Can you identify AC cord for old Panasonic VTR?
 

I'm playing with an old Panasonic reel to reel VTR but it did not come with a power cord. It's an oddball plug and although I could fashion something to work with it, I'd rather get a proper fitting one. Can anyone identify this type of plug by name or point me to where I might buy one?

Closest I have found is something called "HP Oval round pin" though I am not certain the prong spacing is right:

That looks like a 3-wire grounded power receptacle. Any change you can find the service or user manual for the device. It might list a part number.

The HP cord you showed looks a lot like the Victor-branded power cord used on a 1970's vintage Heath Kit IO 4253 oscilloscope, The line pin spacing is about 0.45" and the center ground pin is offset by about 0.15"

https://www.google.com/search?q=grou...6dw0gy8dWMWrhM

https://www.amazon.ca/Tektronix-Fluk.../dp/B011CAFR3Q
I saw one on ebay for $49.

Finding one will be difficult at best, and being sure of the fit before you buy is an issue as well. It might be lower end cost, and faster, to replace it with a more modern connectors, possibly hard wire in a proper 3-wire cord..

Thanks for the info! I checked the documentation which lists every single capacitor and transistor by name -- including what they do -- but refers only to this part as "AC Power Cord."

I think you're right that it makes more sense to hard-wire a new cord, especially since I have no idea if this thing even works.

I've seen that before. No idea what it's called.

And on really old gear! Not old as in legacy (still useful), but just plain old.

The only reason to not replace it is if the unit has some collectors value in original condition. :hmm:

I found a spare Mickey Mouse cord as attached and cut slots between the prong receptacles and it works OK. Further research based on what others in the thread have supplied says that in some of the original cables, the hot lead could be located on either side of the plug--so test first.

Whether or not knowing which lead is line and which is neutral is important would depend on the design of the power supply.

That it was a 3-wire power cord indicates that the chassis is grounded to the power line ground (not the same as the neutral) and implies that it was built to commercial/industrial standards, not consumer.

Could you share the model number with us?

The model number of the VTR? It's the NV-3110.