Add alternative physical standards

[SmittyHalibut]

Discussion has brought up that RJ-45 isn't a very rugged connector. Several alternatives have been proposed:

(To be clear: these are proposed as additional alternative standards, not to replace RJ-45. RJ-45 will remain the "default.")

EtherCON

https://www.neutrik.com/en/products/data/ethercon

Basically, an RJ-45 in an XLR shell. I like this for its backward compatibility. The only thing required in the standard is to mention that RJ-45 sockets could use EtherCON connectors instead, which would allow the user to choose EtherCON cables for ruggedized installs.

DE-9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-subminiature

They're ubiquitous, inexpensive, very rugged, and people know how to use them.

My concern with DE-9 is that there's no existing standard for paired pins. So it would have to be a shielded cable, or risk picking up noise in the mic line. Even with a fully shielded cable, there's the risk of cross talk between headphones and mic.

Add to the document the following:

• Pinouts: Make sure that paired signals are close to each other in the connector; a 1-to-1 mapping with RJ-45 pinout would have Mic+ and Mic GND split across the connector, and that's bad.
• Male/Female conventions: At first blush, the Radio side should be female and the User side male. Because the Radio side provides 5vDC power; if it were male, it would risk accidental shorting of those pins.
• Cables must be either paired, or shielded, or ideally both.

miniXLR 6-pin

http://www.arlancommunications.com/products/amateurRadio/radioSport/Headsets.asp https://www.switchcraft.com/mini-xlr-connectors/?pg=1&mpp=96&n4=6

Chatting with David Bottom of Radio Sport, he STRONGLY encouraged use of the 6-pin miniXLR. It's an existing standard on headsets, is commonly available, and is very rugged. He's had very good experience with them.

The problem is they're only 6-pin:

1. Mic GND
2. PTT
3. Mic+
4. Left Speaker
5. Right Speaker
6. Speaker Common/PTT Gnd
7. Cable Shield to connector shield. (Separate from Ground)

It combines Headphone GND and Power GND (which isn't the end of the world; at least it keeps Mic GND separate), and it does not provide any power pin.

Add to the document:

• Pinout: For the love of bacon and all that is tasty, use the existing pinout listed above.
• Male/Female convention, though I think this is pretty solidified: Cables are Female to Female, devices are Male.
• Cables must be paired, or shielded, or both.

miniXLR 8-pin

https://www.switchcraft.com/mini-xlr-connectors/?pg=1&mpp=96&n4=8

An 8-pin miniXLR loses compatibility with the existing 6-pin standard, but allows us to remain electrically consistent with the RJ-45 "base" standard, and get all the other mechanical benefits of the miniXLR connector.

Add to the document:

• Pinout: Probably start with the 6 pin and just add what we need.
• Male/Female conventions. Same as 6 pin
• Cables bla bla, same as 6 pin.

[SmittyHalibut]

Suggestion from ... I can't remember where, but look for something that can be made waterproof for HT use. I think they mean water proof while not being used.

I'm sure there are ways to water proof an RJ45, but I think they were also looking for something smaller/thinner.