Sprig said:
I personally will NOT build a modern aircraft with 1940's electrical connection technology.
Sprig,
First of all, the FastOn connectors are not 1940s technology, they are the best solution for the price using today's technology. You can probably find something that is superior, but not anywhere near the price. Regarding what is used on the Space Shuttle, I should remind you that we have spent billions and billions of dollars on the Space Shuttle, so whatever they might be using for connectors, I would not be suprised if their solution would not be viable for my kit. I spent 4 years in the Air Force working on nuclear weapons, so I have seen connectors that will never come off, but at $150 a pop, and 6 ounces per connector, none of these will make it into my airplane.
Bob Nickolls recommends FastOn connectors because they do not come loose, and he thinks they are better than ring terminals, because nuts do come loose. Bob has worked in the avation industry designing electrical systems for something like 40 years, so he has had a fair amount of experience with these types of connectors. Having experimented with the FastOn connectors, myself, I tend to trust him on this.
BTW, do not discount the quality of FastOn connectors based upon what you have seen in an auto parts store. I recommend that you actually buy a few of these from Stein and see what a quality piece of technology the good ones actually are. Also, go to Bob Nicholls website and look at some of his examples. Always good reading.
Regarding the use of 40s technology, does this mean you will not use any round gauges, Lyco engines, or a tail wheels on your airplane? When you start building your airplane, then please keep us informed, as a lot of us would probably be interested in what you come up with.
Cheers,
Tracy.