I want to find a second source for an audio connector that my company
<www.lectrosonics.com> uses on lavaliere microphones. The connector
that we are currently using is made by Switchcraft
<www.switchcraft.com> and is their part number "TA5F". The complete
name they use is "TA5F TINI QG MINIATURE CONNECTOR".  Their patent
expired a few years ago and I am told that a sample part that we have
in hand, was made by a different, offshore company. The quality is
very high and uses gold plated contacts and actually works better than
the original Switchcraft part.

I have done searches using "TA5F", "TINI QG CONNECTOR", "MINIATURE
XLR" and "MINI XLR". "MINI XLR" is a generic name. I have also tried
one directory of Taiwan manufacturers, <http://manufacture.com.tw>.

I would like to have a web site for a manufacturer(s) other than
Switchcraft and/or a US distributor or sales rep so that we can
inquire about purchasing these connectors in OEM quantities.

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Request for Question Clarification by clouseau-ga on 20 Mar 2003 11:01 PST

Hello Larry,

I just wanted you to know that this question is not going ignored. It
is a difficult item to find. I spent 25 years in pro audio and I'm
well familiar with the connector you desire.

I spent quite a bit of time researching this and have found only one
possibility. They do have mini QG copies and the pins are gold plated,
but the US distributer only brings in 3 pin versions. They are
checking with the Asian factory for availability of 5 pin and I am
awaiting their reply. I will post of the answer is affirmative.

By the way, I "assumed" you might be interested in quantities of 1,000
pieces as my best guess. If this is off the mark, please post a
clarification on the quantities you desire as this might influence
both the availability and the price for these connectors.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 20 Mar 2003 12:04 PST

Just wanted to let you know that I too have been searching, and will
let you know if anything comes up.

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Clarification of Question by larryf-ga on 20 Mar 2003 12:30 PST

Hi Clouseau,
We would probably use about 5000/yr, as long as they are high quality.
I found a connector at Calrad but the photos and information were
fairly crude. I have both 5 pin and 3 pins versions in hand from the
unknown manufacturer.
Larry

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 23 Mar 2003 08:43 PST

What about custom made ones?  I think I may have a source for that...

jbf777-ga

Hello Larry,

Thank you for your question. 

This was a difficult search, as I am sure you know but I have found
one far east manufacturer with US offices that should be able to
supply your needs.

Take a look at this page:

http://www.shokaifareast.com/Products/Connectors/Misc%20Connectors/mic%20connectors/mic_connectors.htm

And...
http://www.shokaifareast.com/Products/Connectors/Misc%20Connectors/mic%20connectors/mic_plugs_1.htm


They have both nickel and gold plated and are obviously a copy of the
TA series from Switchcraft. The site shows only a 3 pin, but I have
both called and emailed them for details. The reply from the Far East
arrived this morning finally:


Here is contact information. I have been in contact with Alan Weisss:

Shokai Far East Ltd. 
9 Elena Court  
Peekskill NY 10567 
914-736-3500 Fax: 914-736-3656  
E-mail: sales@shokaifareast.com   
http:\\www.shokaifareast.com


Here is the content of this morning's email.

"We are pleased to offer the following: mini microphone connector
assembly type 5 pin female gold plated per enclosed drawings. (We
didn’t have a drawing of the Switchcraft part so we cannot confirm
this part mates with it.)

1000 pieces (min.)  $3.50 each

Pricing is FOB Taiwan via Air, for a single shipment of the indicated
quantity,  Freight is pre-paid and added. Delivery is about 10-13
weeks ARO. Terms are partial prepayment required, balance subject to
credit review. Parts are produced to order and non-cancelable,
non-returnable. Warranty, limitations of liability, and intended use
information is available on our website, www.shokaifareast.com. Offer
is valid for 2 weeks.


We hope this is helpful. We appreciate the opportunity to be of
assistance, and look forward to hearing from you.

Alan Weiss
Shokai Far East Ltd.
914-736-3500
alan.weiss@shokaifareast.com  "

I have posted their mechanical drawings here for you:

http://www.lucidmatrix.com/uploads/mini_mic.jpg   and

http://www.lucidmatrix.com/uploads/mini_micA.JPG 

These images will be deleted from this server within 30 days, so
please obtain a copy. As I am not skilled with drawings, please verify
that everything is accurate with this connector for you, and continue
the dialog with Alan Weiss. I would expect a sample would be available
for you to verify quality of their products.

Should this turn out not to be the proper connector, I will have my
answer removed by the Google Answer Editors and you will not be
charged for this answer. However, my email, conversations, view of
their site, etc. leads me to believe this is a TA5F copy and should be
an accurate answer to your question.

Please do let me know how this proceeds for you. Simply post another
Request for Clarification and I am notified in about an hour that you
have requested additional information or have posted a comment.


Best Regards,

-=clouseau=-

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Request for Answer Clarification by larryf-ga on 31 Mar 2003 13:04 PST

Hi Clouseau,
We will try the Shokai source and see what happens. The drawings
appear to be the same dimensions as the Switchcraft part. The price
seems a bit high compared to the Switchcraft part, but that's always
negotiable. Thanks for your complete answer.
Best regards
Larry Fisher

---

Clarification of Answer by clouseau-ga on 31 Mar 2003 15:49 PST

Hi Larry,

I think you will enjoy dealing with Alan. Seems to be very customer
oriented. And as you say, the price is negotiable, though I would
think part of the cost is the gold plating.

Thanks for the rating.

Best regards,

-=clouseau=-

Hi -

For what it's worth, I heard back from one of these Asian sources just
now on this.  They claim to have one similar to Switchcraft.  You can
email them at :
 
cwave@asiansources.com

Hi JB,
Thanks for the comment. Our purchasing agent sent a request to Asian
sources and also found cwave. I had not heard of Asian sources, which
is why he is our purchasing agent. We have ordered samples, since
their line looks pretty complete. Again thanks for the help.
Larry Fisher
Lectrosonics