Interactive Connector Diagram
Click or tap any pin in the diagram below to inspect its signal assignment, electrical specification, and wire colour standard.
Click any pin to view its signal assignment, electrical spec, and wire colour.
Supported Systems / Found On — Retro Machine Hubs
This connector is used on the following retro computer systems. Click any colour-coded badge below to open its full board-level repair, diagnostic, and schematic Machine Hub:
Connector Specifications
BBC Micro / Electron
7-Pin DIN (Accepts 5-Pin 180° plug: Pin 1=MIC Out, Pin 2=GND, Pin 3=EAR In, Pins 6&7=Motor)
Oric-1 / Oric Atmos
7-Pin DIN (Accepts 5-Pin 180° plug: Pin 1=MIC Out, Pin 2=GND, Pin 3=EAR In, Pins 4&5=Motor)
Amstrad CPC 6128 / MSX
5-Pin / 8-Pin DIN (Pin 1=MIC Out, Pin 2=GND, Pin 3=EAR In, Pins 4&5 / 6&7=Motor Relay)
Full Pin Assignment & Wiring Reference
| Pin | Signal Name | Direction | Electrical Spec / Role | Wire Colour / SCART / Adapter Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MIC OUT (Record to Tape) | Out | Low-level Audio Output for saving programs to cassette (CSAVE/SAVE) | Red 3.5mm Plug (MIC) |
| 2 | GND (0 V Shield) | GND | Common Audio Ground Return | Black (All 3.5mm Sleeves) |
| 3 | EAR IN (Load from Tape/PC) | In | High-level Audio Input from cassette/smartphone (CLOAD/*TAPE) | White 3.5mm Plug (EAR / Phone Out) |
| 4 & 5 | MOTOR RELAY (Oric / CPC) | Out | Oric-1/Atmos & Amstrad CPC 6128 Remote Motor Relay Contacts | 2.5mm Sub-Mini Plug (REM) |
| 6 & 7 | MOTOR RELAY (BBC / MSX) | Out | BBC Micro, Acorn Electron & MSX Remote Motor Relay Contacts | 2.5mm Sub-Mini Plug (REM) |
Building a Universal Smartphone / PC .TAP / .UEF / .CDT Audio Loading Cable
European and Japanese home computers standardized on the 180-degree DIN audio layout for cassette recorders: Pin 2 is always Ground (0 V), Pin 1 is Audio Out to Tape (MIC), Pin 3 is Audio In from Tape (EAR), and Pins 4 & 5 (or 6 & 7) are the isolated cassette motor relay contacts.
- To load .TAP (Oric), .UEF (BBC Micro / Electron), .CDT (CPC), or .CAS (MSX) files from a smartphone, tablet, or PC using PlayUEF / OricTap / TZXDuino: solder a 5-pin 180° DIN Male plug with Pin 3 (EAR In) wired to the Tip of a 3.5mm plug and Pin 2 (GND) wired to the Sleeve!