PS/2 Interface (was: Wang 300 Calc]

[Tony Duell]

> 
> On Saturday 15 September 2007 18:40, Tony Duell wrote:
> > Of course no sane person uses mains connectors for anything but
> > mains. Note I said 'sane'. There was at least one UK audio amplifier
> > (I think it was a Pye) that used the same type connector -- a 2 pin
> > Bulgin thing -- for both mains input and loudspeaker output. Swap
> > them round, and you needed a new output transfdormer. I also once had
> > to repair an infrared spectrometer where the manufacturers had used
> > such a Bulgin mains connector for the analogue output signal. 
> 
> What connector is that exactly?  Bulgin seems to make a variety of 
> different connectors.  Do you mean one of the IEC-320 series, like a 
> C18?

Oh mo, it's not one of the _modern_ standard mains connectors.

Bulgin make/made a large variety of connectors along with things like 
fuseholders, switches, knobs, etc. I probably have an old enough 
catalouge somewhere to get the exact part number, but %deity knows where 
said catalogue is :-)

I am not sure if theyr were ever used outside the UK (but the 3 pin 
versionswere very common as mains connectors in the 1950s/1960s here). I 
can't think of any classic-computer related device that used them.

Anyway, the connectors I am thinking of were part of as series. They were 
circular, most of them were chassis mouting plugs and cable sockets. The 
plug was recessed into the panel, and the socket part fitted into it. 
There were 1.5A and 5A versions with 2, 3, or 6 pins. Polaraision was 
acheaived by a groove down the side of the socket part and a 
corresponding ridge in the recessed plug. In many cases the wire 
terminals on the socket part were covered by a simple screw-on cap which 
means they're not not approved for use above 50V (since you can unscrew 
said cap and get access to live parts without the use of a tool). There 
were later mocels of some of the sockets with the cover held on by 
screws, AFAIK those are still OK for mains use.

If you like I can tey to find the part numbers for them.

-tony