[simpits-tech] Need help with something

[Matt Bailey]

On Saturday 18 June 2005 18:17, Simon Bennett set 1,000 monkies in front of 
keyboards and came up with the following:
> I just got a Collins ADF control head the other day. In order to take it
> apart and get at the switch terminals so I can wire it up to my computer, I
> have to remove the front light plate and panel. To do that I have to get
> the knobs off. They're attached to the switch shafts somehow, they've got
> little holes in the side that I guess have something to do with it. I tried
> using an Allen wrench, but it needs a square tool of some kind. I'm not
> completely sure how to go about this.

	It probably just uses little threaded inserts 90* from the axis of the knob. 
The shaft probably has a flat side, and an insert in the wall of the knob 
tightens down onto the shaft (R/C model plane wheel collars function 
similarly). All you need to do is back the insert out a half a turn or so 
(just enough to loosen it). As to what tool to use..I never took avionics 
apart, but wouldn't a small flat screwdriver work (jewlers' screwdriver 
perhaps)? At any rate, you might want to check it again and try a bunch of 
different allen wrenches.......I'd be a little surprised if it didn't use 
either a flat (or cross point) screw, or an Allen head.

> Also, my F-15 radar panel just arrived today. The lamps work, but where can
> I get a connector to fit the little plug on the back?

	Sure, pick a day when Gene's out of the house and browse around his garage a 
bit. ;)

	-Matt Bailey