Open SmittyHalibut opened 1 year ago
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.
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.
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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:
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.
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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.
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