In great condition, I'll fire it up when I get a chance. It needs the aerial re connecting as the previous owner removed it for storage and cut the wire from the pcb.
It used 2 x 4 cell battery boxes for the power. I just hope the previous owner didn't think it was 2 x PP3's or I will be replacing a number of components in the Tx.
Pity the original Rx wasn't with it but maybe one will turn up. For potential builders of repros Its 40mm diameter, 220mm long, label is 30mm x 80mm. Button center is 50mm from the top.
Phil has sourced some cheap 40mm aluminium tube, enough to make 4. Anybody know where you could get it anodised gold? I suppose you could use an aerosol smooth Hammerite.. It's worked for me in the past on Tx cases as long as you prime it with an etching primer first
A quite clever feature is the hexagonal hole in the aluminium label that stops the hex nut on the button rotating.
UPDATE>>>>>>>Took about 1 hour to sort it but its transmitting again like a good un.
Cheers
Shaun
ps apologies for the poor photography.....my camera wasn't charged up so I used the very average one on my tablet.
Re: Aerial Contact Finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Tue Dec 22, 2015 2:13 pm
Aha! Never seen one in the flesh, from the black-&-white adverts I'd always thought they were white!
If you get a chance, a few more pics and some measurements would be much appreciated! Frank & Ron will be looking for 40mm tubing offcuts right now!
Cheers
Phil
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:25 pm
Hi guys,
never seen a transmitter like this. Was this a prototype or were they built in greater numbers. I could not find anything about it in the internet. Phil is absolutely right, I need to look for a suitable tubing to make a replica.
Cheers
Frank
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:44 pm
Hi Frank,
They were made by Aerial who also manufactured reed sets. Not a huge volume manufacturer but they were distributed by Veron in the UK around the mid to late 60's to early 70's
Clever idea, they balance well in the hand. It would really need to be 35MHz it would look wrong with a 2.4g aerial.
Cheers
Shaun
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:58 pm
Hi Shaun,
definitely, it must be 35MHz. What is a fishing rod without the rod. I have plenty of parts in my grab-box including 35MHz moduls and aerials, just need the tubing. Thank you to bring new ideas to my mind. It will make a great transmitter-replica for the next spring.
Cheers
Frank
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:19 pm
Is the photo of the label good enough to make a replica from Frank?
The measurements for the Tx etc are in my initial post.
Shaun
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:43 pm
Hi Shaun
I could not read all of it, espeacialy the very small parts. This is my first version of the label: Well, it is now the third version.
Thanks for your help.
Frank
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:56 pm
Frank, that is brilliant and almost perfect.
there is just the word - by - missing from it which is almost impossible to see on the photo.
Its position is above the "a" in ariElelectronics and level with the top of the extended "l"
Cheers
Shaun
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:16 pm
You're amazing Frank, you never fail to make me smile!
Shaun can you find the advert please? My mags are buried in the cattery of all places...
Heres the " by "
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:18 pm
Thank you guys,
I changed it and adjusted the size to 80x30mm. I hope. it is good enough now.
Cheers
Frank
---------------------------------------------- P2 -----------------------------------------------
Re: Aerial Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:28 pm
tiptipflyer wrote:never seen a transmitter like this. Was this a prototype or were they built in greater numbers
Frank I have an Ariel Electronics reed set, 8 channels:
I remember the advert for the Ariel Contact single-channel set, but I've never actually seen one. Must be very, very rare!
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:33 pm
Hi Frank ,
I may have confused you re the button center. The button is 45mm from the top of the label, so including the lid it is 55mm from the top of the Tx..
I'll sort out the advert image later.
Cheers
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:57 pm
Thank you Shaun,
the button center is changed. I found a 40mm tubing. The 35MHz module just fits inside, when the module enclosure is removed. So all parts are on hand.
Phil, that is a beautifull reeds Tx.
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Wed Dec 23, 2015 12:08 am
I may just have to make a replica now.
What 35kHz module are you using.... with a bit of careful measuring you should be able to put a hole in to change the xtal as well. The other option would be to drill a hole and use a blanking gromet.; still the original has got soldered in.
Cheers,
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby ceptimus » Wed Dec 23, 2015 12:51 am
Do 'normal' 35MHz transmitters provide any sort of ground plane effect for the antenna that the fishing rod handle might not? I know a lot of more modern transmitters have plastic cases so probably not - unless there is some kind of foil or other conductive coating put on the plastic somehow?
I know some 35MHz output stages tend to run too hot when the aerial is left collapsed for any length of time.
So I suppose the best way to test the fishing-rod-style case is first to make sure the output transistors don't run too hot when it's been left switched on for, say, five minutes with the antenna extended - and if that's okay then do the normal range tests before the first flight.
Looks really good - nice and ergonomic - I suppose with some kind of sliding/rotating ring on the outside of the handle, and a separate slider/ring for throttle, the same layout could also be used for a one-handed proportional rig.
ceptimus
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Wed Dec 23, 2015 1:11 am
Hi Martin,
The case is made of anodized aluminium . The pcb is mounted on 2 metal stand offs but I didn't check if the case is earthed to it.
The end caps are plastic. They could be 3D printed to copy the original ones. I don't think modern 35kHz modules have heating issues with the aerial not been extended but Phil will be able to confirm this.
Cheers,
Shaun.
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Wed Dec 23, 2015 2:22 am
Here you go Phil,
found this in an RCM&E late 1967
It looks like my Tx is the Major from the ad description.
Cheers
Shaun
IMG_20151223_010413499.jpg
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:35 am
In my replica and converted original Tx, I use either Jamara, Futaba or Graupner 35MHz modules. Best are the Futaba ones, they require only 9.6V to 12V (8S NMH or 3S LiFe or LiPo) and work with the Arduinos or Phils magic modules together without any problems.
Second best are Jamara, I got those very cheap (about 2 pounds each incl. crystal). They look like the Futaba modules, but the PCB inside is different. They work best with 7.2V to 8.4V (7S NMH or 2S LiPo) and are happy with both Arduinos and Phils modules.
The Graupner modules work fine but require 9.6V (8S NMH or 3S LiFe or LiPo) plus a stabilized 6V (Voltage regulator) and the PPM from Phils and Arduino modules need to be inverted. That is a little more effort to make. But all of them work fine.
I have meanwhile about 15 homebrew transmitters on 35MHz and use them very often. No range issues or heating issues. Last week I forgot to switch my Webra Picco Tx off and i t was running for 6 hours without aerial. No heating problem it was still cold and still working (good Tx battery).
I am using Channel 72 for decades now and I am probably the last one in our club (over 300 members) using this channel. So there is no need for me to change a crystal.
Happy building!
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Thu Jan 07, 2016 12:04 pm
Hi Frank,
Happy New Year...
Where do you get your Jamara 35KHz modules from please?
Cheers,
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Thu Jan 07, 2016 12:21 pm
Shaun brought the 'Contact' to our club meeting and I was surprised at the size - bigger than I imagined, although it is 80% batteries!
Physically its a great idea - with the aerial extended it balances nicely, very comfortable but in common with many sets of the period, the button is horrible!
I do remember the adverts but this is the first one I've actually seen, it seems well made, I wonder why they were not as popular as Macgregor, RCS, Gem etc?
Shaun a few of us bought Hitec 35mhz modules from Profi and from Scoonies. They were £5 or £10 I forget and come with a crystal. They work very well in homebrews.
I seem to recall that Jamara 'Jump' 2.4g is rebadged Corona DSSS but I dont know if their 35mhz modules are OEM or rebadged.
Cheers
Phil
----------------------------------------------- P3 ---------------------------------------------------
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Thu Jan 07, 2016 4:47 pm
Hi Shaun, hi Phil, hi evrybody else
Happy New Year.
The exterior of the Jamara modules look exactly like the Futaba modules, they will fit instead in every suitable Futaba transmitter, but the PCB inside is different and the crystal is located at another position. I got those modules from a dealer on ebay. He sold every module, he had with my #72 crystal to me at a price of EUR 2,50 each, which is less than 2 pounds. But he is almost out of Jamara modules. Look here:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Jamara-Modul-WFL ... SwCQNWeu2i
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Jamara-Modul-WFL ... SwYaFWeu3E
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Thu Jan 07, 2016 8:45 pm
Thanks for the info Frank.
Cheers
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Sun Jan 24, 2016 11:36 am
Hi guys,
well, the first step is done. I started this morning with the enclosure for the Aerial transmitter. I used the 40mm plastic drain pipe found in the basement, added balsa and plywood top- and bottom ends and installed the antenna. Finally I covered the tube with golden self-adhesive film and added the decal. Doesnt look too bad. In the next days I will add the electronic components and paint the top- and bottom ends. On top will be the S/C encoder, below that will be the Jamara Futaba-style 35MHz module and at the bottom I plan to use a 7 cell AAA Eneloop NiMH battery pack. The antenna was salvaged from a Graupner 35MHz transmitter. I hope to testfly it within one week.
Aerial1.JPG
Aerial3.JPG
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:50 pm
Do you ever eat or sleep Frank ??


Looks great.. The end caps are a Dove Grey colour on the original. The film is a good idea. I thought that brass tube painted with a satin varnish might also give a pretty close representation on the original one..
You really need to come over to our single channel and retro do on June 5th this year and show and fly your collection.
We will also having a general Fly In on June 4th and I will be organising ( subject to PANDAS approval) a Double egg beater fly in event there in conjunction with the the BMFA / CAA Double egg beater awareness drive. We should have a professional Double egg beater operator here to film all our shenanigans. Very limited camping is available at the flying site but you could stay at my place with Andrew Boddington .
Cheers,
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Sun Jan 24, 2016 7:54 pm
Thats astonishingly good Frank
In fact, I think it might even be better than Shaun's.....
It would be brilliant if you could make the meeting Frank. With Ron we'd have the two most prolific retro-tranny builders on the planet!
Or, one day I might just pop over to Lohmar, you never know....

Cheers
Phil
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby ronstv » Sun Jan 24, 2016 7:57 pm
Thanks Phil,
Frank, how did you make the chrome decal, was it using the silver foil trick?
Ron
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Sun Jan 24, 2016 8:48 pm
Thanks guys,
yes it is the silver foil trick. The decal is printed with a laser printer on clear self-adhesive film, this is sticked on chrome self-adhesive film. Thats it.
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Mon Jan 25, 2016 1:35 pm
DONE!
Last night I finished the fishing rod transmitter. This morning was suitable weather (19° warmer than last week), so I went to the field and testflew the Aerial transmitter with the Schoolmaster and the Roaring 20. No problems. Handels great, really a wonderfull transmitter. I also tested the Pathfinder replica. As expected no problems. Did 5 great flights and one bad flight when the fence jumped into the airplanes way. No big damage, it is already repaired.
SAM_2157.JPG
Aerial4.JPG
Now I will have lunch and then start a new project.
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby ronstv » Mon Jan 25, 2016 4:37 pm
Very nice Frank,
Great when it all comes together. What's your next tranny?
Ron
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:07 pm
Let him have a sit down and a cup of tea first, Ron...ronstv wrote:What's your next tranny?
Ron

----------------------------------------------- P4 -----------------------------------------------------
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby ronstv » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:11 pm
Plenty of time to sup tea, NEXT !

Ron
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:18 pm
Frank, how about a group shot of all your home built tx's
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:40 pm
Next transmitters will be Kraft Custom, Variophon2, another Webra Picco and a Orbit 8 Channel. And I have still a Graupner Standard 10 replica in mind. Inbetween I have to repair some older models and have to build a couple of new ones.
Now I need to get some sleep.
Good night
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby jmp_blackfoot » Wed Jan 27, 2016 1:09 am
Here are a couple of pictures of my Ariel Contact set.
The transmitter and superegen relayless receiver work fine, only the transmitter antenna is loose at the bottom.
I haven't tested the Slim Jim motorised actuator yet. It does need a bit of cleaning up.
Transmitter size is 1"5/8 diameter by 8"1/2 long ( plus 1/8" at each end for the covers)
Frequency is 27.145 MHz and tone is 575 Hz. RF radiated power is moderate, due I think to a rudimentary antenna matching.
The receiver is 38 mm square by 22 mm thick and weighs 36 gram.
I found the receiver to be quite sensitive yet does not overload with the Tx right beside it.
The Modelectric Slim Jim relayless actuator weighs 39 gram.
The whole thing is not as shiny as tiptipflyer's, but then after all it is 49 years old...
jmp_blackfoot
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby tiptipflyer » Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:01 am
Hi JMP,
that is really a great set. For the age in very good condition and still working. GREAT. My fishing rod tranny is only a replica made last week from garbage parts. Until last month, I didnt even know that such a radio even exists. Never seen one, never heard of it. And for that reason I had to build a replica.
Cheers
Frank
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby jmp_blackfoot » Thu Jan 28, 2016 6:29 am
Here is the schematic of the Ariel Contact transmitter.
i am not sure that the antenna matching is the best and also measured the voltage to the push-pull output stage, finding that emitter follower T4 caused a drop of 2.5V


Both these findings explain the low RF radiation of this transmitter and also why a sensitive receiver was probably essential.
ATTACHMENTS jmp_blackfoot
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Thu Jan 28, 2016 2:40 pm
Thanks very much for posting the diagram Jean-Marie, a month ago I'd only ever seen a Contact on paper in the magazine adverts, and now we have two posted and one superb replica! The output would probably be improved by substituting an NPN at T4, with the coil centre-tap in the collector, then T2 would switch it hard and the 2.5v drop would be much reduced...jmp_blackfoot wrote:Here is the schematic of the Ariel Contact transmitter.
...also measured the voltage to the push-pull output stage, finding that emitter follower T4 caused a drop of 2.5V![]()
![]()

Cheers
Phil
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby jmp_blackfoot » Thu Jan 28, 2016 5:55 pm
Phil,
An NPN transistor at T4 would suppress the carrier between button presses.
I tried a short across emitter and collector of T4 and it did increase the RF output quite noticeably as expected.
jmp_blackfoot
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Thu Jan 28, 2016 6:51 pm
Thats true, I didn't spot that!
Maybe move the button a section to the left, so T2 stays on between presses: Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby jmp_blackfoot » Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:20 am
I just tested the Ariel receiver with a Controlaire 10-channel reed transmitter and found that peak response (best range) is between elevator channels up and down.
This equals tones of 549 Hz and 601 Hz, so that the Ariel transmitter's 575 Hz modulation is spot on, right in the middle of the peak range!
------------------------------------------------- P5 ------------------------------------------------
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Twitcher » Sat Feb 13, 2016 8:54 pm
Forgive my ignorance gentlemen, but judging from your excitement, it's obvious something major has turned up! I'm guessing this is a single-channel bang-bang Tx?
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Sat Feb 13, 2016 9:24 pm
Hi Twitcher,
Yes the Aerial Contact is a very rare single channel transmitter. I had been searching for one for years to add to the museum collection.
Phil Smith ( Veron) was a dear friend. Veron used to be the reseller for Aerial radios and Phil told he seemed to remember that they didn't sell that many.
It was a great concept, easy to hold and well balanced. I believe there were 2 versions, a shorter range one for use with boats and a more powerful model for aircraft. Maybe ahead of it's time and too radicle.
Cheers
Shaun
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby SGC » Thu May 05, 2016 10:57 am
Just read through this , interesting SC concept, and couldn't help but notice the similarities with the RM Simplex SC transmitter cct, this uses PNP type transistors the RM uses NPN transistors with a few minor changes. RM circuit for comparrison
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Phil_G » Wed Dec 07, 2016 10:12 pm
Just found this Ariel Contact review in August 1967 Radio Modeller: ---------------------------------------- P6 ------------------------------------------------
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby Twitcher » Sun Dec 11, 2016 12:08 pm
Hi Shaun
I'm a bit late with this but I believe your Ariel Tx might have come via a colleague at the flying group we both belong to, near Oxford? He's John Davies; a lifelong modeller of "a certain age" and a very nice man. I had the honour of helping him to lose his Halftone one evening back back in the summer (he wasn't much cop at s/c either!), although he did get it back not long afterwards.
David
Re: Ariel Contact I've finally got one
Postby 2.4g shaun » Sun Dec 11, 2016 7:34 pm
Hi David,
Yep, that's where I got it from.
Cheers,
Shaun