[ARC5] Connector: ATB or TCS? + 183 Update

[David Stinson]

The transmitter connector for the TCS transmitter and 
the ATB/ARB set have near-identical inserts.  
I recently discovered that, over a decade ago, I had connected
my TCS transmitter to its power supply with an original 
ATB cable.  Here's a photo so you can spot the differences:

http://home.netcom.com/~arc5/ATBconnectors.jpg

The TCS connnector's ring is fluted, with the fluting along
the long axis of the connector.  The ATB connector has a 
double ring of knurling, with writing between the knurls.
Some of the ATB/ARB connectors are actually marked "RCA" 
with an "SK-xxxx" stock number.  The ARB connector
is keyed differently, but otherwise looks the same
with the double-knurl.

Here's the latest on the ATB/ARB set, including a short
spline and RS-38 holder Mike Hanz kindly sent me.
The angled riser for the control boxes was Mike's 
idea and I like it allot:

http://home.netcom.com/~arc5/ATBARB1.jpg

I have an extra ARB canvas cover, which I would trade to 
anyone who has an extra ATB or dynamotor cover.

I'm remounting the SCR-183 to match the compact ATB/ARB set,
and will be doing the same for the GF/RU later this winter.
The base and angled riser are wood.  Mike Hanz reminded me 
that we need a good ground plane under our sets.  
For a ground plane, I laid down a matrix of aluminum ducting tape, 
connecting the strips electrically by folding-over the ends 
where they touch and sticking it down with a small piece of the tape.
At the tape cross-over points, I folded a 1-inch piece
of tape over and stuck it down to make the connection with
another, overlaying piece of the tape.  
This might sound "cheesy," but remember that, in an aircraft,
the connection between one piece of skin and another is pretty 
much the same.  It works very well.  Here's an "in process"
photo.  I added two more "middle" strips after this:

http://home.netcom.com/~arc5/183base.jpg

Then painted it "Army Green."  To make connection, 
I just scrape away the paint and use a star washer.
This is a "preliminary" fitting:

http://home.netcom.com/~arc5/new-183.jpg

Dyno and junction box go go on the back.
The "coffee-grinder"  will mount on a panel 
at the top of the riser, next to the TX control box.
This set is going to be a lot lighter than the ATB ;-).
Haven't gotten much more done, 
but hope to get back to it this weekend.

73 Dave AB5S