| Question: What does this connector look like? |
| MonoPhone Plug
|
StereoPhone Plug
|
| Panel-mount Jack
|
In-line Jack
|
| 1/4" (6.35 mm) Plug
|
1/8" (3.5 mm) Plug
|
3/32" (2.5 mm) Plug 
|
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|
| Question: What variations of this connector are available? |
Answer: Phone connectors vary in size, mono vs. stereo, mounting type, connection method, and plating.
| Size |
Common Usage |
| 1/4" (6.35 mm) |
Microphones, Headsets for Home Systems |
| 1/8" (3.5 mm) |
Small Microphones, Headsets for Portable Audio |
| 3/32" (2.5 mm) |
Headsets for Portable Audio, Telephones and Communications Radios |
| Mono vs. Stereo |
Identification and Usage |
| Mono (Monaural) |
One band on barrel of plug |
| Stereo (Binaural) |
Two bands on barrel of plug |
| Mounting Method |
Advantage |
| Panel-mount |
Designed to be mounted in an enclosure. |
| In-line Mount |
Designed to be attached to the end of a cable. |
| Connection Method |
Advantage |
| Solderless |
Easier to connect to the cable.
Doesn't require a soldering iron. |
| Solder-type |
More secure connection to the cable. |
| Plating |
Advantage |
| Nickel-plated |
Costs less. |
| Gold-plated |
Greater corrosion resistance and conductivity. |
| Shielding |
Advantage |
| Non-shielded |
Costs less. |
| Shielded |
Greater resistance to RF (radio-frequency) interference. |
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|
| Question: What is this connector used for? |
Answer: Phone connectors are used primarily for connecting headphones and microphones.
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|
| Question: What cable or cables are used with this connector? |
Answer: Mono phone connectors use single-conductor cables. Stereo phone conductors use two-conductor cables.
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|
| Question: How is this connector attached to the cable? |
Answer: The standard connections for the four cable/connector combinations are given below:
| Mono, Unshielded |
| On Connector |
On Cable |
| Tip |
Conductor |
| Mono, Shielded |
|
| On Connector |
On Cable |
| Tip |
Conductor |
| Sleeve/Ground |
Shield |
| Stereo, Unshielded |
|
| On Connector |
On Cable |
| Tip |
Conductor #1 |
| Ring |
Conductor #2 |
| Stereo, Shielded |
|
| On Connector |
On Cable |
| Tip |
Conductor #1 |
| Ring |
Conductor #2 |
| Sleeve/Ground |
Shield |
An illustration of one of our stereo phone plugs designed to be connected to a shielded cable is given below:
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|
| Question: Where can I get this type of connector? |
Answer: Phone connectors can be ordered online (1/4" connectors, 1/8" connectors, 3/32" connectors) through your local RadioShack store, or by calling our order center at 800-241-8742.
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|
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