WANTED: 71B port covers

[rprosperi]

(04-18-2021 08:31 PM)Dave Britten Wrote:  

(04-03-2021 05:14 PM)rprosperi Wrote:  I assume the HP-IL works, but I'll caution you that sometimes it's far harder than you might guess to remove HP-IL cables; since the module's case/frame/body seems to be missing or damaged, be careful to hold the adapter/module in-place when pulling out the cables (always holding/pulling the backshell, never the cable itself).

I've noticed that with mine. The port next to the power supply jack disconnects easily, but the other port is much tougher to remove. Might just be specific to the cables on my PIL-Box. Is it safe to put a little electrical grease - maybe headlight bulb grease - into the connectors to loosen them up a little?

I've never tried that, but I assume it's safe to do so. It won't hurt the metal connectors for sure, and I doubt very much if it affects the plastic. But it could attract dust and eventually that mix will dry to gunk that may inhibit connection, but that would take years, depending on your environment.

These connectors will loosen with use over time, at least when using the same cables. My original 71B from '84 is still tight enough to retain the cables, but otherwise fairly loose and easy to insert/remove.