ESB: the "split plug" issue

volkerc

Active Hunter
Well, where should I start? I just got reminded that I could share some more information. About the "split plugs" used on the shoulder stock of the ESB blaster. "Split plug" is already a term that only confuses the heck out of some folks that still have those lying around somewhere. What's often referred to as a split plug is nothing more than a connector/plug that was "split" open so it could be attached flat to the shoulder stock. In order to locate these, a bit more information is always helpful, so here it goes.
The ones that I have located were manufactured by a german company called "Hirschmann". They are well known for their antennas, be it cars or household. If you look at the center of the plug in the picture below, you need to imagine that two little metal pins go through there to connect to your old radio or tv. Cause that's what they have been used for, to connect an antenna to your TV or radio. Having been able to find the originals I can provide you with the parts number (stamped onto the part), and I can also tell you guys that the manufacturer is out of all old stock, otherwise I would have offered them here to you guys. They have long been discontinued, mostly saw use in the 60's/70's.
The picture below shows the front and the back. The circle you see on the back depicting an "h" is the companies logo. There are LMK/AM connectors(pictured) and UKW/FM connectors(not pictured). They both look identical folded open, but the FM connector has a plastic pin on the back that needs to be cut off, but can be used as well, same look, everything, as you won't see the back on the stock anyways. These connectors have also been used on other Star Wars costumes. The part number for the FM connector was 730 854 and the part number for the AM connector was 730 851. The cable that was used on these plugs was a flat wire, not round as used on later connectors. In order to get an idea how the closed connector looks like, take a look at the backside, imagine that the area with the two holes is the bottom and to the left and the right is a view of the side. Mine came from the U.K. and that's the best place to look for them. Hope this helps you guys.

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Wow Volkerc, another great find!

Do have a job or anything? How do you find the time track this stuff down?

"Where does he get those wonderful toys?" - J
 
There are also variations of these. I purchased a set years ago, only to find out they were correct in length, but wider than all the others I had.....so I sent them back. Although the wrong size, they interestingly had the correct ribbed backside; same as the ones on the ESB portable scanner. The scanner is the only prop where the plugs were put on with the outside of the plug facing out. Both the Vader reveal and the Fett ESB rifle had them put on with the inside of the plug facing out. Regardless, assuming the same plug was used on all three props, I've never actually seen the exact/correct plug found by anyone.
 
volkerc, what is the measurement of those, i think you were asked, will you be casting these? Do you know what the middle square looks like or what it is ? as there seems to be a couple of different version to buy here and on ebay.
Any response is highly appreciated, and again how do you find the time?
mars
 
volkerc, what is the measurement of those, i think you were asked, will you be casting these? Do you know what the middle square looks like or what it is ? as there seems to be a couple of different version to buy here and on ebay.
Any response is highly appreciated, and again how do you find the time?
mars

the day has 24 hours....;). i assume with the middle square you are talking about the red anodized piece in between the am connectors? i don't know 100% yet. so far my searches led to a few rumors/suggestions only. it is believed to be part of a rotary switch eventually used for myford lathe machines. don't take this as confirmed until someone comes up with the real piece.
 
so are you going to cast them , at least I could get the right size.
others have tried but there is no telling if we are putting the correct size or not .
And what red anodised piece, I didn't even know it was red!
thanks Volkerc
mars
 
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