum it with my homemade one for the moment.
Alex
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