Ray Allen Company Stick grips

21 Nov 2004 Ray Allen Company Stick grips

I bought a G307 stick grip for the front, and a G101 for the rear. I don’t plan on doing much flying with anyone in the back, but just in case.

The Ray Allen grips are good since they work with the elevator and aileron trim systems without a relay. The problem with them is that they require soldering microscopic wires on microscopic switches. This is rather annoying, and I don’t really understand why they don’t just do this bit of work in their shop. I’m sure it has something to do with liability, but it sure seems like this could be argued from the other side as well. Anyway, I had to do a bit more soldering, which I don’t like for the simple reason that I’m not too good at it. Soldering is not science, it’s art. Picasso I’m not!

Here is the rear stick. I didn’t take any pictures of the soldering – it was too ugly!

I’ll attach the stick with this cool pin. I got it from McMaster-Carr.

Another view of the pin from the rear.

The whole stick in one photo.

Here is the inside of the G307 stick. I have elevator trim, aileron trim, a flap toggle, and an autopilot disconnect button. Of course, there is also the radio PTT trigger.

Wiring complete. It’s ugly, but I tested it and it works right.

Here is a picture of the switches in half the grip. I’ll need to get these wires organized with some heat shrink tubing.

Here I have put some clear epoxy on the connections. This is to help reduce the stress and strain on the little wires that are connected to the little switches. I have deep respect for people that can solder well. My joints are ugly, and I even succeeded in melting some of the switch housings. Nasty. I’ll put a second bit of epoxy on tomorrow when this dries to really make sure it’s sealed and protected well.

Here is how I believe the grip should have been shipped from the supplier. Ready to go!