Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

Howdy!

I have read numerous stories of airplanes crashing and the culprit was allegedly a failed Rx switch.

In fact, I suffered a crash last year and the switch was one of the items people questioned was the cause of inflight radio link disconnect.

I am putting together a new 1/4 scale model with an engine that is precious to me. I do not want to have a dubious Rx system switch.

I use a Spektrum radio. Are the Spektrum switches reputable?

What third party switches would you guys recommend?

Thanks!

vicman

My Feedback: (10)

Yep, it's real. Most pylon guys (they see pretty harsh conditions) use JR gold switches. I even add a layer of bicycle innertube under the mount to help isolate it.

TFF

Switches have always been a problem in RC. Use the best that make sense for your project.

Rafael23cc

My Feedback: (6)

If you are really worried, you have two options. Either remove the switch completely and plug in the battery before every flight, or use a fail-safe switch. I found these a few years ago for use on helicopters, and I am researching them for use on airplanes. Specially those aircraft with high current draw servos, as the current does not pass thru the switch. I've had a radio failure because the switch was an electrical choke point for the digital servos I was trying to power. Learned my lesson back then.

Rafael

Bozarth

My Feedback: (15)

I haven't used a switch in years:

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

If you are going to use a switch...use 2 of them like this http://www.hangtimes.com/parallel_packs.html

I lost a plane last year due to a failed switch and decided "NO MORE". All my planes now use dual batteries and switches. I've also gone to LiFe batteries. I use a diode in the switch leads to drop the LiFe voltage so that my old servos stay happy. No diodes are needed if using NiCd/NiMh.

Bozarth

My Feedback: (15)

Slightly ironic...


Kurt

Texastbird

these have been reliable for me. On my larger planes I tend to use the two battery, two switch option for redundancy also.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPNU3&P=ML

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

Thanks everyone!

This one Vic?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/JRPA001

The Spektrum switch looks identical. Could it be one and the same?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...arness-SPM9532

T-Bird: Thanks. That looks pretty heavy duty alright.

vicman

My Feedback: (10)

You got it.
I agree the spectrum looks just like it, but haven't used one.

Kurt has the simplest idea although it might not be for you. I know a lot of the big scale guys use redundant switches as mentioned.

Kurt, I'm curious about your fuel line...it seems you don't have much to pinch off on when fueling up?

warbird72

My Feedback: (79)

That's what I'm saying!!!!

Bozarth

My Feedback: (15)

Hey vicman,

I probably cut it too close! Nothing better than a pair of hemostats.

Kurt

FSki

I was setting up a new plane with 7 servos, due to the size I could only get in a 4 cell nimh battery and during setup the Rx telemetry voltage alarm kept going off, so I tried a Lipo and BEC, I noticed that the voltage was dropping as I moved the sticks around, which shouldn't happen with a BEC, so I bypassed the switch and voltage stayed almost constant when moving the servos, I then went back and tried my 4 cell Nimh plugged directly in the Rx and same result, the Rx voltage was a lot more stable.

This is a supposedly heavy duty switch, which hasn't had much use, and will have even less now............................

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

Wow! If I may ask, what switch was that? Mfg'r?

4*60

My Feedback: (41)

Look up rctimer...the switches are 3 wire heavy duty, led or not, being used by many in our club and a fraction of the cost.  Not one has failed over the last few years.  At least 40 in use.

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

Thanks 4*60! Found it!

jcervantes11

My Feedback: (8)

Do this use two switch with y connector. One fail u still have other working.

sidgates

My Feedback: (2)

Back in the '60, '70, early '80s all the US radio manufactures used the Noble 4F switch which was a knife action contact and I never saw a failure of this switch. The 4F was 4 pole double throw so most manufadtaures wired them with four contacts in parallel.

I have looked at some of the standard switches supplied now and most are the button type which are prone to failure Since it is hard to determine the construction of a switch without destroying it, I have gone to shorting plugs on all new installations. A shorting plug provides the same cleaning action as the 4F switch each time you plug it in

fizzwater2

My Feedback: (61)

don't you wish that Noble switch was still available? I do..

Four Stroker

The Noble switch also had a very strong detent ball. The Futaba Heavy Duty switch is knife action DPDT wired in parallel. The detent is a stupid spring thing.

VetteV12

I've been using the Hobbico Pro HD switch for mine it has a strong detent. Haven't opened it up but it uses 20 ga wire and gold contacts. It also looks exactly the same as the Hitec HD switch. However, I'm only using analog servos on my Stinger II;the Edge 540Tbuild I'm working on will not use a switch since I'll be running all digital servos and a 4100mah LiFe battery.

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

Seems incredulous that the radio mfg's would substitute anything but the highest quality switches. With a 10 lb. missile that has a buzz saw on the front flying around, you would think they would be more concerned.

cyclops2

We have at least 2 different switch groups talking here ??


Pure radio on off switch............Combined radio & servo load switch.

I do all motor, RC & servo stuff with a XT-60 plug & receptacle on small planes.

The + 70" WS stuff gets radio & servos on a seperate XT-60 setup.

I do not use any switches. only plugs. I can see the contacts changing color or feel a change in plug in forces.

chuckk2

I usually use a two pole double throw switch, and wire the poles together.

sidgates

My Feedback: (2)

I think all who are familiar with the 4F wish it was available I have a few left and use them if I have to use a switch.