Wander Plugs.

[Joe]

Since starting to mess about with old radios I've discovered that it's very difficult to obtain wander plugs. I quickly found that 3.5mm jack plugs are too fat but a few minutes ago I wondered about the central pin on RCA/phono plugs. These seemed about right and as I'd got a load I bought on e-Bay, without having any real use for, decided to experiment.

Pulling off the outer ring contact wasn't very difficult, had it been I'd have cut it, and low and behold it fits beautifully.

       

Joe

[AlanBeckett]

It doesn't look very authentic young Joe
Seriously, real Wander plugs had springy prongs to make good contact with the socket. Phono centres are plain. You might have to squeeze the socket gently to get a good electrical contact.
Alan

[Joe]

Agreed. All the ones I've tried it in were plenty tight enough but as we'll usually be working on our sets a nip on the sockets would be easy to do. It's got to be better than jamming the wire in with matches &c.

- Joe

[Geaney]

Farnell stock the real thing - I got 10 x red and 10 x black a while back - can't remember the price though.
Cheers,
John

[Joe]

Thanks, John. I know they used to but haven't been able to find them recently. I will look again.

- Joe

[Yorkie]

Thanks, John. I know they used to but haven't been able to find them recently. I will look again.

- Joe

These don't look bad at under a quid a pair inc VAT. Not actually 'wander plugs' but the right size - 2mm, rather than 4mm 'banana' plugs:


http://www.audiospares.com/product.php?productid=2045

David