I wasn’t sure of the best place to post this, so since the handle was first used on a carrier plane I thought the Carrier section was appropriate.

In the vendors section Clancy Arnold (U/Tronics) has posted information on a universal handle for his electric controllers.  I have prototyped a handle based on this concept and I really like it. It allows you to use the controller with multiple models and reduces onboard weight. The trade is you have to use insulated lines. The prototype is just for single channel, but it works either with a glow powered plane and servo throttle or an electric powered plane with ESC. As I understand it, the multichannel system can also be used this way.

My handle is based on the familiar J Roberts design, currently made by Brodak. I chose this layout because it is familiar and matches my style of flying. For the prototype and ease of construction and lightness I used 1/8 ply sides with a ½” balsa core. I just CA’d a finger hole on the slide resistor. Since the photo I have bolted the finger hole to the resistor. Connections to the lines (Surflon) are 2mm bullets, Dean’s micro 2r connectors are used to connect the battery and control circuit. On the airplane end the lines again connect to the ESC with 2mm bullets.

I’ve used it on two different planes so far and it works great. Below are some pictures during construction.

Bob, The lines are 30#, which is about .012 for the wire. The plane is a profile version of a MO-1 and used to be a 15 powered carrier plane. I have also used the handle on an electric Clown. Here is one picture with the lines attached, not very clear, but it may help. I simply solder the 2mm bullet connectors to the end of the flying line. The ends are crimped  just like you would to make a normal connection, I just leave the ends longer. Soldering the connectors to the stainless steel is hard, but I use a 250 watt gun and a good flux and it seems to work. I'll post some more details but it may not be right away, I am leaving for Brodak's thies weekend. 

John,  I like your details of the handle.  But, clarify, are you using cable or wire for the lines?

John
Thanks for the kind words about my Universal U/Tronics Control design.  The Multi channel system will work just like the single channel and give you 3 to 6 extra channels to do other things with.

Bob
Here is the way I connect the insulated leads that go to the connectors at the wing tip and handle to the insulated flying lines.

1.  Strip about 3 inches of the nylon jacket from the end of the steel cable.
2.  Place a piece of shrink sleeving over the steel cable and slide it back out of your way.
3.  Fold over about 1/8 inch more of the steel cable than the length of the Silver Colored ferrule you are going to use.
4.  Insert the folded end of the cable into the ferrule and slid it all the way through.
5.  Insert the folded end back through the ferrule again the opposite direction.
6.  Place a large straight pin (I use a T pin) through the fold in the cable to prevent it sliding back out of the ferrule.
7.  Tighten the loop around an eyelet making sure the cable remains in the slot of the eyelet.  I also try to keep the end of the cable in the grove also.
8.  While holding the cable tight around the eyelet crimp in two places or swage the ferrule using the proper size tool.
9. Tin one side of the ferrule, this is why Silver colored ferrules are required.  
10.  Solder the pretinned end of the insulated stranded hook up wire to the ferrule with the wire laying back along the steel cable.
11.  Fold the hook up wire back along the ferrule and cover with the shrink sleeving of step 2 above.  This reinforces the mechanical connection and helps prevent the hookup wire from breaking at the solder joint to the ferrule.
12.  I use a pair of flat jawed pliers to clamp the eyelet to the steel cable after the ends are completed.

See picture of the lines to my Ringmaster Trainer.

Silver colored ferrules are available from MBS Model Supply.

Attached is a drawing showing how I make the connections. There is no strain on the electrical ends.

John and Clancy, Thanks for the details on the connections.

John, 180watts is very low for a 15 sized plane. On my electric 15 I'm using a 3s pack and I think it's around 35 or 40 amps. Somewhere in the 400 watt range. When I originally sized the motor I took what a Cox Conquest was rated at, .75hp, and scaled it. 1 HP is about 750 watts so .75 HP is 560 watts. The motor I chose was rated at about 500 watts. That was the rated power which usually is not real world. I expected somewhere in the 400 watt range during actual use.

I converted an old Sniper to electric and with this setup I get very close to the 70 mph max speed (usually in the low 26 second range, 70 mph on 52 foot lines is actually 25.7 seconds). I have been very happy with the performance. The plane is a little heavy and not real aerodynamic so a purpose built electric should have no problem making the 70 mph. What I really like is the reverse rotation. It is extremely helpful especially on the smaller 15 sized airplane. It really stays out on the lines well, not like the glow version running regular rotation.

Please note that the lines sizes for Carrier are calculated on having THREE lines share the load.

.012" x one= 25 pounds, x2 = 50 pounds, x3 = 75 pounds.
.015" x one = 40 pounds, x2 = 80 pounds, x3 = 120 pounds.
.018" x one = 55 ponds, x2 = 110 pounds, x3 = 165 pounds.

So if you devise a two-line system, don't expect to use the same diameter as three lines. You need to go up to the next size to maintain the same safety factor.  

Note: The Brodak rules state lines sizes, with the comment "for three-line systems".

15 Profile is a non-rule book event, but such events are obligated, in the interest of safety, to mirror the practice in similar events, which is to go to thicker lines when fewer lines are used. The insulation is not load-bearing, only the steel.

As the chart above indicates, (3) .012" = 75 pounds, (2) .015" = 80 pounds, almost a perfect match.

The rules show the line sizes for two line control systems.  Also shows for single line controls.  The pull test weight is still the same for each catagory.  It doesn't matter if single, double or three lines, still pulls the same.

 LL~looks like yhe back of my 1940 am radio??