Connector use on Steering Column

[belldanndy]

Hi All,

Recently, I start to built a F1 cockpit for simulation use. I have a B196 steering column with build in cable and a 22 pins male connector (FC6M-12-35PN), but I have a problem locating the old connector from Pyle. Can I use others like Deutsch or Souriau? They seems similar to fit each other.
Also, the other end have a 13 pins female connector fit inside the 3/4" RaceTech quick release spline, what kind of connector it can use on the steering wheel side?
Thanks in advance!
Here are some photos of the steering column.

[belldanndy]

Can anyone help me?
Thanks!

[gato azul]

you may want to check on the diverse Amphenol sites for some tech info, or call one of the Amphenol rep's.
If you can unearth the Mil -Spec of this part-number, you can look for an interchangeable part.
Before Deutsch started to make specific bespoken connectors for the racing industry it was quite common to use Amphenol and ITT-Cannon connectors around this time (early to mid 90's)

some of the Amphenol catalogs which may contain a similar part or helpful information's are:

http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/pdf/MS-101.pdf
http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/servi ... MS-102.pdf
http://www.peigenesis.com/images/conten ... _26500.pdf
http://www.logwell.com/tech/shdwe/Amphenol_MS.pdf

general website:
http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/default.asp
http://www.ittcannon.com/content.aspx?id=370

[belldanndy]

Wow! Great information, it help me a lot.
Really appreciated! Thanks!!

[gato azul]

you are welcome

To me, it looks like, that it is a MIL-DTL-38999 connector and the insert layout is 12-35 (12 is the shell size).
For one reason or the other I could not see all your photos yesterday only the 1st one.

I'm reasonable sure, that you will find the opposite Receptacle (maybe as a wall mounted or bulkhead type)
in this catalog:

http://www.ittcannon.com/uploadedfiles/ ... atalog.pdf

I know, that for your application it is not so important, but just as a note, normally you would not just leave pins out, if you don't need them. You would use dummy pins (plastic) to maintain the water tightness of the connector, otherwise you have the possibility that water (even if just due to condensation) enters the connector and can cause problems in he long run.

As for the connector in the steering column, it's a bit difficult to say from just looking at the photo, you would need to take some measurements and then try to find a connector with the same shell size and insert/pin layout from the various catalogs.
From a quick look, it could be a 10-35 (maybe 11-35) connector, which would make some sense seeing, the other connector they use. You will find this layout in the above catalog as well, but before you go and buy one, you may want to take some more measurements and compare with the drawings in the catalog.

Good luck

[jakeconway]

Top picture (detailed in 2nd pic down) is essentially a copy of an AS612-35PN Deutsch connector. Therefore an AS112-35SN Deutsch COnnector will mate with it. I think this agrees with what gato commented.

The bottom picture(s) (detailed in 3rd one down) essentially show an AS110-35SN that has been machined so that it is bonded into the end of the column. Therefore you would expect to use an AS610-35SN to mate with it...where you take off the rotating locking collar so that it can slide on, held by the QR mechanism of the steering wheel.

However...the worrying thing is that it looks like the plastic section of the connector is bonded into the column rather than the outside of the metal part of the connector. If this is the case, it looks like you would have to take the AS610-35PN and as well as removing the collar, also cut off the outside ring of the connector...leaving the pins very exposed. Not nice...but when the Quick Release is fitted, I guess this makes the "shell" of the connector.

My final concern with teh steering column, is that normally a 22way (the AS112-35SN for example) is used in the column...but this is the smaller shell size which implies that the column is smaller...or I amlooking at some weird "oversized" connector. To help with this, some very approximate dimensions of the connectors that I have on my desk indicate that the brown plastic section of a 22 way socket connector (AS112-35PN for example) is 14mm, whereas the brown, plastic section of a 13way AS110-35SN (like your picture) is 10mm in diameter.

Hopefully that will help you confirm what you are looking at.
Good luck...

[belldanndy]

Well, what can I say.

I think I am lucky enough to ask the question in a right place. All the information are so useful and detail, which save me a lot of time and money to find the right connector, I really amazed on all the technical knowledge I received in this post!

Thanks for everything!!

[gato azul]

To compliment Jake's comments and recommendations, here the Actual Deutsch-Autosport catalog & manual.

http://www.deutsch.net/content/dam/te/d ... s-2011.pdf
http://www.te.com/content/dam/te/deutsc ... manual.pdf

I think, you have all the info you need now, to progress with your project.
It will be up to you which brand/connector you choose for your application, depending on price (don't be shocked, they are not that cheap) and local availability.

I think, you also need to look for someone, who has the tools (and the knowledge) to help you out with your project, as it would be very expensive to just buy these tools for a "one off" project such as your simulator.

Maybe you have a race team close to you, and a guy in their Electric/Electronics department is kind enough, to help you out for a six pack of beer or something.
If no larger race team is close, maybe try an airport (aircraft maintenance) or military airbase, they should have someone working there with the tools needed.

In any case, good luck on your way.
Maybe post a photo or two of the finished product.

[belldanndy]

Thanks again for all the tips and advise, I really appreciated!
I know there are several great F1 projects building here, I just like to ask if there's any close up photos of the cockpit inside? I like to know how the steering column is mount to the chassis.
Thanks for the help!!

[netoperek]

Could You provide measurements of this connector? I'm sure that I've dismounted very similar (if not the same) connector from one old german extruder the other day... I'll try to locate it to compare, even if only to satisfy curiosity (or to send it to You, if it fits)

[belldanndy]

Could You provide measurements of this connector? I'm sure that I've dismounted very similar (if not the same) connector from one old german extruder the other day... I'll try to locate it to compare, even if only to satisfy curiosity (or to send it to You, if it fits)

Thanks for kindly offer. Which one you are referred to, the 13 pins one inside the spline or the 22 pins with cable?
And what kind of measurements you need, the 13 pins is 10.5mm across and the 22 pins is 15 mm.

[netoperek]

I was thinking of 22 pins connector. I recall that plug i've had, with the collar was about 25 mm in diameter, more less. There should be complete set somewere. The other part was mounted through the hole on the side of the machine like a gland IIRC. Next time i will be at my ex boss company (should be soon) I'll look for it!

[belldanndy]

Thanks for your help, really appreciated!!
Btw, anyone with detail photos on the steering column mounting inside the cockpits??