Line Connectors

Notice, there is No Excess Wire or Cable that hangs down. An RC radio that you suspend from your hip needs at least a 3 foot patch cord from the radio to the handle, to allow for arm extension. The only slack in the ScaleMaster is in the Electronic connector, from the control lines to the socket. This slack should be approximately 1" (at the line connection points) to allow for Control Line Off-Set when in the Up - Down Elevator positions. There are NO CABLES laying across your body, or that can get in the way.

In the Photo above, the first thing you should notice is that we don't use regular steel strand control line cables. We used "Malin" Teflon Coated Steel Fishing Leader. You may find another brand more suited to your airplane. The Teflon or Nylon Coating insulates the cable and prevents shorting out of the electronic signal that are sent down the lines. We also used SIG SH-443 Large Control Line connectors. These connectors may not be available in some stores. The line strength of these connectors is as specified, on the package, ie; 49 lbs. However, although I can not tell you or indorse use in applications that exceed that weight, I can tell you that we used these connectors on all of the Beta Test planes, and they worked very well. I have also used these connectors for all of my other control line models over the past 30 years, from profile carrier all the way up to my Jemco 51" Scale F4U-1D Corsair and never had any problems. Make sure that when you hook these up, that they are fully closed and snapped in place. You may substitute any style or type of line connector providing that it will support the weight of your model and withstand the pull test. I do suggest that you try and keep the connector as streamline as possible to help keep the drag down. Line connectors should be made and be a type that is prescribed by the AMA or rules of the Organization that governs your official contests.

When you make your line connections through the Crimp Tube, you can do this the same way that you normally would, however, leave the ends long enough so that you can connect it to the 2 pin connector plug. Make sure that all of your solder connections are solid and that all connections are covered with heat shrink tube.

(Photo shows connections from the Elevator Bellcrank to the Decoder)
We used 1/4" x 3/4" tin strips, made from coffee can lid, to connect the servo wires from the Piano Wire Lead Outs to the Decoder, and used a Deans Connector so that the Decoder could be removed if needed. This allows for removal of the Bellcrank and Decoder for maintenance.

In the illustration above, you see that we are using a single gold plated pin and matching socket for the control ends that attach at the aircraft side. This style of connecting reduces drag and is less bulky than other methods. However, the method and connectors that you use will be determined by the size and weight of your model. We suggest that you "Silver" solder the socket to the Piano wire lead out and cover with heat shrink or small fuel tube.

When you select the control line to use for your model, you may use the following as a guide. Understand that these numbers listed are "Surflon" brand fishing line and the diameter of wire and line strength will vary with other manufacturers, such as "Sevelon" which has sizes to 40 lbs test. (Surflon may be hard to find, so try the links below for substitutes)

Pound Test	Outside Diameter	Wire Diameter
140	.040	.028
80	.038	.025
60	.032	.021
45	.027	.018
30	.025	.017
20	.026	.012
15	.020	.016
10	.019	.010

0-4 lbs. Model             30 lbs. Test
5-8 lbs. Model               60 lbs. Test
9-20 lbs. Model            140 lbs. Test

The following line chart is for Malin Steel Leader which is a fine substitute for Surflon or Sevelon and is especially useful for very large airplanes. Keep in mind that Malin is a Stainless Steel Single Strand line.

ITEM NUMBER	POUND TEST	LINE DIAMETER
BC 1014	130 lbs.	.024
BC 1124	140 lbs.	.026
BC 1214	180 lbs.	.029
BC 1414	220 lbs.	.033
BC 1714	300 lbs.	.039
BC 1914	400 lbs.	.043

To select the proper line size do the following:

Model Weight x Pull Test = Pounds ( ie;) 10 lbs Model x 10g Pull Test = 100 lbs.

Other Excellent lines. The manufacturers are Malin (recomended), Berkley and Hi Seas. and are sold from the links attached. Malin offers sizes up to 400 lbs test in the single strand line. Berkley and HiSeas have various sizes. All of which are fine substitutes if you can not get Surflon. Sevelon is available from Wolff, by special order. Wolff is a fine source and has excellent customer service with prompt shipping and is highly recommended.