Puzzle for retro computing folks

Off Topic
1

An associate of mine is looking for a replacement (optical) patch cable for a TI Explorer, which looks like this:

Clearly a duplex unit, ends are conical.

Here’s a shot of the receptacle:

Per the manual, “data transfer rate of 68Mbps”

Some further information from my associate:

that connects the cpu /backplane chassis with the console, which has a 1024x808 display, keyboard/mouse, 3 channels of 16kHz audio, and mic

So… yeah, old school.

Trying to find the terminology so that the cable can be fabricated or sourced.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

2

You might try seeing if two TOSLINK (or Optical SPIDF) cables would work.

3

I’ve seen fiber in data centers for over 20 years and not seen that style connector. Nor does it show up in one of the more complete visual lists I’ve found:

https://www.thefoa.org/tech/connID.htm

And it stinks that it is the console cable. Makes getting one of those old systems running a real pain if you can’t find one.

4

The TOSLINK/Optical SPIDF cable ends are too small to play.

kbraby, they’ve been all over thefoa.org’s website already, no love there.

Thanks. :slight_smile:

5

I wasn’t expecting them to “just fit” I meant more as a source of optical fiber. Have you tried jigging them in place to see if they pass enough light to make the thing work? If so then maybe you could rig up an adapter plate.

I really doubt you’ll find anything that will just work.