Audio Panel Recommendations

[Jay Honeck]

My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been glued
back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
place is anyone's guess...)

In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's time
to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon lights/receiver
to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it fit
in the same hole without too much bother.

Any recommendations?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Roy Smith]

In article <nMQPb.125135$na.126504@attbi_s04>,
"Jay Honeck" > wrote:

> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?

Two features I've found useful in audio panels:

1) Integrated intercomm. No separate i/c box means less panel space,
fewer wires, less stuff to break, simplier operation.

2) Split operation (allows one pilot to use one radio while the other
pilot uses a different radio). The pilot flying can continue to talk to
ATC, while the PNF can get the ATIS, talk to flight service, etc,
without distracting the PF.

[Dave Butler]

Jay Honeck wrote:
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.

On the basis of no technical knowledge, but some personal experience with
customer service, plus lots of anecdotes from contributors to this newsgroup
(including you), why not start your search at PS Engineering?

I'm not an avionics person, but my impression of audio panels is that there is
no standardization and they are simply laboriously wired in soldered connections
and point to point wiring. I dont' think there exists any kind of slide-in
replacement for an audio panel, ever. I stand ready to be corrected.

Dave
Remove SHIRT to reply directly.

[Jay Masino]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.

The audio panel is one of the most labor intensive pieces of avionics to
replace. This is because of the shear number of wires that must be
installed/hooked up (multiple wires from each of your other radios, plus
the speaker and the outputs to the headphones/intercom). Obviously, we're
not talking about 100's of wires, but there's still a lot. I wouldn't
replace an audio panel for cosmetic reasons. You'd be better off trying
to find a new faceplate.

--- Jay


--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino/ ! ! !

Checkout http://www.oc-adolfos.com/
for the best Italian food in Ocean City, MD and...
Checkout http://www.brolow.com/ for authentic Blues music on Delmarva

[Greg Burkhart]

Have you considered Jim's audio panel kit?
http://www.rst-engr.com/rst/catalog/audpnl.html I have thought of getting it
myself but in my plane, it's overkill.

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:nMQPb.125135$na.126504@attbi_s04...
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been
glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's
time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon
lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it
fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:nMQPb.125135$na.126504@attbi_s04...
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been
glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's
time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon
lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it
fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?
> --
How much are you willing to spend?

Do you just want basic functionality, or do you need a major sound system to
keep your and the Missus' entertained?

Garmin 340 (basic) or PS Engineering PMA-7000 (more elaborate) both work
well for me.

[Mark Astley]

Hi Jay,

You didn't say whether you're looking for new or used. If you already have
an intercom, then a cheap fix is to pick up a used KMA-20. You can usually
get a clean one on e-bay for around $200. This is what I did for my budget
panel upgrade. For a little more, you can get a decent KMA-24.

But since your reason for replacement is cosmetic, I'm guessing you want
something a little more modern. Personally, I'm a big fan of the PS
Engineering audio panels: http://www.ps-engineering.com/. I've flown with
these on various aircraft and have been impressed with the clarity and ease
of use. While you're at it, why not plop in a PAV80 with backseat display
for the kiddies :)

cheers,
mark

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:nMQPb.125135$na.126504@attbi_s04...
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been
glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's
time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon
lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it
fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

Jim's panel looks good, and I'd buy it in a heartbeat, but for:

1. I've already got the PS Engineering intercom built into my CD player. I
hunted around a bit, and couldn't find a version of Jim's audio panel
WITHOUT the intercom.

2. There is the obvious problem of me being clueless with regards to
building the thing. Make it out of wood, and I'll build it with dovetail
joints -- but electricity is a mystery to me.

Does Jim sell fully assembled stuff?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Garmin 340 (basic) or PS Engineering PMA-7000 (more elaborate) both work
> well for me.

They both look wonderful, but they have built-in intercoms. I've already got
the PS Engineering CD Player/Intercom, so it's sorta over-kill to buy
another intercom.

I guess all I really need is another Narco CP-136M, with a faceplate that
isn't falling off. (It's actually not just a cosmetic problem. The face
plate holds the push-buttons in, so -- with the left side of the faceplate
no longer attached to anything -- I am at risk of the pushbuttons actually
falling out. This is probably why gluing hasn't worked well -- there is
constant spring-loaded tension against the faceplate, from the pushbuttons.)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Marco Leon]

When I did my research, the Garmin GMA 340 came out on top comparing price
vs. features. However, like othe posters ahve mentioned, the bulk of the
cost is in the labor so if it works fine, then make sure the benefit
justifies the cost for you.

Marco


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:nMQPb.125135$na.126504@attbi_s04...
> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been
glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's
time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon
lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it
fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>



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[G.R. Patterson III]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>
> Any recommendations?

See if you can get a new faceplate from NARCO. Failing that, pick up another one
on Ebay and swap faceplates. Anything to avoid having to redo the wiring.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[Jay Honeck]

> Have you considered Jim's audio panel kit?

I just found a completely assembled version of Jim's unit for sale on Ebay.

See http://makeashorterlink.com/?D2AE15627 .

It looks like a tempting price, but it still looks like major work.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>
> It looks like a tempting price, but it still looks like major work.

Keep in mind that it *is* an auction. Many people (including yours truly) wait
until the last minute to place bids in the hope of getting something cheap. It
may or may not be reasonably priced tomorrow.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[Maule Driver]

"Marco Leon" <mleon(at)optonline.net>
> When I did my research, the Garmin GMA 340 came out on top comparing price
> vs. features. However, like othe posters ahve mentioned, the bulk of the
> cost is in the labor so if it works fine, then make sure the benefit
> justifies the cost for you.
>
I came up with the Garmin panel too (over the PS).

It was cheaper, the shop was leaning that way, it looks better. And I had a
beatup older PS panel of some type that had become less than solid in
performance while looking like hell.

Having said that, everything I've heard is that the PS panel is excellent as
is the the Garmin.

Wire in a stereo input jack for your IPOD or music machine of choice.

[Jim Weir]

Yeah, I've got a few. But judging from the crap you've taken by trying to do
good over the last week or so, I'm reluctant to comment.

Jim


"Jay Honeck" >
shared these priceless pearls of wisdom:

->Any recommendations?



Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[Jay Honeck]

> Yeah, I've got a few. But judging from the crap you've taken by trying to
do
> good over the last week or so, I'm reluctant to comment.

Oh, c'mon, Jim. Where's that old college spirit?

When YOU start blanching in the face of underwhelming opposition, I'll know
that all is lost in these groups...

Go ahead -- slap me with some RST spam!

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Mike Adams]

How refreshing - a thread that's actually about airplanes!

One of our first upgrades was a King KMA-28, which is a re-branded PS
Engineering PMA7000. The thing just works perfectly. The built-in intercom
with "intellivox" works great, and the extra features like the split
control of the radios, "Karaoke" mode, etc. are all very nice.

I also have some experience with the RST kits, having successfully
assembled the 564 panel. It's not a King or PS, but the design and parts
quality are very good and assembly was straightforward. We're still working
through some installation check-out issues, but the panel looks good. Jim
will no doubt disagree (nothing personal), but there is some controversy
regarding installation of kit-built avionics in a certified airplane. As
Jim says on the web-site - work it out with your A&P and/or FSDO. It's not
really approved until someone is willing to sign off the log book entry as
a minor mod, or else try to go the 337 route, which could be problematic.
(or as someone said here awhile back, "I was just troubleshooting the
landing light circuit."!)

Mike



"Jay Honeck" > wrote:

> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been
> glued back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in
> the first place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think
> it's time to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon
> lights/receiver to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it
> would be nice if it fit in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?

[Thomas Borchert]

Jay,

Only two choices, IMHO:

Garmin 340 or PS Engineering (7000?). The latter is a little more
expensive, but also more capable.

Just saw that you have PSE in the plane already. In that case, it's a
no-brainer.

Oh, you won't find a modern audiopanel without intercom funcionality.
IMHO, you shouldn't have gotten it in the CD-player.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Roy,

> 2) Split operation (allows one pilot to use one radio while the other
> pilot uses a different radio). The pilot flying can continue to talk to
> ATC, while the PNF can get the ATIS, talk to flight service, etc,
> without distracting the PF.
>

For that, in my experience, it is quite important to have the com antennas
on different side of the aircraft - one on top, one on the bottom.
Otherwise, you'll likely have bleed-over.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Jay Honeck]

> Oh, you won't find a modern audiopanel without intercom funcionality.
> IMHO, you shouldn't have gotten it in the CD-player.

Well, at the time I had a perfectly functional audio panel, no music, and a
crappy intercom -- so it seemed logical to combine those purchases into the
one unit.

We've been very, very happy with the PS Engineering unit. I wouldn't want
to do a long cross-country flight without it anymore.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Doug]

I would recommend that you get a unit with a music input. Not only can
you plug in CD players (something Jay already has), but you can plug
in a handheld radio, cell phones, anything with a standard RCA music
jack.

[Brian Cox]

Jay,
Based on my experience, I'd say there are two choices. Something
from PS Engineering or whatever is in second place. Yes, the King KMA
28 is provided to Honeywell (...Allied Signal...Bendix...King, yada
yada yada) as an OEM product designed and manufactured by PS
Engineering. Likewise the SL-10 and SL-15 from Garmin-AT (...UPS
AT...II Morrow...Apollo, yada yada yada) are also designed and
manufactured by PS Engineering. They may great audio panels and
intercoms. Their reputation for quality and support is a model of how
gen av folks should run their business.
I am flying behind the same stack that came with my plane when I
bought it four years ago. The whole stack is vintage 1980 King Siler
Crown, including a KMA-24. No complaints, and not a single need for
repair yet. The intercom is a six place PS Engineering. I bought my
previous plane without and intercom and installed a PS Engineering.
Eventually, I will be upgrading the KMA-24 to a PMA 7000B. I've
worked in aviation for the past 24 years, and have personally
integrated their products with air-to-ground cellular and satellite
systems.
Since you already have a PS-Engineering intercom, the most costly
part of your wiring has already been done, the wires from the panel to
the cabin audio jacks. The easy way to wire it is to have an
interface cable made up that can be put in place. That is, get a
mating connector that is the same as the one on the back of your
intercom. The PMA 7000B has two slide in connectors in the tray. The
top connector is the intercom, which is the what you want for this
harness.
The audio panel wiring that you want to remove from the existing
unit all wires to the lower connector. Slide the Narco intercom out,
remove the tray fasteners and pull the tray out as far as possible.
Then find out the pinout and get a one to one correspondence between
the power connections and other avionics. The key is that all of
these wires are already connected to your radios, and conveniently
located at the back of the audio panel tray. Here is what you will
likely need to re-connect:

1) Connection to the marker beacon receiver: 5 wires and one coax
2) Two VHF comm radios: 5 wires each, TX pair, RX pair, Gnd
3) Audio connections from two VORs: 2 wires each (might be the same
GND if you have a Nav/Comm)
4) Audio connection to the ADF: Two wires
5) Audio connection to DME if applicable: Two wires
6) Direct wired pilot mic/PTT and headphone: 6 wires
7) All of your other wiring to mic and headphones, which go from the
existing intercom to the top connector on the tray, and can be made on
the bench.

All in all, one harness that can be made on the bench for the
audio, and about 30 more wires and one coax that have to be done in
the plane - but they are already there. Remember to use twisted
shielded pairs on all audio lines, and only bond the shield to
airframe at one end, preferably the end that the audio comes from.
Even that may already be taken care of pretty well. All of the nav
radios are only RX at the audio panel, so should be bonded at the
radio end. All you need to deal with is bonding of the two VHF comm
TX pairs.
It may not be trivial to get to. Mine is not too bad because the
audio panel is at the top of the stack and I can remove a cooling
grate on the top of the glareshield. It's worth talking this over
with your radio shop to see if they agree. They could probably do the
pre-wiring on the bench in about an hour. Re-connecting the radio
wires to the new tray connector will depend on accessibility.

Good luck,
Brian Cox

[Jay Honeck]

> Based on my experience, I'd say there are two choices.

Wow. Brian, your response is a perfect example of why I hang out here so
much.

Thank you very much for the audio panel primer!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jeff]

I like the PS engineering 7000b audio panel. Mine is workign great for me plus
the have alot of additional attachments if you want them.

Jay Honeck wrote:

> My Narco audio panel works just fine. However, the faceplate has been glued
> back together twice by my avionics shop. (How it got broken in the first
> place is anyone's guess...)
>
> In the recent intense cold, the epoxy has let go again, so I think it's time
> to replace the unit. Other than requiring the marker beacon lights/receiver
> to be built-in, I have no prerequisites. Well, it would be nice if it fit
> in the same hole without too much bother.
>
> Any recommendations?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"

[EDR]

In article <mCRPb.122933$8H.317848@attbi_s03>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> 2. There is the obvious problem of me being clueless with regards to
> building the thing. Make it out of wood, and I'll build it with dovetail
> joints -- but electricity is a mystery to me.

Colonel Weir puts out one of the most complete, easy to read, easy to
understand manuals I have ever come across in an electronics kit. As I
understand the process, some of his Alpha- and Beta-testers/reviewers
have fresh minds, untainted by previous electronics experience. If they
come to him for clarification, the manual gets edited until there are
no more questions.

Jay, as long as you know which end of the soldering iron to hold, you
can follow Jim's instructions and build one of his kits and it will
work.

[Jay Honeck]

> Jay, as long as you know which end of the soldering iron to hold, you
> can follow Jim's instructions and build one of his kits and it will
> work.

Ow! Ow! Ow!

Whoops, wrong end... ;-)

Ah, hell, I suppose if I can build a fuel truck (ain't never done THAT
before, neither!), I can build an audio panel, too.

Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid faceplate. Narco wants TWO
HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate! Augh!

Sometimes I hate aviation, God help me...

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jim Weir]

Kenny Faeth (Faeth Aircraft Salvage) out in Sacramento specializes in
"previously owned avionics" as well as a lot of other used airplane parts. I'll
bet you can find one from him. If you need his phone number, I can look it up,
but I also think you can google him and find it.

Tell him Jim sent you and he will only charge double what it is worth rather
than the usual triple {;-)

Jim



"Jay Honeck" >
shared these priceless pearls of wisdom:

->Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid faceplate. Narco wants TWO
->HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate! Augh!



Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[Dennis O'Connor]

I'm not totally up to speed on this thread, but reading between the lines
of your post Jay - there are companies that advertise to the airplane
homebuilders to make custom panels, inserts, faceplates, engravings, etc.,
etc. Just look in the back of your EAA, Sport Flying <you are a member, of
course>
Ayund, your local sign shops may also offer such services... Look also to
trophy shops who make various plaques, etc... Jeez, too hunnert bucks
should get you one that lights up, blinks, and plays the Marseilles when you
transmit...
denny

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:TIcRb.27547$U%> Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid
faceplate. Narco wants TWO
> HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate!

[Paul Sengupta]

$200 for a new faceplate! Mind you, compared to $1500 for a new
audio panel, plus $$$ rewiring everything, it may be a good investment!

Paul

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:TIcRb.27547$U%5.179540@attbi_s03...
> Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid faceplate. Narco wants TWO
> HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate! Augh!

[Paul Sengupta]

"EDR" > wrote in message
...
> Jay, as long as you know which end of the soldering iron to hold

I guess people learn this one rather quickly.

Paul

[Ray Andraka]

Maybe you can get an identical used one off ebay and cannibalize it for the
faceplate?

Jay Honeck wrote:

> > Jay, as long as you know which end of the soldering iron to hold, you
> > can follow Jim's instructions and build one of his kits and it will
> > work.
>
> Ow! Ow! Ow!
>
> Whoops, wrong end... ;-)
>
> Ah, hell, I suppose if I can build a fuel truck (ain't never done THAT
> before, neither!), I can build an audio panel, too.
>
> Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid faceplate. Narco wants TWO
> HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate! Augh!
>
> Sometimes I hate aviation, God help me...
>
> ;-)
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"

--
--Ray Andraka, P.E.
President, the Andraka Consulting Group, Inc.
401/884-7930 Fax 401/884-7950
email
http://www.andraka.com

"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little
temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-Benjamin Franklin, 1759

[Jay Honeck]

> Maybe you can get an identical used one off ebay and cannibalize it for
the
> faceplate?

I've been watching. Cheapest I've seen is $165...

Still a bit rich for a stupid piece of plastic, IMHO...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Aaron Coolidge]

:> Maybe you can get an identical used one off ebay and cannibalize it for
: the
:> faceplate?

: I've been watching. Cheapest I've seen is $165...

: Still a bit rich for a stupid piece of plastic, IMHO...

Uh, Jay, $165 vs. $1000 + $1500 installation?
Of course, if you *want* a new audio panel, you'll just have to get it,
I guess, but wouldn't that ($2500 - $165 =) $2335 pay for your "Mighty
Grape" and all of its acoutrements?
--
Aaron Coolidge (N9376J)

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>
> I've been watching. Cheapest I've seen is $165...

Well, Jay, I sent this suggestion before, but maybe it got lost in the noise.
Buy one of those $165 models. Or buy one that costs more; it don't signify. Glue
your faceplate together and swap faceplates. Then put the one you just bought right
back on Ebay. With your old facplate.

Who knows; you might actually make a profit on the deal.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[Dan Thompson]

How much extra would it be for one that does not play "the Marseilles"?

"Dennis O'Connor" > wrote in message
...
> I'm not totally up to speed on this thread, but reading between the lines
> of your post Jay - there are companies that advertise to the airplane
> homebuilders to make custom panels, inserts, faceplates, engravings, etc.,
> etc. Just look in the back of your EAA, Sport Flying <you are a member,
of
> course>
> Ayund, your local sign shops may also offer such services... Look also to
> trophy shops who make various plaques, etc... Jeez, too hunnert bucks
> should get you one that lights up, blinks, and plays the Marseilles when
you
> transmit...
> denny
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:TIcRb.27547$U%> Trouble is, all I *really* need is the stupid
> faceplate. Narco wants TWO
> > HUNDRED BUCKS for this stupid plastic faceplate!
>
>

[PaulaJay1]

In article >, "Paul Sengupta"
> writes:

>> Jay, as long as you know which end of the soldering iron to hold
>
>I guess people learn this one rather quickly.
>

Back in my working days, one of the techs about once a month would get a burned
palm on one. With the small iron in its holder (not in use) the cord would
hang down in a loop. Pick up the iron (while concentrating on the work) and if
the cord catches on something (like a drawer pull), the iron stops while the
hand keeps moving toward the work. The autoreflex is to grab down on the iron
as it slides out of your hand letting you grip the hot barrel for a split
second while the brain (or spine) figures you should let go.

Chuck

[Jay Honeck]

> Who knows; you might actually make a profit on the deal.

Great idea!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"