Opto Kill Switch
07-20-2013, 04:42 AM
#2
RE: Opto Kill Switch
I use the RCexl opto-kill switch on several planes and it works fine for me. No problems with them so far. I have some using a external voltage regulator for the CDI unit and some without the external regulator.
I also have a few planes setup with the Tech Aero Ultra iBec and kill switch and they work great too.
In the past I have used a servo to toggle an on/off switch, that was on the magneto equipped engines and also on the early electronic ignition engines as well. The magneto usually has a grounding pin that if you ground it, it kills the ignition, so using a on off switch to control that works good then.
The main reason to use one is convenience when you are done flying the plane for the time being. Then there is the added safety feature should something go wrong, such as something goes wrong with the throttle and it quits working right. I have seen folks with planes have a throttle failure in the air where the engine is idling to fast to land and too slow to fly. Obviously that isn't a good situation to be in, thus being able to kill the engine is good. Granted if the throttle fails at full throttle one could fly around until the fuel tank empties, but with some planes that might be a hour or so before the fuel tank empties out, and you don't know if your flight battery pack has enough time left on it too.
Also many model airplane fly ins and or sanctioned events require a remote controlled engine kill system on them too.
I also have a few planes setup with the Tech Aero Ultra iBec and kill switch and they work great too.
In the past I have used a servo to toggle an on/off switch, that was on the magneto equipped engines and also on the early electronic ignition engines as well. The magneto usually has a grounding pin that if you ground it, it kills the ignition, so using a on off switch to control that works good then.
The main reason to use one is convenience when you are done flying the plane for the time being. Then there is the added safety feature should something go wrong, such as something goes wrong with the throttle and it quits working right. I have seen folks with planes have a throttle failure in the air where the engine is idling to fast to land and too slow to fly. Obviously that isn't a good situation to be in, thus being able to kill the engine is good. Granted if the throttle fails at full throttle one could fly around until the fuel tank empties, but with some planes that might be a hour or so before the fuel tank empties out, and you don't know if your flight battery pack has enough time left on it too.
Also many model airplane fly ins and or sanctioned events require a remote controlled engine kill system on them too.
07-21-2013, 04:02 AM
#8
RE: Opto Kill Switch
The edit option doesn't seem to be working this morning. I did some digging and found a 42% Products opto kill switch. It is new but i have had it for quite a few years. I think i will give it try. By the way, i understand 42% Products is now under new ownership. I won't get in to personalities here but hopefully that is a good change for us RC'ers.
08-06-2013, 06:33 PM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: The Sunshine state, when it's not raining!
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I use the Tech-Aero as well but with a twist. I use one LiFe battery with dual output leads. And I separate the power on the IBEC lead to Rx and run it directly to the battery.
