Type 90 Antenna Relocation

 

 

The conversion that I did on my Marui Type 90 is to utilize the existing kit as much as possible. The advantage is I’m able to use antenna from other tanks. The twin antenna is from one of my Marui Abrams. Because work is done on relatively small parts, this conversion involves precision drilling. Any offset may ruin the parts worked on. So you have to decide for yourself.

 

List of things needed:

 

Once the tank is opened up, the existing wiring to the rear antenna can be traced. Unscrew the connector to remove the rear antenna. Route this wiring into the turret instead. Since the turret is a moving part, leave enough slack by soldering more wires to extend into the turret. Work on the lower hull is more or less completed, unless there is a need to do finally adjustment if it gets in the way of any moving parts.

 

Now comes the antenna. I have compiled a graphical illustration below.

 

 

 

Cut out the plastic antenna from the parts tree. The Abrams antenna holder has 3mm outside diameter. Use a caliper to measure the exact location to snip off the fake antenna. Do a flush clean cut with a modeling knife or a side cutter. Under the magnifying glass, mark and punch  the center to prepare for drilling.

 

 

 

Secure the plastic part in a vice. Not too tight coz the part can be damaged. Rotary tools like Dremel or Minicraft can be used. For best results, use a drill stand. If not, use a pin vise with a proper hand support. Do it slowly, do not rush. Make a starter hole using a smaller bit and increase in steps the bit size to enlarge it. After holes are made, pull wire through the turret. Heat up the soldering iron. Dap very little solder to bind the tip of wire. Do not put to much solder or the wire can’t go into the plastic antenna holder.

 

 

 

Push the wire into the plastic antenna holder. As the wire gets into it, use a needle with a bent tip to hook out the wire on the other end. This can be difficult and needs time and patient. Once it’s done, cut and insert a 3mm brass/copper tube to help strengthen the antenna holder. Apply silicon to glue the antenna holder. Leave to dry for a day. Finally, insert the Abrams antenna into the completed antenna holder.

 

There is a choice of connecting both antenna or leaving one as a dummy as in the Abrams. I’ve both antennas connected.

 

There may be another way of doing this. Connect a long thin wire and coil it around the lower hull. The wiring does not route into the turret or antenna holder. Hole is only drilled to insert the antenna. It’s purely a cosmetic one. I’ve not try this, so I’m not sure if the tank can receive good reception.