andyhughes 0 #1 October 27, 2009 I've noticed that on some unisys mirages, the hip rings are actually forged by a different company than the chest rings are the 3-ring harness ring... ... i was wondering if this is fairly common.... so if anyone has a fully articulated mirage to hand it would be good to hear if the stamp on the leg strap hardware match the stamps on the other hardware. On the one i have here, the hip rings have a "W" in a pentagon stamped on them (i.e. Wichard hardware) whereas the chest rings and 3-ring harness ring have a large "B" followed by a tiny small "F" and "I" (vertically aligned) enclosed in a diamond (Bourdon hardware). All hardware is stainless steel, and are the same shape and finish, except the Wichard hardware has a slot that is *very* slightly different shape. And if anyone has any suggestions as to why there is mixture of hardware, it would be very interesting to hear. I have asked the manufacturer but had no response. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hackish 8 #2 October 27, 2009 I don't know exactly how common it is for them to mix and match. Most rig manufacturers own sewing machines not metal forging machines so they buy from another company who is good at making said part. As an exception Jumpshack has a metal shop and most of the R/C handles for other rigs are made by them. I also wouldn't be worried about this practise as all the hardware has to meet stringent requirements in testing, Q/C and traceability. -Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyhughes 0 #3 October 27, 2009 You are right, it isn't something to be concerned about... but there must be some reason for using hardware from different forges at specific places on the harness. In addition to this, i'm trying to get a feel for whether this is the case for all mirage harnesses... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,271 #4 October 27, 2009 Hi andy, Quotebut there must be some reason for using hardware from different forges at specific places on the harness. Yup, it is called price & availability. Ever wonder about the different companies that make the binding tape used on your rig? Same thing over again & again. JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyhughes 0 #5 October 28, 2009 hmmm... not 100% convinced on that one... unless they ran out of hardware from one forge half way through building this particular rig.... what about the other mirages out there - what hardware do they have on them? (i don't get to see that many Mirages over here in the UK - for some reason there aren't many about - so my survey pool is quite small... hence the dz.com post...). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #6 November 5, 2009 Quotehmmm... not 100% convinced on that one... unless they ran out of hardware from one forge half way through building this particular rig.... what about the other mirages out there - what hardware do they have on them? (i don't get to see that many Mirages over here in the UK - for some reason there aren't many about - so my survey pool is quite small... hence the dz.com post...). Since I had my rig next to me as I sat down, it has the same markings on the hip rings as it does for the harness ring connector. Looks like a diamond, cant really make out whats inside of it (could be a B) and 04 next to it. Also has 444SS (Im guessing its 444 stainless steel)"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyhughes 0 #7 November 5, 2009 Nice one - thanks for posting that. That is Bourdon hardware (it is a "B" with a tiny "F" and "I" like the logo on http://www.bourdonforge.com/). Why they try stamping letters that quite that small is beyond me ;p. Interesting to hear that it is all the same hardware... anyone else out there with a mirage handy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,271 #8 November 5, 2009 Hi onlyski, The 444 designation, if I remember correctly, is from DJ Associates. You could go on their website and take a look around and find out for yourself. Have fun, JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,462 #9 November 6, 2009 Quotehmmm... not 100% convinced on that one... unless they ran out of hardware from one forge half way through building this particular rig.... what about the other mirages out there - what hardware do they have on them? (i don't get to see that many Mirages over here in the UK - for some reason there aren't many about - so my survey pool is quite small... hence the dz.com post...). I don't know for sure, but perhaps the bin was partly full of one type, and shipment of a different type came in and got mixed in. If they all meet spec, would they have to be segregated by manufacturer?"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
