Vector RE 23921 9-pin mini socket/eyelet experience?

[Murrayatuptown]

I found some used Vector 9 pin mini tube sockets with two arrays of 'breadboard' eyelets (vs. turrets). In addition to the standard eyelets, there are two rings of six heavier-duty eyelets, labeled with letters (A-F & G-L) suggesting there is an intelligent way to plan a layout to use them. There is also one eyelet at the very bottom that is connected to the 'rivet?' in the center of the socket pattern on the top where the tube is inserted. That rivet isn't usable as a shield ground but I suppose the eyelet at the very bottom could function as a local ground/return for each tube.

They were alot of work to desolder so I feel like it it would be wise to ask about layout logic...kind of like measure twice, cut once...and avoid reworking them again after doing something dumb that doesn't reveal itself until near-completion.

I think they were intended not as bread-board platforms but 'build & don't touch until some repair is needed' .

I guess they saved horizontal real estate by using depth for layout instead of width & length.

Since they are so different from conventional point-to-point construction, I suppose layout deserves special attention.

Kind of obscure nowadays...like waxed lacing cord...

Thanks

[Stevem]

There is only two one type of 9 pin socket size wise, so what do you mean by mini?

Can you post up a picture?

[sluckey]

Vector sockets were used quite a bit in high freq military equipment such as UHF radios and radar. I've also seen them in high quality '50s test equipment. Here's some pics on eBay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Vintage-Cinc ... 1196.m2219

RCA has always called 9-pin and 7-pin tubes "miniature type". Here's a clip from the RCA-30 tube manual...

[Murrayatuptown]

Thank you, yes, and thank you.

I said mini in case there was some other odd 9-pin tube I'm unfamiliar with. I've seen 9-pin sockets (probably not for tubes) that are easily mistaken for octal (once...so I always count those!). I have some old mic transformers with those...I've heard people say 9-pin octal (really?).

My question is a little out in the weeds (not something very common these days) so I thought I should try to be specific.

I know those Vector sockets are the antithesis of easy serviceability/modification...why people like turret & eyelet boards.

The Vector sockets I would never buy at $39 each, but salvaging some used ones look like they'd be cool for something small.

Hey, that was early SMT...Socket Mount Technology!

[Murrayatuptown]

Surplus sales describes them as having wire tie terminals.

I should have paid closer attention to how they were actually wired before lopping them free.

I suppose to keep things simple, just look at the 12+1 loop terminals on the extension as a rolled-up 6-position turret board. Then wire components as needed to the tube socket or sockets, just like the wide-open linear turret boards.

Get fancy & complicated at one's own risk.

Sometimes asking a question frees me to think about a different angle. Sometimes a dumb thought provides smart AND dumb options! Choices are cool.