Q Carl, W3MAO, asks, “My Kenwood TS-570D transceiver has a 13-pin receptacle for accessories. They provide a 13- pin DIN plug with the radio. This plug has 13 stubs on the wiring side that do not appear to be meant for soldering. Is there some kind of adapter that I can use with this plug to make an otherwise difficult solder job easier?”
A Through the years, I have encountered DIN plugs like the ones you describe. MFJ sells their 5213 open-end-adapter for $9.95, but if you opt to make your own, careful soldering is required.
If the wire is thin enough, and you are not connecting to adjacent pins, you can form a small loop at the tip of the wire, bend it 90° and slide it onto the pin for soldering. More often than notyou are forced to “tack” solder the wire on, and when you are done, “pot” the connector with silicon rubber or another sealing compound to insulate the wires and pins from each other.
From QST December 2000
