B4 valve base as connector - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

stevehertz · 15th Jul 2020, 5:05 pm

Amongst my stuff I found this B4 'valve base' with a bakelite cap to accommodate a flying lead. I presume it would have been used to make, well any, 'off the chassis' connection to something that required up to four wires such as a mains energised speaker etc? The pin that's furthest away from the others is slightly longer, would that have been to ease insertion?

G6Tanuki · 15th Jul 2020, 5:15 pm

I wonder if the longer pin was intended to operate a switch? Like if you're using the plug to connect an external loudspeaker the switch would disconnect the internal one?

(an idea which was also used in some '60s audio gear, but with 'long nose' RCA/Phono plugs]

stevehertz · 15th Jul 2020, 7:18 pm

Good 'point' there.

15th Jul 2020, 5:05 pm	#1
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,828	B4 valve base as connector Amongst my stuff I found this B4 'valve base' with a bakelite cap to accommodate a flying lead. I presume it would have been used to make, well any, 'off the chassis' connection to something that required up to four wires such as a mains energised speaker etc? The pin that's furthest away from the others is slightly longer, would that have been to ease insertion? Attached Thumbnails __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

15th Jul 2020, 5:15 pm	#2
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 13,995	Re: B4 valve base as connector I wonder if the longer pin was intended to operate a switch? Like if you're using the plug to connect an external loudspeaker the switch would disconnect the internal one? (an idea which was also used in some '60s audio gear, but with 'long nose' RCA/Phono plugs]

15th Jul 2020, 7:18 pm	#3
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,828	Re: B4 valve base as connector Good 'point' there. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..