For the Electronics Gurus

[Albert]

I'm looking for a very compact 90 degree angled 3.5mm stereo headphone jack. I have a small digital AM/FM radio that I like to take along on longer trips. I recently found a nice waterproof box that can be RAM mounted but there's just not enough room to plug the headphones in using the standard angled plug. If I could find a flat angled jack to plug into the radio it would work perfectly. I can usually solder something together without burning the house down so making something up isn't a problem. Finding a suitable part is. Any ideas much appreciated.

[SageRider]

I think this item at RadioShack might be what you are looking for. Check your local stores for availability as there is no stock online.

[Albert]

Thanks Michael, yes that is what I'm looking for but I need one that's really compact (as in flat). The space between the side of the enclosure and the side of the radio won't permit a plug this thick to fit. I've seen 1/4" plugs that are flat (from Radio Shack even), but I've yet to see a 3.5mm one. This will definetly require some kind of specialty plug if there's one available. Thanks again.

[SageRider]

Al,

I am assuming you would plug the adapter in once then install the radio in the box. the headset lead would then be plugged in & out of the adapter jack. I cannot picture a jack being much thinner as it has to be of sufficient diameter as to be able to accept the plug from the headset.

Sounds more like a short molded right angle plug extension cable might be applicable here. Looking...

[Albert]

Here's an example of what I'm looking for. Unfortunately it's only available (from Radio Shack) in a 1/4" version.

 

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....rentPage=family

[smiller]

Sometimes the best solution to this dilemma is to simply buy an el cheapo MP3 player headset that has the connector you want and cut off the cord at the headset. That way you get a molded plug and cable ready to go, often at a lower price than if you had bought the individual parts.

[Edgar]

In the past I’ve had John Brown from Mix-It make a custom cable for my different applications. It has been very good experience and he gets them out the door quickly. He has provided isolation cables at a custom length and configuration at a fraction of the Autocom price.

[Carnadero]

The smallest 3.5mm (1/8") right angle plug I've seen is one from Neutrik.

 

When plugged in, the right angle part of the connector sticks up .591" from I guess what would be called the mating surface, which is probably still going to be too much. A link to an Acrobat document is provided that gives dims.

 

I suspect something else is going to have to be rigged up, or a slightly bigger box acquired.

 

Edit: There may be another more compact one from Switchcraft. Problem is, no data sheet is available.

[Albert]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to wind up "customizing" either a plug or the box.

[Fergie]

Albert, just plug it in and hit it with a hammer untill it's flat enough just kidding. Take your present plug and cut it apart carefully, drill a 3.5mm hole in a piece of wood, grab a small piece of wax paper and push the plug throught and into the hole in the wood the proper amount. This will keep the epoxy from sticking to the wood. Staple the wire to the wood back far enough to be out of the way. Push the wire flat against the wood. Get some two part 60 second epoxy that comes in the tubes and coat the end of the plug a ways up the wire. You may need two or three coats.

[Albert]

Excellent Fergie, thanks.!!