Standardized Dictionary of Control and Connection Terms in Radio Stations in Bulgarian
Note: The publication is aimed at Bulgarian readers and I am not sure if and how it should be translated into English.
Everyone has wondered sometimes “Is this a knob or a knob?” , “Jack, plug or connector?” Here is a fairly logical suggestion, and everyone will decide for themselves whether to use it. I would be happy if you share your opinion in the comments.
1. Main Controls
| Term | Definition | Mechanical/Software Action |
| Frequency Regulator | The main rotating element (Knob/Encoder) used to move (set) the operating frequency (VFO). | Rotation. |
| Multifunction or Multifunction Ring | A secondary, rotating element located concentrically around Frequency regulator, which controls an additional function (e.g. fine tuning, noise reduction, waterfall adjustment, etc.) | Rotation (concentric). |
| Knob | A control device designed for smooth or stepwise adjustment of a value (e.g. gain, level). | Rotation. |
| Encoder | Knob, which generates pulses for digital control (used when technical precision is required) and rotates infinitely. | Rotation (for digital input). |
| Button | A control that is pressed to momentarily activate a function. It is released immediately after being pressed. | Pressed without holding. |
| Key or Switch | A control that switches between two or more positions. Mechanically held in the selected position. | Switching (changing position). |
| Slider | A control device designed for smooth adjustment of a value by moving in a straight line. | Sliding. |
2. Software Control Elements
| Term | Definition | Action |
| Software Button | A screen interface element that performs a function when clicked or touched. | Click/Touch. |
| Software Slider | A screen interface element that allows adjustment of a value by sliding a scale. | Sliding (virtual). |
| Touchpad | A touch-sensitive surface used for input or control. | Touch, Swipe, Gesture. |
| Touchscreen | A touch-sensitive screen (display) used for input or control. | Touch, Swipe, Gesture. |
3. Connectors
| Term | Definition | Gender | |
| Socket | The female part of a connector, which is usually fixed in the equipment housing (chassis). | Female. | |
| Plug | The male part of a connector, which is usually movable (at the end of a cable) and plugs into The Socket. | Male | |
| Connector, Coupling, Connector | A general term for the pair (Socket and Plug) or for any device that provides an electrical connection between two pieces of equipment or between the equipment and an external cable, when it is not necessary to specify the gender. | General | |
| Jack | Can be used as a synonym for socket (especially in audio/headphones/microphones), plug, or for a specific type of connector (e.g. 3.5 mm jack). It is recommended to use it more as a synonym for Socket. | Most often female. | |
| Terminal | A device for temporarily or permanently connecting wires, often by a screw or spring mechanism, which provides a secure mechanical and electrical contact. For power, grounding, loudspeaker systems or antennas. | General. | |
| Terminal | 1.(Connection): Any end point at which an electrical connection can be made. Electrical contact point/Terminal (e.g. battery terminal, circuit board terminal, ground terminal, battery terminal). 2.(Device): A complete input/output device (e.g. computer terminal). A connector of a computer with a peripheral device |
General. | |
4. Usage Guidelines
To keep your standard as clear as possible, use these terms as follows:
- Connector: Use this as the most general synonym for connector. If you don’t need to specify whether they are male or female, you can say “All connectors on the back panel”.
- Terminal: Use this only for connections that require mechanical attachment of bare wires, most commonly for:
- Connecting a power cable.
- Connecting antenna or ground wires – screw (wing nut) or spring terminals.
- Connecting speakers.
- Terminal:
- Use this to indicate the physical point (pin) of connection, not the entire mechanism. (e.g.: “Connect the ground wire to the GND terminal.”)
- Also use it to label terminals (e.g. the positive terminal of the battery).
- When choosing a term for a control, try to describe the physical action with it:
- Turn the knob.
- Press the button.
- Flip the switch.
- Plug the plug into the socket.
I’ve decided to use the terms this way for myself. What do you think?
Note: (the publication is aimed at Bulgarian readers and I am not sure if and how it should be translated into English)
73!
Tony
