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DIN Connectors

From Left: Line Plug, Chassis Socket

Description

Round, push-fit connectors available in 2-8, 13 & 14-pin versions, including 3 different 5-pin types, and 2 different 8-pin types. Line plugs, line sockets and panel mounting sockets are available. 3-8 pin types all have the same size shell, and some are interchangeable (e.g. a 3-pin plug will fit a 5-pin socket). A notch in the shell ensures the plug will only fit one way round. Most common is the 5-pin 'A' type, used for audio and computer keyboard connections.

Typical Applications

2-pin - loudspeaker connections

5-pin - audio line level input/output (e.g. 'tape'), keyboard (not PS/2)

8-pin - stage lighting control (6 channel 0-10V analogue)

13 & 14-pin - Atari computer equipment

Other applications requiring a low voltage mutipole connector

Mini versions of these connectors are also available - see here for data.

Pin Assignments

Note the odd pin numbering - designed so that the pin numbers stay the same regardless of the number of pins in the connector:

DIN Connector Numbering viewed from mating face of plug (male connector)

0-10V Lighting Control (8-pin):

Pin Pulsar Equipment Strand Equipment Etc.
1 L.V. Supply (18-25V) Channel 1
2 Ground (0V) Channel 2
3 Channel 1 Channel 3
4 Channel 2 Channel 4
5 Channel 3 Channel 5
6 Channel 4 Channel 6
7 Channel 5 L.V. Supply (-ve Strand, +ve others)
8 Channel 6 Ground (0V)

Low Votage Supply provided by dimmer packs etc. to power controller.
Check with the manufacturers if in doubt as to which type of wiring your equipment uses. Be careful when connecting equipment from different manufacturers.

Loudspeaker (2-pin):

Round Pin - Positive
Flat Pin - Negative

Computer Keyboard (5-pin Type A):

Pin 1: Clock
Pin 2: Data
Pin 3: Reset on old XT keyboards, otherwise unused
Pin 4: Ground (0V)
Pin 5: VCC (+5V from computer)

Audio (5-pin Types A,B,C):

Key to pin-out diagram colour coding
DIN Pin-Outs (1)
DIN Pin-Outs (2)
DIN Pin-Outs (3)
DIN Pin-Outs (4)
DIN Pin-Outs (5)
DIN Pin-Outs (6)

Connector Assembly Instructions

Line Plug / Socket:

Normally solder connections. Thread outer cover onto cable, solder wires to pins, then assembly 2 halves of shell around connections and close cable clamp with pliers. Slide the plastic cover over the shell - a tab on the metal shell holds it on (you will need to bend the tab in to remove the cover again). 2-pin plugs/sockets may have screw connections and a push-on cover.

Chassis Socket:

Normally solder connections. It may help to fix the socket to the panel first to hold it steady.

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