RealFlight Transmitter InterLink/Interface Adapter for Multiplex

Summary

The following is a description for how to assemble an adapter cord to connect a Multiplex transmitter with the parallel port transmitter interface and the InterLink controller for RealFlight. For all instructions, reference the diagram below.

Resolution

Necessary Components

• One 5-pin round male connector compatible with Multiplex transmitter trainer jacks. This should be very similar in style to the plug used on Multiplex trainer cords.
• One female mono plug receptacle, compatible with the dimensions shown for the "RealFlight Interface Output Connector" as shown in the diagram. NOTE: it is important that the female receptacle has an inner diameter of 3.5mm, a depth of 14mm at the tip, and a depth no greater than 8mm for the base.
• Adequate wiring to connect both jacks together. Wire should be copper, having a high strand count. Do not use single strand wire. Two conductors will be required; one conductor for signal connections, one conductor for ground connections.
• Large and small shrink tubing
• Wire strippers
• 60/40 rosin-core electrical solder
• A 40-watt soldering iron

Assembly Instructions

1. Cut each conductor to approximately 8 inches in length.
2. Strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation away from each end of each conductor. Twist the bare strands of wire tightly on each wire end.
3. Cut enough pieces of shrink tubing to completely cover each solder connection. Make sure to slide the tubes over the wire ends BEFORE making solder connections.
4. "Tin" each end of bare wire with 60/40 rosin-core solder and a hot soldering iron. This is simply to apply a small amount of solder onto the bare wire end to prepare it for soldering onto the jacks.
5. "Signal" connection:
   1. Solder one end of the signal wire to pin #4 on the "trainer jack plug". IMPORTANT: this is the pin located at the 2 o'clock position when looking at the end of the plug itself, as shown in the diagram.
   2. Solder the other end of the signal wire to the center connection on the "female mono plug receptacle".
6. "Ground" connection:
   1. Solder one end of the ground wire to pin #2 on the "trainer jack plug". IMPORTANT: this is the pin located at the 12 o'clock position when looking at the end of the plug itself, as shown in the diagram.
   2. Solder the other end of the ground wire to the outside connection on the "female mono plug receptacle".
7. Slide all shrink tubes over their respective connections. Apply heat with a heat gun or hair dryer to shrink the tubing over the entire solder connection. This will provide a good electrical insulator for the solder connections, and a good strain relief for the physical connection.