Apollo Comms Part 23: making connectors and a control panel

We remake tricky connectors and a control panel. Shout-out to PCBWay www.pcbway.com for donating all the PCBs for this episode. Also thanks to Samtec www.samtec.com for donating the microcoax and connectors.
Apollo Comms Playlist: • Apollo Comms Part 1: O...
Links to doc:
www.curiousmarc.com/space/apo...
virtualagc.github.io/virtuala...
www.ibiblio.org/apollo/
Our sponsors
- PCBWay: fast turn PCBs, www.pcbway.com
- ElectroRent: www.electrorent.com
- Keysight: test instruments: www.keysight.com
- Samtec: connectors: www.samtec.com
- R&D Microwaves: www.rdmicrowaves.com/
Support the team on Patreon: / curiousmarc
Buy shirts on Teespring: teespring.com/stores/curiousm...
Learn more on the companion site: www.curiousmarc.com
Contact info: kzbin.infoa...

[@PCBWay]

Thanks so much, you guys for letting us be one part of the Spectacular project! 🥳

[@yorgle]

Thank YOU for supporting them! :D

[@soulrobotics]

Hey,... can you make a miniature micropanel, so Marc gives it away to all the super-nerds who watch this channel? (joking... but all the dreams can come true)

[@properjob2311]

thank you for your support. I will definitely use your company in the future. those new pcb colours look great.

[@MrCydoo]

Thank you to supporting them and make a dream for all enthusiats !!!!!

[@RickBaconsAdventures]

Hi Marc and @PCBWay, I am a V4 long time customer and I don't see the new soldermask colors when I order my boards. What am I doing wrong? Thank you

[@hoofie2002]

A fifty year old welded box of electronics that instantly works probably within spec. Those original engineers who designed these modules were on top of their game.

[@SeanBZA]

Designed by a team to who the word conservative rating was something they considered way too relaxed. Designed to be used once, tested a thousand times, and then left for a half century, yet still conforms to the original spec.

[@frosty9595]

It turns out making something that is above mil spec levels of reliable also makes it last a long time.

[@profpep]

@@frosty9595 Yes, we used to joke that 'guided missile quality', meant that it could be left for a long time, then it would work perfectly. . . . . once.

[@shadowj5639]

That control panel is a work of art.

[@Mike-mu7tk]

I can't get over that color. I'm already coming up with reasons I need to use that grey on boards.

[@KeritechElectronics]

Absolutely gorgeous indeed!

[@nigozeroichi2501]

"In our next epizooode we'll be restoring five Rocketdyne F-1 rocket engines" You guys are going to beat everyone back to the moon 😁 I'm really loving all your videos, you guys are amazing!

[@reasonablebeing5392]

We're awaiting for the first KZbin video shot on the moon by your team.....

[@ElectraFlarefire]

That would be about 10 years away.. Unless they do some more collaborations.. But it wouldn't surprise me at all..

[@c1ph3rpunk]

I’ve been thinking the same thing recently, at some point we’re going to hear “it turns out an unused CM was at auction”…

[@rogervanbommel1086]

@@c1ph3rpunk nah, buys every part separately and rebuilds the mechanical stuff

[@bradleystach6275]

Pretty sure these guys will beat SLS back to the moon 😮

[@wtmayhew]

Ah yes, Deutsch connectors. I worked for an EMI/EMC test lab at Ft. Meade in the late 1970s. We received a lot of interesting military communications gear loaded with Deutsch connectors. We had to rig test harnesses, so this video brings back memories. Some of those connectors each easily cost more than the old Chevy van I was driving then. Of course you don’t want your microwave guided Atlas missile going off course, so a connector which can stay engaged reliably over the full -55 to +125 C temperature range while experiencing high G-forces is pretty important.

[@w.p.958]

I used to work with the Deutsch connectors too, they were used in various avionics wiring on the A-6 intruder.

[@Dennis-uc2gm]

I use to work for an electronics defense company back in the 80's that had a shop that built our custom in house test sets for the production floor. They turned out some nice stuff but this is almost beyond that. Really nice work guys ! Watching this whole series made me realize how much I miss that type of work.

[@MichaelEhling]

Imagine being able to show this to an Apollo astronaut today. Love to hear their stories as they explore this replica.

[@Digital-Dan]

When I did my spacecraft control panel as a 10 year old, I had to use a large piece of white-faced cardboard and a ballpoint pen. This is more fun.

[@RandallStephens397]

Oh, that panel replica is absolutely gorgeous!

[@andreasadam2852]

Deutsch is now "TE Connectivity", located in Bensheim, Germany. Maybe they would have had some connectors in the attic... But you guys always find your way around the problems with this facinating old stuff.

[@KeritechElectronics]

Cool to know that. Wirklich deutsch!

[@alpcns]

Absolutely stunning. Fantastic work! What a wonderful project. The knowledge, skill, dedication, craftsmanship and quality of it all boggles the mind. A work of art. Bravo!

[@Indiskret1]

This series is just incredible. So much work, so many great minds resulting in great rewards. Being able to watch this on YT is wonderful!

[@Brian-L]

Marc and team are plotting their escape off this rock.

[@KeritechElectronics]

I'd rather go to Cheyenne Mountain, haha! #GatersGonnaGate

[@slincolne]

Wow ! Those boards that PCBWay manufactured look amazing ! Beautiful work !

[@PCBWay]

Thx ♥

[@Plaiditect]

I spotted SCE! But not in the AUX position. Awesome work!

[@LauwersFreddy]

Cost of the ‘Return to the moon programs’: - Artemis: $93 billion - Marc & crew: sponsored by PCBWay

[@scowell]

Now I'm expecting a collector to donate a boiler-plate CM! This is just fantastic, great work folks!

[@johnzaleski5182]

This stuff is next-level good. What a toy-maker’s paradise! Love it, love it, love it!!!

[@VeraTR909]

Love all these companies chipping in, it's just such a cool project. Very wholesome.

[@KallePihlajasaari]

Your control panel is a work of art. It is a miracle that humanity got to the moon in 1969. The biggest hurdle would have been the rigorous generation and conformance to specifications. Somehow everyone would have to keep the weight down without compromising any of the features.

[@ponyhorton4295]

I see you have the life-size Apollo cockpit poster of the main control panels. I created that for Luna Replicas and all the other cockpit posters they sell. I'm honored that you fellas have that poster.

[@CuriousMarc]

Great job! We are honored to have your poster!

[@RomstarOrion]

If you guys DON'T have a flight ready command module by 2030 I will be completely shocked. The work you have done is nothing short of staggering. Keep up the good work.

[@tintobrass532]

My friends, during this project you have acted with determination, skill and honour, and it is for this reason that all of the UK adores you

[@hernancoronel]

At 7:03 he is so so proud! Congratulations Eric! Thank you for the video!

[@slick4401]

I also love the fact that they recreated the exact section of the panel that has the famous "SCE - AUX" switch.

[@MarkW_]

In the (near) future: Apollo Comms Part 1074: ground testing Communication with our restored Apollo module before launch ;) But seriously, great work again Marc!

[@wtmayhew]

When you think of it, the Apollo program accounted for almost 2.5% of US gross domestic product (GDP) over a ten year period. That is a heck of a chunk of money and manpower. That’s why we are blessed to have these amazingly technologically advanced artifacts which were way ahead of the state of the art for their time.

[@fredinit]

I like the nice multifix tool post on the lathe. Excellent choice!

[@CuriousMarc]

I love the multifix. This is a swiss original on top of it. The guy that designed this had a brain wave!

[@twotone3070]

I have no idea why I'm following this project, but I'm really enjoying.

[@andywest5773]

These videos make the Apollo missions seem up-close and real, perhaps even more than the footage of the events themselves. Thank you so much for helping thousands of people, including myself, feel more connected to this part of our history.

[@steve_case]

Mark, the grey color looks fantastic. Cudos to the team for such a beautiful panel. Make some more!

[@DisinterestedObserver]

As a kid, I was awakened by my parents to watch Neil Armstrong step onto the lunar surface. Watching you resurrect key parts of the technology used after 50 years is fascinating. I stand in awe of your work but also it forces one to think about the incredible engineering that NASA and its contractors did in the first place to create this technology. What subsystem is next on the agenda after the comm subsystem is up and running?

[@rogervanbommel1086]

Let me guess, propulsion 😊

[@glennstasse5698]

This like watching a live Smithsonian Museum. Just stupendous!

[@EdwinSteiner]

Great work! And everyone, don't forget to order Eric's wonderful book "OPEN CIRCUITS" for Christmas! I already got mine and it is even more beautiful than I expected.

[@KeritechElectronics]

Oh no, you bought me with those pink PCBs! I'm torn between PCBWay pink and JLCPCB purple. Vintage reissue colors are damn awesome too, for the retro nerds like us. Mighty impressive work on that German connector re-creation, and I love the rectangular one too. The panels... WOOOOOOOOW! Still scraping my jaw off the floor. Thing of beauty, joy for ever!

[@LMacNeill]

Well, while NASA is perfecting the Artemis missions, if they have any questions about how they did this whole moonshot thing during the Apollo era, y'all are definitely the experts they should call. You have seriously re-engineered the entire communications system, just about. Truly amazing!!

[@martinwhitaker5096]

I think this is probably the first time I've ever really wanted to buy from the sponsor of a video! The whole project is mind blowing. Thank you for making these videos!

[@lukesky2496]

Marc, and your Team, i can not say more then THANK YOU , iam a HAM too by the way and this is so amazing to see , iam from switzerland, and i can say i would like to take a time machine and go in two the 60 and be on this project.... they where so ambition and on the edge of time... look at this connectors.... micro coax ... sma etc... led... ahhh what a great Time you give me with this content... 73 Luke

[@greendryerlint]

That looks amazing. If you ever get sick of Apollo stuff (like that would ever happen), Hollywood could commission you guys to make working movie props.

[@LancerMyMan]

This really is very beautiful to see these discarded boxes come back to life. It’s as much of humankind’s history as the Rosetta Stone. I like the panel. It is a wonderful touch.

[@UnOrigionalOne]

I love the simple solution of the under sized drill bit on the lathe to catch the part.

[@russellhltn1396]

Huh! I thought he was drilling out the inside. I had to go back and see what you were talking about.

[@fredinit]

Someone's been watching Abom79 and his tricks.

[@jlwilliams]

All the electronics stuff is great, but I always love to see Marc fire up the lathe!

[@kellyherald1390]

There is no way you guys are working. You are having way too much fun. It is great that you are restoring the Apollo electronics. It's amazing that these components still work.

[@gtoger]

This channel needs a collab with someone who can actually build the ship, because at this point I think these guys are going to the moon. Kind of like those guys that drive old brass era cars around. It's gonna be Boeing, Elon and these guys running around the moon in their jalopy.

[@MahBor]

Pls make the whole Apollo cockpit with everything working! It'd be absolutely incredible!

[@deBug67]

Amazing work on the panel, looks really great with the 3D printed knobs and switches!👍

[@ijunkie]

God level nerds. I never get tired of these videos.

[@99959bill]

That's GREAT !!! Beautiful Work !!!! I have been making panels for years but never made any that nice !!!!

[@624Dudley]

You guys rock! …and roll! …and pitch! …and yaw! 👍

[@SpinStar1956]

Stunningly Great Work! Just seems like nothing stands in your way for long! Thanks so much for doing all this...

[@stheil]

Ooh those Deutsch connector boards are works of art! Beautiful job there, the amount of effort you guys put into all of this is amazing!

[@MrCydoo]

Un grand bravo Marc à toi et toute ta merveilleuse équipe, je ne suis pas un spécialiste mais vos vidéos me font littérallement rêver !

[@sweetpeaz61]

I cant tell you how much I enjoy these videos of your Apollo adventures. You all are really the most amazing crew

[@MVVblog]

In the next episode, we will actually land on the Moon! You guys are spectacular!

[@shaun9054]

Ya'll might just be the coolest people on the internet!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

Great work by you guys, by PCBWay, and nice to see a venerable T400 still going strong.

[@electronash]

11:07 - The original 386 often used that type of PGA132 layout. Could well be for the 386, but then that socket was probably used for lots of other things. They look like the kind of ZIF pins that solder to the board with the Mylar intact, then the chip is simply press-fit.

[@electronash]

I just saw the Control Panel part. Dayum, Eric. That looks awesome. :o

[@alasdairmunro1953]

What amazing creativity! Really well done all!

[@wtmayhew]

Fantastic work and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariodistefano2973]

What a fantastic project! Thanks Marc and all the other guys which made the Massive work, which cannot be seen in this video! Congratulations to you all!

[@growingknowledge]

Beautiful work gentlemen.

[@MarcelHuguenin]

Thank you Team for sharing this amazing project! Just realizing what you actually have accomplished is mind-boggling! The excitement is getting higher with every episode. Also thank you PCBWay for creating these Awesome boards, they look phenomenal!

[@hymermobiler]

wow standing back and looking on in awe, what a fantastic channel and team you are!

[@drv8086]

Fantastic work yet again you guys. Excited for the next update.

[@largepimping]

If Master Ken wasn't there to double check stuff, it probably won't work 😄. Great work as usual, guys.

[@djmips]

You're so lucky to have such a fantastic team. Good work team!

[@islandhopperstuart]

Magnificent work guys!

[@alexlavoie9696]

Amazing work as always!

[@robertborchert932]

I don't know how many have noticed it, but this panel includes the famous SCE switch!

[@andrewstanek3160]

Those boards are beautiful. That color is great.

[@denisohbrien]

this series of videos is absolutely staggering. in every respect. thankyou so much for sharing with us.

[@JamesHalfHorse]

Never would have thought to use a brass tube but it makes perfect sense. I am just starting to look into PCB design and fab once I can get that part of the lab going again.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Stunning. I’m speechless on this one, y’all have outdone yourselves. Again.

[@grubboy3514]

Incredible work guys 👍

[@VincentGroenewold]

It's so cool you can create these things yourself these days, amazing stuff!!

[@scottfmurphy78]

This is REALLY impressive work guys, like wow.

[@socialite1283]

Always interesting enjoyable informative episodes. Thanx.

[@GeeWillikersMan]

You boys continue to impress. Bravo.

[@GuilhermeHuet]

GREAT WORK!!! Congratulations

[@nickstubbings]

Very pretty, the colour is beautiful.

[@carldaniel6510]

So much cool all in one place!

[@soulrobotics]

I can't find the word to define what goes beyond inspirational... That's what this video produces.

[@chriholt]

As always, I am speechless!

[@SharkoonBln]

How about a more authentic back-lit by EL comms panel? I think about an acrylic plate, cut to shape, EL foil at the backside, big grey sticker with cutouts where the light is supposed to shine through. That´s possibly like von Braun´s team made them. Or: Possibly the sammich was aluminium backplate, then EL foil, then sticker with translucent words and markings on top. Maybe I´m the only one, but I think the use of electro-luminescent backlighting gave the whole Apollo cockpit this "Whoa Buzz, look at this, is this some year 2063 tech?" feeling :)

[@buidelrat132]

Nice! Thank you so much for what you do, and for sharing. ❤️

[@cambridgemart2075]

I've had to make connectors to made with pattern 602 connectors with coaxial inserts; I discovered that a size 16 female would crimp onto small coax cable ( I can't recall what the exact type was), and the centre of the coax was a perfect fit in the middle of the coaxial connector. I found the correct size 602 housing, gutted it, fitted all the receptacles in it then filled it with epoxy resin, resulting in a usable custom connector.

[@gordondyer6310]

You guys are truly amazing!

[@nostromons6325]

Looking forward to the next series!

[@erniecamhan]

Great video 👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@feicodeboer]

I wish I had that level of skill and not to forget dedication!

[@DEVAXTATOR-1]

Great Scott you are literally rebuilding time from the past!!! it looks so shinny!! thank you for your time on this project I quite enjoy this series :)

[@alexanderkupke920]

sometimes I am not sure what was more ingenious, the original engineers comming up with what they did back then with what technology was available back then, or someone knowing what is possible today in microcontrollers etc trying to figure out what and why they did things in old technology the way they did and make it work again. To me it sometimes feels, knowing what is easily possible today in a chip the size of a stamp or less and software compared to what needed a huge box back then does not always help to realize what sometimes simple tricks they had to use to make it work back then.

[@daviddavis7855]

Love the Mac SE on the bench!

[@divierteknia]

You all absolute genius.

[@zebo-the-fat]

I am beyond impressed!

[@ccronn]

Utterly amazing

[@BCH320]

This is a very very nice control panel, such a beauty :) Great video amazing job. Just go on like that :D

[@jond1536]

Marc, contact the Dalbor family they are the ones making the nixie tubes. Just think if they could make a few custom Nixie tubes that are period matching for the original time line. I have watched their videos and they are a great bunch of people. Thanks for the videos...

[@estudiom142]

Epic work! !!

[@tomhumphries6606]

Wow, very well done. Thank you. 🤩

[@joonaasd1856]

Damn this project is AWESOME!

[@TheFleetz]

Excuse my French! Bloody amazing, but then nothing surprises me anymore……👍😀