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  • Author Author: phoenixcomm
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Hacking a Collins 614L-8 ADF Control Head, Part 1

phoenixcomm

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This is the ADF Control Head that I chose for my project.  It is a Collins 614L-8. they are plentiful on eBayimage

The Analysis    The Unit is tuned via a 400Hz synchro transmitter. So it looks like I will have to find a replacement for the synchro.  The Loop Switch in the upper left must be rewired and the switch logic for the Band Selector Switch behind the Tuning Knob seems ok, but that will have to be verified. The Gain Control is just a 5k pot,  and the Function Switch behind it just needs some pull-up resistors. It looks like I can drive the Tuning Meter with a PWM signal from the controller.  Also, there is a BFO Switch that

PS: In TM 11-5826-225-35 section 1-32 Receiver Tuning Meter page 40  says:

"Tuning Meter is M301 mounted on the control unit front panel is a dc microammeter requiring 100 microamperes of current for full-scale deflection. The negative side of M301 is grounded.."

The Plan  Well first I need to score a copy of the maintenance manual they are kind of pricey on eBay so I dug a little more. In the military, the Control Unit is part of AN/ARN-83 and I found pdf copies of TM 11-5826-225-12 and TM 11-5826-225-35 with schematic, part diagrams, etc. Also, you can score the operator's manual here.

Next, we have to identify the goes inta and the goes outas, so here goes:

 

Connections Map
PIN I/O DESCRIPTION CPU PORT CPU PIN
O Loop Ant, Right Step
O Loop Ant, Right Slew
O Loop Ant, Left Step
O Loop Ant, Left Slew
O Function Switch, ADF
O Function Switch, ANT
O Function Switch, LOOP
O Range Switch, 190 – 400
O Range Switch, 400 – 850
O Range Switch, 850 – 1750
O BFO Switch
O Gain Control, Bottom
O Gain Control, Top
O Gain Control, Arm
I Tuning Meter
G GROUND
P Dial Lamps
P Panel Lamps
D Syncro - L1
D Syncro - L2
D Syncro - L3
D Syncro 400 hz power
**NOTE: O = Output; I = Input; P = Power; D = To Be Deleted

 

 

image keep tuned in more to come

Cris ~

  • Your project reminds me of the work I had to do for doing the IV&V on the first integrated avionics system that combined all of the Communication, Navigation and IFF functions into a digitally controlled package.

     

    Most of the radio functions were built using the ancient radio components that evolved into digital radio.

     

    When you dig into the specifications, there are some really interesting gems hidden inside some of these compontents.

     

    Just a thought,

    DAB