Courtesy plug to IEC adapter for Fender Chassis

[p2pAmps]

Guys,

Does anyone know if someone makes an IEC adapter that will screw into the Courtesy plug hole on a Fender chassis?  I have of course looked around and couldn't find anything.  I'm not much in the mood to drop big bucks for a greenlee punch for something I won't use all that often.  I figure on some builds it would nice to have an IEC on the back panel. 

~Scaggs

[mresistor]

Do you mean the extra/auxillary AC socket/receptacle ?  so you're thinking a round shaped IEC type plug that is circular to fit? I've never seen anything like that in my e-travels.

[kagliostro]

Do a search for a friend with a 3D printer

to build the adapter between the standard IEC and the round hole on the chassis

Franco

[p2pAmps]

Do you mean the extra/auxillary AC socket/receptacle ?  so you're thinking a round shaped IEC type plug that is circular to fit? I've never seen anything like that in my e-travels.

That would be great or a plate adapter to make it fit.  Round IEC would be prime

[SILVERGUN]

I figure on some builds it would nice to have an IEC on the back panel.

Not sure if you've pictured this or not...
IEC receptacle on back panel to accept an IEC power cord to supply power to amp = OK (cord would be female IEC connector to standard 120V male plug)
 
IEC (as a replacement courtesy outlet) to provide power to another piece of equipment will require a special cord (female to female) if the other piece of equipment has an identical IEC receptacle on it.
 
There are of course other possibilities.
Just thinkin' out loud.

[g-man]

Deleted

[p2pAmps]

I figure on some builds it would nice to have an IEC on the back panel.

Not sure if you've pictured this or not...
IEC receptacle on back panel to accept an IEC power cord to supply power to amp = OK (cord would be female IEC connector to standard 120V male plug)
 
IEC (as a replacement courtesy outlet) to provide power to another piece of equipment will require a special cord (female to female) if the other piece of equipment has an identical IEC receptacle on it.
 
There are of course other possibilities.
Just thinkin' out loud.

Yeah I wasn't very clear, been a long day.

So what I would like to do is use the IEC for the AC mains only and do away with the strain relief. 

[p2pAmps]

I have done it this way on a couple of my amps. Not exactly pretty but works fine. You would need to fab a piece of metal or plastic to fully cover the opening.


http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=16591.msg163779#msg163779

I guess I could weld it up and finish it off nice so you would know.  Its the simple things that gets ya! 

[Ed_Chambley]

If you are wanting to not have the auxiliary plug and use that as your AC main I believe a weld would work.  I really like having the additional aux plug tho.  You can cut the smaller strain hole to accept an IEC as I have done it, but you have to use an "L" shaped power IEC cord or the backplate will be in the way.


With the L shaped plug it is a tight squeeze to get it in and you have to rotate it as you put it in.  I actually cut out and tolex a backplate to allow access for a straight IEC plug and retain both.  I like having additional outlets even to the point of installing a power strip inside the cab.

[p2pAmps]

If you are wanting to not have the auxiliary plug and use that as your AC main I believe a weld would work.  I really like having the additional aux plug tho.  You can cut the smaller strain hole to accept an IEC as I have done it, but you have to use an "L" shaped power IEC cord or the backplate will be in the way.


With the L shaped plug it is a tight squeeze to get it in and you have to rotate it as you put it in.  I actually cut out and tolex a backplate to allow access for a straight IEC plug and retain both.  I like having additional outlets even to the point of installing a power strip inside the cab.

I have seen some guy just turn their back panel upside down to accommodate what you are talking about.  Your idea of cutting the IEC hole where the strain relief goes is not a bad idea.

[eleventeen]

Somebody posted a pix of this very mod (for the older TWO wire AC chassis receptacle) some time ago, and it went over well. If I recall, the spacing of the mounting holes either side of the IEC inlet almost matched those of the original 2-wire receptacle. But they did not do anything to fill in the open area(s) left which IMO were acceptably small as they were. I believe on 80's & later Fenders that receptacle is a 3-wire type and it fits into a bigger hole which would leave bigger spaces around the IEC. That suggest an adapter plate. I doubt it would be invisible!

[Ed_Chambley]

If you are wanting to not have the auxiliary plug and use that as your AC main I believe a weld would work.  I really like having the additional aux plug tho.  You can cut the smaller strain hole to accept an IEC as I have done it, but you have to use an "L" shaped power IEC cord or the backplate will be in the way.


With the L shaped plug it is a tight squeeze to get it in and you have to rotate it as you put it in.  I actually cut out and tolex a backplate to allow access for a straight IEC plug and retain both.  I like having additional outlets even to the point of installing a power strip inside the cab.

I have seen some guy just turn their back panel upside down to accommodate what you are talking about.  Your idea of cutting the IEC hole where the strain relief goes is not a bad idea.

Yep. I have seen the flipped backplate, but it looks upside down to me.

[p2pAmps]

If you are wanting to not have the auxiliary plug and use that as your AC main I believe a weld would work.  I really like having the additional aux plug tho.  You can cut the smaller strain hole to accept an IEC as I have done it, but you have to use an "L" shaped power IEC cord or the backplate will be in the way.


With the L shaped plug it is a tight squeeze to get it in and you have to rotate it as you put it in.  I actually cut out and tolex a backplate to allow access for a straight IEC plug and retain both.  I like having additional outlets even to the point of installing a power strip inside the cab.

I have seen some guy just turn their back panel upside down to accommodate what you are talking about.  Your idea of cutting the IEC hole where the strain relief goes is not a bad idea.

Yep. I have seen the flipped backplate, but it looks upside down to me.

We are a couple of upside down guys anyway so it should look normal 

[Willabe]

We are a couple of upside down guys anyway so it should look normal 

   

[sluckey]

Mike, is this twist lock outlet something that would interest you? These are pretty common in the FAA.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-EA-HUBBELL-7487-G-MIDGET-FEMALE-FLUSH-BASE-3-PIN-TWIST-LOCK-15A-125V-GROUNDED-/172211770840

[p2pAmps]

Mike, is this twist lock outlet something that would interest you? These are pretty common in the FAA.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-EA-HUBBELL-7487-G-MIDGET-FEMALE-FLUSH-BASE-3-PIN-TWIST-LOCK-15A-125V-GROUNDED-/172211770840

Steve,

That would most certainly work but would require a special power cord as you know.  I am looking for an IEC which just about anyone has laying around.  The whole subject matter is not that big of deal but it sure would be nice to have...  I think a lot of builder would use a round IEC male receptacle. 

[EL34]

Looks by the picture that a small IEC receptacle fits into the round hole?

Maybe a hole blocker plate adapter would work?

[p2pAmps]

Looks by the picture that a small IEC receptacle fits into the round hole?

Maybe a hole blocker plate adapter would work?

An adapter would be great...  Know of one?

[EL34]

No, I may be able to design one and have Mojo make it on their laser cutting machine

It's nothing that can be done right away though
That process takes a while

What is the exact diameter of the chassis hole?
I don't have an old fender chassis here that I can measure


Depends on if there's enough material around the outside of the IEC or not
If the IEC is right up against the edges of the circle, it would not be possible to make a one piece adapter

[EL34]

Looks to me looking at the Specs on the IEC receptacle that the Fender chassis would have to be modified

The screw holes do not line up and so the chassis holes need to be modified
That is assuming the chassis holes are 1.5 inches center to center on the chassis

The big round hole in the Fender chassis would have to be 1.25 inches in diameter for the IEC to fit in the hole
I can't see how big the actual chassis hole is in my Fenders
It looks like the round receptacle is smaller on the back and so the chassis hole may be 1 inch in diameter???

The drawing below is a IEC laid over the top of a fender chassis
Blue is IEC
Green is fender chassis

Note that the big round green hole is 1.25 inches in diameter in my drawing
The actual hole is probably smaller and so the IEC would not fit into the hole?

I would need the exact diameter of the Fender chassis hole and then change my drawing

[p2pAmps]

Looks to me looking at the Specs on the IEC receptacle that the Fender chassis would have to be modified

The screw holes do not line up and so the chassis holes need to be modified
That is assuming the chassis holes are 1.5 inches center to center on the chassis

The big round hole in the Fender chassis would have to be 1.25 inches in diameter for the IEC to fit in the hole
I can't see how big the actual chassis hole is in my Fenders
It looks like the round receptacle is smaller on the back and so the chassis hole may be 1 inch in diameter???

The drawing below is a IEC laid over the top of a fender chassis
Blue is IEC
Green is fender chassis

Note that the big round green hole is 1.25 inches in diameter in my drawing
The actual hole is probably smaller and so the IEC would not fit into the hole?


I would need the exact diameter of the Fender chassis hole and then change my drawing

I can measure it up later tonight if I get home at a decent hour.  Got to work all day and then off to a session right after job#1.  Anyone else got a minute to measure up?

[EL34]

No hurry
This is just an idea at this point

I doubt most people would want to modify a Fender chassis

Not even sure how many people would be interested in having an IEC plug in the back??

[p2pAmps]

No hurry
This is just an idea at this point


I doubt most people would want to modify a Fender chassis


Not even sure how many people would be interested in have an IEC plug in the back??

I'm sure you're right Doug. 

[EL34]

It would not pan out unless it's something that many people would want to have

There would be CNC Setup charges and minimum quantities on the order

The only way it works out better is if Mojo also wants to sell the item

That's what I did on my Stout chassis, bias checkers and relay boards
Mojo sells all of those items

[p2pAmps]

It would not pan out unless it's something that many people would want to have

There would be CNC Setup charges and minimum quantities on the order

The only way it works out better is if Mojo also wants to sell the item

That's what I did on my Stout chassis, bias checkers and relay boards
Mojo sells all of those items

Agree 100%. 

Seems like an IEC mount for a round hole would be a standard fair...  Oh well, I'll just keep using relief strains for now.  I never seem to have the right one on hand LOL...  I need a bag of small, Med, and Large I guess

[EL34]

Most all of the Fender chassis I repaired used the 5/8 inch one that I stock

Princeton's had a small hole that I used a greenlee punch on to make them 5/8 inch

I only had to stock one size

[g-man]

Deleted

[EL34]

Fortunately, the Mojo chassis I sell just have a strain relief hole for the power cord

[mresistor]

Hey Mr Scaggs - I read where a guy is putting one of these in that auxiliary socket hole and keeps track of the hours on his power tubes.. Kind of a neat idea.. 


 http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Hobbs+Hour+Meter&_itemId=140736571848&_trksid=p2047675.m4099

[p2pAmps]

Hey Mr Scaggs - I read where a guy is putting one of these in that auxiliary socket hole and keeps track of the hours on his power tubes.. Kind of a neat idea.. 


 http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Hobbs+Hour+Meter&_itemId=140736571848&_trksid=p2047675.m4099

Interesting.  Wonder how it knows :)

[mresistor]

It counts that time that B+ is applied.   

[p2pAmps]

Look what I found!  Pretty dang rare from my searches...

[shooter]

Look what I found

Hording might be a sign of underlying physiological issues
nice score 

[p2pAmps]

Look what I found

Hording might be a sign of underlying physiological issues
nice score

Ha!

[Ugly Distortion]

If such an adapter, or integral unit, was ever made the maker would have a small monopoly, probably get Mojo, CE Dist, Weber, TAD, Tube-Town, Uraltone, etc etc... to stock them. Should be a profit.

The big appeal to me is not retro-fits but that I could just knock out for an IEC with a round punch like the old Bulgins. The %$#&-ing IEC is the hardest part for a hobbyist. I draw the IEC trapezoid shape, I made a little template, find center, drill, use a 3/4 punch, nibbler, file, test fit, file some more, clean up the mess... always looks like a reptile chewed it, at least from the inside. Big suckness - way worse than heaters.

Maybe a round IEC, one that could rotate might be illegal, not sure if that matters in the vintage tube amp world, might not pass international norms? Might prevent Mouser from carrying it, but maybe it's alright in the vintage/clone/tweaker world. Anyway, I'd line up for a couple.

[vibrolax]

FYI, the grounded panel mount receptacle with mounting "wings" is Amphenol part # 160-2-N, last manufactured by Cooper Industries.

There is also the 160-10-N, which has just the round phenolic part with a groove cut in it for a wavy snap-in retaining ring.

[Willabe]

21(?) grounded, nice!   

[p2pAmps]

21(?) grounded, nice!   

''

Im a courtesy plug hoarder now I guess...

[Willabe]

 

[drgonzonm]

After perusing this thread, I didn't see any warnings about how the safety of using the the amp. The safety would be severely compromised. You do not, and I repeat you do not want a hot male plug exposed on the chassis.  From a safety issue, this is two or three magnitudes more dangerous than the death cap this forum is always suggesting one eliminates. 

The picture showing the female plugs is the way to go.

If you came into my establishment with this amp, I would first ask are you sure you want to use this equipment, If you insist, then I would throw you out after calling the fire Marshall. 

[Willabe]

Yep.

[jojokeo]

After perusing this thread, I didn't see any warnings about how the safety of using the the amp. The safety would be severely compromised. You do not, and I repeat you do not want a hot male plug exposed on the chassis.

??? With all respect what does this add and help on the subject? Is everyone here just a bunch of unsafe dumbasses? Maybe I missed something but I don't see any "hot male plug exposed" except for maybe you Mr drgonzonm?

ps- an IEC that could be installed simply by drilling a round hole would be nice to have. However I imagine that it would have to have a keyway or something to prevent it from being able to be turned/twisted and likely why it has the sort of shape it does? When forced to I do as Stu/Gman does and it doesn't bother me at all... this was on a Hammond chassis build

[drgonzonm]

Mr. Jojokeo,

read this thread, at least contributor mentioned female to female plug, this indicates that contributor thought the male plug was hot.   

99% of the readers on this forum are not dumbasses, but I seen worse in the work place.  (480v, 3 phase pigtail,  clips, electrical shop, plugged in, laying on a concrete floor).

[p2pAmps]

Mr. Jojokeo,

read this thread, at least contributor mentioned female to female plug, this indicates that contributor thought the male plug was hot.   

99% of the readers on this forum are not dumbasses, but I seen worse in the work place.  (480v, 3 phase pigtail,  clips, electrical shop, plugged in, laying on a concrete floor).

Ok,

So I think there is a confusion here.

If we were talking about a courtesy plug then it would be hot and OF COURSE you would not use a male IEC. 

If we are talking about the mains or primary to the PT, then a male IEC is no issue and is obviously used in many amps already.

Fair enough 

[Ed_Chambley]

Fair enough.  Now tell me how long it takes an elephant to stomp a bucket of water until it evaporates?

[p2pAmps]

Fair enough.  Now tell me how long it takes an elephant to stomp a bucket of water until it evaporates?

[shooter]

until it evaporates

I believe evaporating elephants might be animal cruelty

[Willabe]

Now tell me how long it takes an elephant to stomp a bucket of water until it evaporates?

7, 1 to hold the light bulb and 6 to turn the ladder.

Oh, wait, that's a different joke.