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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets.

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Old 8th Nov 2021, 9:06 pm   #1
Uncle Bulgaria
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Default 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

I have come across a number of what I've identified as Air Ministry 316 jacks and plugs. They're wonderfully solid and I'd hope to be able to use them. Apart from the ball end, the plugs appear almost identical to the 1/4" ones I'm familiar with. However, there appears to be some ambivalence over whether these are really interchangeable or cause damage to the contacts. Can anyone give a definitive answer?
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Old 8th Nov 2021, 11:04 pm   #2
wireman
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

You might find this interesting:

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniq...shop-patchbays
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Old 8th Nov 2021, 11:23 pm   #3
Uncle Bulgaria
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

Thanks wireman, though that might muddy the waters! Perhaps I've got the terminology wrong - the attached photograph shows the connectors I have here, which are not the type with the smaller ball end, next to a 1/4" mono plug.
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Old 9th Nov 2021, 4:24 am   #4
peter_sol
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

The newer types we have these days with the more pointed tip are just a style. Older types always had the more rounded tip.
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Old 9th Nov 2021, 10:23 am   #5
Radio1950
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

The red plug is a PO type "tip sleeve" type in a PO type "tip, ring, sleeve" socket.
The TRS is purposely designed for balanced above earth audio line circuits.

The conical tip plugs came in later, like about 30 years?
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Old 10th Nov 2021, 1:16 am   #6
Silicon
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

Do you have any BPO B-gauge jack plugs or sockets to compare with them?

Did anyone ever manufacture a jack plug that was compatible with both the A-gauge and B-gauge jack sockets?
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Old 13th Nov 2021, 12:58 am   #7
Uncle Bulgaria
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

I guess 'B gauge' are the type with the smaller ball on the end? No, the only ones I've got are the ones in the picture. I found a stack of the jacks and a few of the large ball-ended plugs in my grandfather's stuff.

I guess the jack shown could be used for stereo, as the sleeve and bracket assembly is isolated from the rest, though has no spring-loaded contact force.
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Old 13th Nov 2021, 1:32 am   #8
emeritus
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Default Re: 316 and 1/4" jacks and plugs - interchangeable?

According to a contemporary RS cataogue, when VAT was first introduced, no VAT was payable on the small tip version as it was classified as being for professional use. VAT was charged on the large tip version.
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