Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector?    Gallery
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
    Search This Thread  
 
Printable Version


HS-7954SH SERVOS
Seller:  hi joe
Details:   $480.00   |  6/14/2013   |  Classified Ad
We will rotate YOUR AD in this spot if you select "Forum Featured" when placing or editing your ad!

All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros >> Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector?
Page: [1]

Tower Hobbies Get Coupon Codes Brands  
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/23/2011 8:52 PM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline 		I am attempting to restore an old Heathkit GD-19 radio. At that time, many radio manufacturers used one pigtail of wires from the receiver to a Deans 4 x 4 block connector. Three servos then plugged into this block and the aileron servo pluged into a separate pigtail. The servos at that time were 4-wire servo, hence the 4 x 4 connector. Apparently, these block connectors were wired internally to distribute the power, black, red, white, to the individual servos while each servo provided it's own signal wire. Obviously, time has taken it's toll on the original connectors and I am attempting to find replacements. I attempted to make one out of the current Dean's 4-pin connectors but this doesn't look like it's going to work because they don't "stack" close enough. I've written to W.S. Deans company in hope of finding some old style connectors but haven't received a reply as of yet. It is also possible that I can "hack" one out of a PC board and the current Deans 4-pin connectors but that just doesn't seem "right" on an antique radio. I have attached pictures of the Heathkit receiver to illustrate what I mean. If anyone knows of a source for these old connectors, drop me a line. Thanks!

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


< Message edited by GSJames -- 10/25/2011 11:14 PM >

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures
       Post #: 1

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/23/2011 10:00 PM   
fizzwater2


 

Posts: 2527
Score: 124
Joined: 8/16/2004
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Paola, KS, USA
Status: offline 		Gary - those were the old Kraft style connectors that Heathkit used. You might check around, see if any of the radio repair places (Radio South, perhaps) have any of the Kraft connectors stuck in a drawer somewhere..



_____________________________

No matter where you go, there you are!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 2

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/23/2011 10:42 PM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Hi Gordon: Thanks, actually the first thing I did was to write to Tony at Radio South about them. Unfortunately, he didn't have any. RATS. I'm still hoping that either W.S. Deans company has some lying around or that some modeler out the might have some. See you at the next race!

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to fizzwater2)
       Post #: 3

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/24/2011 4:18 AM   
grotto2



Posts: 658
Score: 105
Joined: 2/3/2003
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Palm Bay, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Are you planning on flying this rx? With 4-wire servos?

_____________________________

I dont know why all you people seem to think this is magic. Its just this little chromium switch here.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 4

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/24/2011 10:22 AM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: grotto2

Are you planning on flying this rx? With 4-wire servos?


I have not decided yet. It is on 27 MHz so it it still legal frequency wise, but it may not be wise to use a 27 Mhz radio except in very remote locations due to CB interference. However, I at least want to see if I can get it fully operational again. I built it myself when I was 13 yrs old. It has nostalgia value to me.

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to grotto2)
       Post #: 5

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/24/2011 2:43 PM   
petec



Posts: 1958
Score: 101
Joined: 1/26/2002
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Beaver Falls, PA, USA
Status: offline 		Gary, you might try Newark Electrincs online catalog and look at the Molex, AMP and Cinch family of connectors. It looks like an old Molex but I could be wrong. The first photo made me think Cinch Jones but the Jones connectors have flat pins but other Cinch connectors use round pins.

_____________________________

Team YS, Team Airtronics
Pattern Junkie, Revver Brother #82, Gear Head

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 6

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/24/2011 4:03 PM   
fizzwater2


 

Posts: 2527
Score: 124
Joined: 8/16/2004
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Paola, KS, USA
Status: offline 		Gary - remind me to look at home - I may have an old receiver with a little used connector on it. Back in the 70's some of us were using the Novak recevier in race planes, and I had one or two set up with the Kraft connectors.



_____________________________

No matter where you go, there you are!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to petec)
       Post #: 7

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/25/2011 4:29 AM   
grotto2



Posts: 658
Score: 105
Joined: 2/3/2003
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Palm Bay, FL, USA
Status: offline 		There are people flying safely on 27MHz, though.
Having a couple of 27MHz transmitters, too, I opted to go with a modern receiver and bought an ACE TR403A, which claims to be a full-range AM.
Haven't flown it yet, though.

_____________________________

I dont know why all you people seem to think this is magic. Its just this little chromium switch here.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to fizzwater2)
       Post #: 8

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/25/2011 3:10 PM   
LesUyeda



Posts: 2291
Score: 151
Joined: 10/10/2002
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I may be mistaken, but I think the Heathkit/Kraft are round pins, and the Deans are rectangular.

Les

Hide Signatures

(in reply to grotto2)
       Post #: 9

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/25/2011 7:28 PM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline 		I got a call yesterday afternoon from Robin Deans himself... He said that they didn't make the connectors but he gave me several good ideas on how to convert their current product to work if that became necessary. Thanks Robin! Now THAT'S customer service!. I'm going to go online to the companies that Petec suggested and see if they might have anything. If not, I'll look into the various conversion possibilities.

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to LesUyeda)
       Post #: 10

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/26/2011 9:34 PM   
prichiuso


 

Posts: 29
Score: 100
Joined: 2/16/2004
Last Login: 4/15/2013
From: Merritt Island, FL, USA
Status: offline 		I would be concerned about using the old transmitter even with a newer 27 MHz AM receiver. Due to its age the values of the discrete components in the transmitter (especially capacitors) may have changed which would detune the transmitted frequency. To retune the transmitter you'd need a FCC technicians license and a calibrated frequency meter. The same issue is true of the receiver but the construction manual for the Heathkit has the instructions for tuning. The Heathkit systems were essentially Kraft systems in a kit form. I also had built Heathkits. I had the 8 channel system and 4 channel systems with the pre-assembled frequency modules. I used Ace receivers. I had to junk them all when I got back into the hobby.
27 MHz AM and FM systems are alive and well today. Many of the cheaper RTF systems use 27 MHz FM. I think CB has pretty much gone the way of dial telephones and mimeograph machines. If anyone is using CB it's probably truckers. As long as you're not using it near a major interstate or major state highway you're probably OK.
I still have several 27 MHZ AM sets I use for my ground stuff (boats and cars). If you're hard over about using the transmitter and receiver, I'd recommend getting some Futaba or Universal 3 wire connectors and crimp them separately on the servo wires (eliminating the white wire which is a center tap at 2.4 volts for a 4 wire servo). All of the modern 3 wire analog servos will work with the receiver. All servos still work on a 1.0 to 2.0 millisecond pulse signal. Even the digital servos which internally generate a digital value based on the pulse length.

_____________________________

oldflyer

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 11

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/26/2011 11:32 PM   
fizzwater2


 

Posts: 2527
Score: 124
Joined: 8/16/2004
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Paola, KS, USA
Status: offline 		Gary, you need the block, the individual servo connectors, or both?

_____________________________

No matter where you go, there you are!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to prichiuso)
       Post #: 12

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/27/2011 12:01 AM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: fizzwater2

Gary, you need the block, the individual servo connectors, or both?


Gordon: It looks like the block is OK (i.e. still usable). What I'll end up needing is about 2-3 sets of the individual male and female 4-pin "wafer" connectors.

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to fizzwater2)
       Post #: 13

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/27/2011 12:09 AM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: prichiuso

I would be concerned about using the old transmitter even with a newer 27 MHz AM receiver. Due to its age the values of the discrete components in the transmitter (especially capacitors) may have changed which would detune the transmitted frequency. To retune the transmitter you'd need a FCC technicians license and a calibrated frequency meter.


If I choose to actually USE it to fly an airplane as opposed to simply getting it working again, it will first go to Tony Stillman at Radio South for a thorough "check up", so don't worry. I have several modern computer radios (Hitec Ellipse 7, on both 72 and 2.4), so I don't actually need this Heathkit for flying. I also have a Kraft "Series 80" KPT-7C system that I use for "nostalgia" SPA flying. My interest in getting the Heathkit up and running again is strictly motivated by the novelty value of fixing something that I put together when I was a child.


_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to prichiuso)
       Post #: 14

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/30/2011 7:33 PM   
mscic-RCU



Posts: 1100
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2002
Last Login: 6/6/2013
From: New London, OH, USA
Status: offline 		PM sent

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 15

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 10/31/2011 11:55 PM   
sidgates



Posts: 797
Score: 100
Joined: 5/14/2002
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Denver, CO, USA
Status: offline 		GJ when I first read your post I assumed you have the Multicon connectors designed by Joe Martin. Kraft produced this connector for many years and I used them on the Royal Electronics radios from about 1969-1983.

When I blew up the picture you posted I think what you have is the Brunner connectors made in Mexico. Kraft, Orbit, Royal and Heath all used them at one time.

When Kraft closed I bought the Multicon tooling and produced that connector line up until about 2 years ago.

If you need the Brunner servo connector I think I have a few of them. Let me know how many and I will check my stock and quote you a price.

Sid Gates
303-757-7019
Denver, Co.

_____________________________

SidGates
Web: http://www.sidgates.us

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 16

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 11/1/2011 2:02 PM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks Sid. mscic-RCU is sending me a pack of what may be the correct connectors. I'll wait and see if they are the correct ones. It sounds like you have a lot of knowledge about these old connectors, so I really appreciate your input. Thanks!

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to sidgates)
       Post #: 17

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 11/1/2011 4:19 PM   
sidgates



Posts: 797
Score: 100
Joined: 5/14/2002
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Denver, CO, USA
Status: offline 		I check and I have a lot of the Brunner Servo 4pin-new. I also have a few Block connectors and 4 pin female-used. See photos.

Anyone else interested, contact me at: sid@sidgates.us

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


_____________________________

SidGates
Web: http://www.sidgates.us

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 18

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 11/1/2011 7:14 PM   
GSJames



Posts: 435
Score: 100
Joined: 11/11/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Weatherford, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Looks like Sid has the "mother lode" !

_____________________________

Gary James
AMA CD 68845, NMPRA 15I, RCCA #908

Hide Signatures

(in reply to sidgates)
       Post #: 19

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 11/1/2011 7:22 PM   
fizzwater2


 

Posts: 2527
Score: 124
Joined: 8/16/2004
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Paola, KS, USA
Status: offline 		Sid - are those sort of a "reverse polarity" version of what I'm thinking of as the Kraft connector?

If I remember right (it's been a few years..) the servo had exposed contacts, but they were the female contacts. The block on the Kraft RX's had the male pins, only the pins were buried inside the connector block, not exposed. The servo connector contacts would slide into the holes in the block, around the pins.

Just wondering, not sure if I ever saw any quite like what you've got there.

_____________________________

No matter where you go, there you are!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to GSJames)
       Post #: 20

RE: Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector? - 11/1/2011 9:20 PM   
sidgates



Posts: 797
Score: 100
Joined: 5/14/2002
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Denver, CO, USA
Status: offline 		The ones you remember are the Multicon connectors. Joe Martin designed this connector system and Kraft hired Joe full time back in about 1970.

When Joe left Kraft he started Sherline (machine tools) which he still runs today.

_____________________________

SidGates
Web: http://www.sidgates.us

Hide Signatures

(in reply to fizzwater2)
       Post #: 21

Page:   [1]
All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros >> Old style Kraft/Heathkit 4 x 4 block connector?
Page: [1]





Jump to:


 
Google 



Search | Marketplace | Event Calendar | Local Clubs | Magazine | Product Ratings | New Products | Discussion Forums

Photo Gallery | Instructor Search | Field|Track|Marina Search

Advertisers | Hobby Vendor Resources | Rate Manufacturers | Sign In/Sign Up

SITE MAP!   : :   FORUM RULES

RC Universe is a service of Internet Brands, Inc. Copyright © 2001-2013.

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America


1.547RCU1